Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychological mood disorder that can disrupt one's functioning and result in decreased engagement in daily activities. Psychotherapy, in different approaches, is a common approach for individuals experiencing MDD. Nevertheless, a literature review of the research supporting the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions in patients with MDD-impacted areas of their daily occupations, such as back to work, cognitive deficits, and well-being, has not been conducted. A literature review was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of psychotherapy on daily occupations for individuals diagnosed with MDD. Due to variations in study design and outcome measures, a best evidence synthesis was carried out instead of a meta-analysis. Forty-one identified articles were fully assessed in total. These studies were conducted in various countries so that a global approach could be considered comprehensive. The findings showed strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of psychotherapy on return-to-work interventions in improving depressive symptoms. There was limited evidence for the effectiveness of psychotherapy on lifestyle interventions in reducing anxiety and suicidal ideation, as well as limited evidence for enhancing work participation. Notably, there were no studies evaluating individualized client-centered psychotherapy interactions with occupations, revealing a research gap. Challenges such as incomplete reporting within studies and study heterogeneity prevented a meta-analysis. While the overall evidence base for the effectiveness of psychotherapy for MDD in treating functionality is limited, the findings provide strong support for the efficacy of occupational therapy return-to-work interventions. This is particularly important given the economic costs associated with mental health issues and work-related absences. Further research is required to strengthen the existing evidence base.

This study investigates the impact of psychiatric interventions on occupational dysfunction in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorder (AD). Occupational dysfunction is a significant concern in these populations, severely impairing the ability to perform daily activities and fulfill work and social roles. This research seeks to evaluate how different psychiatric interventions, including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, affect patients’ occupational performance and overall quality of life. This study analyzed data from outpatients diagnosed with MDD and AD based on ICD-10 criteria. Participants were assessed before and after intervention using scales that measure anxiety, depression, and occupational task difficulty. Results demonstrated a significant improvement in patients’ ability to perform a wide range of tasks, including personal hygiene, work-related activities, and social engagement, following treatment. The study highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, emphasizing that both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy significantly contribute to reducing occupational dysfunction and enhancing quality of life. These findings underscore the need for tailored interventions that address the specific occupational challenges faced by individuals with MDD and AD, aiming for long-term functional recovery.