title: A pilot study of the relationship between problem-solving skills and outcome in major depressive disorder.
abstract: Three methods of assessing problem-solving skills are described in the literature: questionnaires, self-report inventories and verbal assessment of the resolution of problem scenarios. These three approaches were used to assess problem-solving ability in a sample of 20 patients with unipolar major depressive disorder, who were treated with antidepressant medication alone at a hospital out-patient clinic. It was found that baseline deficits in problem-solving skills were significantly associated with prognosis at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Self-ratings of perceived self-control and confidence rather than subjective problem-solving effectiveness were important predictors of final outcome. Differences in perceived and actual problem-solving ability emerged over time. The reasons for these differences in subjective and observer assessments are unclear. The data appear to demonstrate that problem-solving deficits in depression represent both state and trait phenomena.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Psychiatry, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Garland
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Harrington
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: House
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Scott
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011340:Problem Solving / Q000502:physiology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome