To evaluate social and occupational functioning in patients in partial remission (PR) compared with patients in complete remission (CR) of a major depressive disorder (MDD) episode.

This is a six-month prospective study. PR was defined as a score more than 7 and less or equal to 15 in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and CR as less or equal to 7. All patients had been on acute antidepressant treatment during the previous three months and no longer met criteria for MDD. Functioning was assessed by the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS).

Mean (S.D.) patient age was 50.5 (14.5) years (N = 292) and 77% were female. At baseline, partial remitters showed greater impairment in social and occupational functioning than complete remitters (62.8 [12.6] versus 80.4 [10.5], respectively; P < .0001). After six months, only 47% PR versus 77% CR reached normal functioning, and SOFAS ratings for PR were below normal range (76.2 [12.3] PR versus 84.6 [9.4] CR; P < .0001). PR reported three times more days absent from work due to sickness than CR (63 days versus 20 days; P < .001).

We conclude that PR of an MDD episode is associated with significant functional impairment that persists even after nine months of antidepressant treatment. Our results underline the importance of treating the patient until achieving full remission.