[Social cognition in patients with mood disorders: part I: major depressive disorder : a comprehensive review of the literature]

Abstract

Objective: Overview on the current knowledge regarding social cognition in patients with major depressive disorder.

Methods: Selective literature research on deficits in social cognition intrinsic to major depressive disorders, their occurrence and effects.

Results: Deficits in social cognition are considered to be core features of major depressive disorder. They are apparent during acute episodes of the disorders, endure when patients are in remission and have a significant negative impact on the patients' psychosocial outcomes.

Conclusions: It is important to consider deficits in social cognition as an integral part of a treatment approach to achieve mental stabilization in patients with major depressive disorder.