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Depressive episode

The impact of depression on work ability depends on the severity of the illness. A person with depression can usually continue working without long periods of sick leave.

We may all feel depressed or experience other depression-related symptoms every now and then. Clinical depression, however, is a condition diagnosed by a doctor, in which symptoms last longer and significantly affect the person’s functional capacity. Depressive episode is a common illness. Every year, 5–7% of all Finns suffer from it.

Depressive episode can occur for a variety of reasons, including genetic and acquired biological vulnerability, personality traits that make the person more vulnerable to depression and different triggers, such as life events. With the right treatment that is started early enough, most people with depressive episode can make a full recovery.

The symptoms of depressive episode

The symptoms of depressive episode persist for an uninterrupted period of at least two weeks and have a significant impact on the person’s daily life.

To be diagnosed with depressive episode, you must have at least four of the symptoms listed below: 

  • low mood 
  • not getting any enjoyment out of life 
  • exceptional fatigue 
  • low self-esteem
  • feeling guilt-ridden 
  • having repeated thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts 
  • difficulty concentrating
  • moving or speaking more slowly than usual or restlessness (psychomotor retardation or agitation)
  • disturbed sleep and
  • changes in appetite.

At their severest, the symptoms may involve losing touch with reality and having self-destructive thoughts or plans.

The treatments used for depressive episode are psychotherapy, medication and neuromodulation treatments, such as ECT, direct current stimulation or magnetic stimulation.

Depressive episode and work ability

Depression not only affects your mood, it also affects your ability to process information. Difficulties related to memory and learning new things are common. Most people with depression can however continue to work without long periods of sick leave.

Whether a patient with depressive episode needs to be absent from work and for how long is affected by

  • the person’s functional capacity 
  • the requirements of the work 
  • the workplace’s ability to provide support measures or work arrangements

The impact of depressive episode on work ability also depends on the severity of the illness.

  1. Work accommodation

    How can work be accommodated for mental health conditions?

    Read more

  1. Mild depression

    In mild depression, sick leave is usually not necessary. 

  2. Moderate depression

    In moderate depression, the sufficiency of the person’s remaining functional capacity depends on the work’s requirements and whether it is possible to make arrangements that help the person continue at work. 

  3. Severe and psychotic depression

    In severe and psychotic depression, the remaining functional capacity is usually not sufficient to meet any work requirements.

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