AtWork Study How Cognitive Functioning Affects Work and Sick Leave in Adults with Depression or Anxiety Using Metacognitive Therapy and Work-Focused Treatment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are exploring the connection between cognitive functioning, common mental disorders like depression and anxiety, and work performance, focusing on patients at risk of sick leave. The study aims to better understand how cognitive abilities relate to sick leave and whether these abilities change following psychological treatment. This observational study addresses a gap in knowledge about why some patients remain on sick leave even after treatment and how cognitive function might predict return to work or continued absence. Patients with depression andor anxiety who are at risk of sick leave receive metacognitive therapy combined with work-focused interventions in a typical outpatient clinic setting. The treatment generally consists of about 10 weekly sessions. The study tracks changes over time in cognitive functioning, mental health symptoms, and work status to examine how these factors interact and evolve through therapy. Participants will be assessed before treatment, at therapy completion, and during follow-ups at 6 and 12 months. The study uses questionnaires like the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 PHQ-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder GAD-7 scale to measure depression and anxiety symptoms. Sick leave status is also monitored at these times. This long-term observational research includes reviewing clinical information and patient journals to identify patterns related to work functioning and recovery over several years.

AtWork: The Relation Between Cognitive Functioning, Common Mental Disorders and Work Functioning