TY - JOUR A1 - Geirhos, Agnes A1 - Domhardt, Matthias A1 - Lunkenheimer, Frederike A1 - Temming, Svenja A1 - Holl, Reinhard A1 - Minden, Kirsten A1 - Warschburger, Petra A1 - Meissner, Thomas A1 - Mueller-Stierlin, Annabel S. A1 - Baumeister, Harald T1 - Feasibility and potential efficacy of a guided internet- and mobile-based CBT for adolescents and young adults with chronic medical conditions and comorbid depression or anxiety symptoms (youthCOACH(CD)): a randomized controlled pilot trial JF - BMC pediatrics N2 - Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with a chronic medical condition show an increased risk for developing mental comorbidities compared to their healthy peers. Internet- and mobile-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) might be a low-threshold treatment to support affected AYA. In this randomized controlled pilot trial, the feasibility and potential efficacy of youthCOACH(CD), an iCBT targeting symptoms of anxiety and depression in AYA with chronic medical conditions, was evaluated. Methods: A total of 30 AYA (M-age 16.13; SD= 2.34; 73% female), aged 12-21 years either suffering from cystic fibrosis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis or type 1 diabetes, were randomly assigned to either a guided version of the iCBT youthCOACH(CD) (IC, n=15) or to a waitlist control group (CG, n=15), receiving an unguided version of the iCBT six months post-randomization. Participants of the IG and the CG were assessed before (t0), twelve weeks after (t1) and six months after (t2) randomization. Primary outcome was the feasibility of the iCBT. Different parameters of feasibility e.g. acceptance, client satisfaction or potential side effects were evaluated. First indications of the possible efficacy with regard to the primary efficacy outcome, the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale, and further outcome variables were evaluated using linear regression models, adjusting for baseline values. Results: Regarding feasibility, intervention completion was 60%; intervention satisfaction (M = 25.42, SD = 5.85) and perceived therapeutic alliance (M = 2.83, SD = 1.25) were moderate and comparable to other iCBTs. No patterns emerged regarding subjective and objective negative side effects due to participation in youthCOACH(CD). Estimates of potential efficacy showed between group differences, with a potential medium-term benefit of youthCOACH(CD) (beta = -0.55, 95%Cl: -1.17; 0.07), but probably not short-term (beta = 0.20, 95%Cl: -0.47; 0.88). Conclusions: Our results point to the feasibility of youthCOACH(CD) and the implementation of a future definitive randomized controlled trial addressing its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Due to the small sample size, conclusions are premature, however, further strategies to foster treatment adherence should be considered. KW - Chronic medical condition KW - Depression KW - Anxiety KW - Internet- and mobile KW - based intervention KW - Cognitive behavioral therapy KW - Randomized controlled KW - pilot trial KW - Type 1 diabetes KW - Cystic fibrosis KW - Juvenile idiopathic KW - arthritis Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-022-03134-3 SN - 1471-2431 VL - 22 IS - 1 PB - Springer Nature CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Wright, Michelle F. A1 - Wachs, Sebastian A1 - Gamez-Guadix, Manuel T1 - The Role of Perceived Gay-Straight Alliance Social Support in the Longitudinal Association Between Homophobic Cyberbullying and LGBTQIA Adolescents' Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms JF - Journal of youth and adolescence : a multidisciplinary research publication N2 - There has been little research attention given to how Gay-Straight Alliances might mitigate mental health consequences associated with experiencing homophobic cyberbullying. To address this gap in knowledge, the purpose of this one-year longitudinal study was to investigate the moderating effect of perceived social support from Gay-Straight Alliances in the relationships among homophobic cyberbullying victimization and bystanding and depressive and anxiety symptoms among 466 LGBTQIA adolescents (M-age = 15.76; 52% female). The findings revealed that perceived social support was related negatively to homophobic cyberbullying involvement and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Homophobic cyberbullying involvement was related positively to depressive and anxiety symptoms. High perceived social support buffered against the depressive and anxiety symptoms resulting from homophobic victimization and bystanding among LGBTQIA adolescents but low levels and average levels did not moderate these associations. These findings highlight the importance of expanding Gay-Straight Alliances in schools. KW - Homophobic KW - Cyberbullying KW - LGBT KW - Depression KW - Anxiety KW - Gay-Straight Alliance Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-022-01585-6 SN - 0047-2891 SN - 1573-6601 VL - 51 IS - 7 SP - 1388 EP - 1396 PB - Springer CY - New York ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Wright, Michelle F. A1 - Wachs, Sebastian T1 - Problematic online gaming, subjective health complaints, and depression among adolescent gamers from the United States BT - the role of console-gaming aggression JF - Journal of children and media N2 - The purpose of this study was to examine the longitudinal relationship between problematic online gaming and subjective health complaints and depressive symptoms, and the moderation of console-gaming aggression (i.e. verbal aggression, camping, trolling) in this relationship. Participants were 202 adolescents (86% boys; M age = 12.99 years) in the 7(th) or 8(th) grade who played first-person shooter games. They completed questionnaires on problematic online gaming, console-gaming aggression, subjective health complaints, and depressive symptoms. Six months later (Time 2), they completed questionnaires on subjective health complaints and depressive symptoms again. Findings revealed that problematic online gaming and console-gaming aggression were positive predictors of Time 2 subjective health complaints and depressive symptoms, while controlling for Time 1 levels and gender. Moderating effects were found as well, indicating that high levels of console-gaming aggression increased the positive relationship between problematic online gaming and depressive symptoms. These effects were also replicated for verbal aggression, problematic online gaming, and subjective health complaints. These findings suggest the importance of considering the implications of console-gaming aggression and problematic online gaming for the physical and mental health of adolescents. IMPACT SUMMARY Prior State of Knowledge. Problematic online gaming and aggressive behaviors are linked to negative outcomes, including depression and subjective health complaints. Longitudinal research further supports this connection for depression, but not for subjective health complaints or various types of aggression via console games. Novel Contributions. Few studies have focused on various types of aggression and the longitudinal associations among problematic online gaming, depression, and subjective health complaints, while controlling for previous levels of depression and subjective health complaints. The present research addresses these gaps. Practical Implications. Findings of the present research has implications for clinicians and researchers concerned with identifying adolescents who might be at risk for negative outcomes. KW - Depression KW - subjective health complaints KW - problematic online gaming KW - first-person shooter games KW - aggression Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1080/17482798.2022.2036211 SN - 1748-2798 SN - 1748-2801 VL - 16 IS - 3 SP - 451 EP - 460 PB - Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group CY - Abingdon ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Kiefer, Thomas A1 - Krahl, Dorothea A1 - Hirt, Carsten A1 - Völler, Heinz A1 - Voelkel, Lorenz A1 - Daeschlein, Georg T1 - Influence of treatment caused impairments on anxiety and depression in patients with cancer of the Esophagus or the Esophagogastric junction JF - Journal of gastrointestinal cancer N2 - Purpose After therapy of cancer of the esophagus or the esophagogastric junction, patients often suffer from anxiety and depression. Some risk factors for elevated anxiety and depression are reported, but the influence of steatorrhea, the frequency of which has only recently been reported, has not yet been investigated. Method Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), we analyzed the correlation of anxiety and depression with steatorrhea, appetite, and weight loss in 72 patients with cancer of the esophagus or of the esophagogastric junction, who were treated at our rehabilitation clinic between January 2011 and December 2014. In addition, effectiveness of psychological interviews was analyzed. Results We have evaluable anxiety questionnaires from 51 patients showing a median anxiety value of 5 (range 0-13). As for the depression, results from evaluable questionnaires of 54 patients also showed a median value of 5 (range 0-15). Increased anxiety and depression values (> 7) were observed in 25.4% and 37.0% of the patients respectively. Patients who were admitted with steatorrhea for rehabilitation showed a statistically higher anxiety value (median 6.3 vs. 4.7, p < 0.05), reduced appetite, and a weight loss above 15 kg depicting a correlation to anxiety and depression. Psychological conversations helped lowering the depression but had no influence on anxiety. Conclusions Impairments after cancer treatment, such as steatorrhea, appetite loss, and weight loss, should be interpreted as an alarm signal and should necessitate screening for increased anxiety and depression. Psychological therapy can help improving the extent of the depression. KW - Anxiety KW - Depression KW - Esophagus carcinoma KW - Exocrine pancreas KW - insufficiency KW - Rehabilitation KW - Steatorrhea Y1 - 2019 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s12029-018-00193-7 SN - 1941-6628 SN - 1941-6636 VL - 51 IS - 1 SP - 30 EP - 34 PB - Springer CY - New York ER - TY - THES A1 - Pietrek, Anou F. T1 - Basic psychological needs and depression in the context of health and exercise N2 - Depressive Erkrankungen gehen mit verminderter Lebenszufriedenheit und reduzierter Arbeitsfähigkeit einher. Die Wartezeit für eine Psychotherapie beträgt in Deutschland derzeit zwischen drei und sechs Monaten. Demnach besteht Bedarf an alternativen, gleichwertigen evidenzbasierten Behandlungsmöglichkeiten, die den Betroffenen niedrigschwellig zugänglich gemacht werden. Eine Vielzahl an empirischen Studien belegt die Wirksamkeit von Sport bei leichten und mittelschweren Depressionen. Zur weiterführenden Konzeption und Qualitätssicherung von Sport als Behandlungsoption ist es notwendig die konkreten Wirkmechanismen zu verstehen. Neben physiologischen spielen auch psychologische Faktoren eine Rolle im Wirkungsgeschehen. Als Metatheorie menschlichen Erlebens und Verhaltens bietet die Selbstbestimmungstheorie (engl.: Self-Determination Theory; SDT) einen nützlichen Bezugsrahmen zum Verständnis psychologischer Wirkmechanismen mit konkreten Ableitungen für die Behandlungspraktik. Die konzeptionelle Erweiterung der SDT um die Frustration psychologischer Grundbedürfnisse erweist sich neben der Bedürfnisbefriedigung zunehmend als hilfreich bei der Untersuchung von psychischen Erkrankungen. Der erste Teil dieser Dissertation besteht aus zwei Publikationen, die relevante Messinstrumente in dem genannten Kontext validieren. Der erste Fragebogen misst das Ausmaß an allgemein erlebter Befriedigung und Frustration der psychologischen Grundbedürfnisse nach Autonomie, Kompetenz und sozialer Eingebundenheit. Der zweite Fragebogen erhebt die erlebte Bedürfnisbefriedigung durch die anleitende Person (hier: Sporttherapeut*in). Der zweite Teil der Dissertation umfasst zwei Publikationen, welche die Befriedigung und Frustration der psychologischen Grundbedürfnisse bei depressiven Symptomen untersuchen und einordnen. Es werden die Unterschiede im Ausmaß an Bedürfnisbefriedigung und Bedürfnisfrustration zwischen einer Stichprobe mit Depression mit einer Stichprobe ohne depressive Symptome untersucht. Der Zusammenhang zwischen Bedürfnisfrustration und depressiven Symptomen wird im Kontext etablierter pathologischer Prozesse (Emotionsdysregulation, Rumination) eingeordnet. Die Hauptergebnisse dieser Arbeiten zeigen, dass die SDT durch die Erweiterung der Basic Psychological Needs Theory um die Dimension der Bedürfnisfrustration ein nun breiteres Spektrum auf dem Gesundheit-Krankheit-Kontinuum abbildet. Dabei fokussiert die SDT auf die psychologische Wirkung von sozialen Umwelten. Neben der Nichterfüllung der psychologischen Grundbedürfnisse ist es vor allem die Bedürfnisfrustration, die einen allgemeinen Vulnerabilitätsfaktor für das Vorkommen psychologischer Erkrankungen darstellt. Zudem weist die unausgewogene Befriedigung der psychologischen Grundbedürfnisse möglicherweise auf ein konflikthaftes Erleben zwischen den Bedürfnissen hin. Für die Behandlungspraktik abzuleiten ist, dass eine autonomieunterstützende Atmosphäre, die die ausgewogene Befriedigung aller drei Bedürfnisse ermöglicht, zentral für den Behandlungserfolg ist. N2 - Depressive disorders are associated with reduced life satisfaction and ability to work. The waiting time for psychotherapy in Germany is currently between three and six months. Accordingly, there is a need for alternative, evidence-based treatment options that are made accessible to patients at a low threshold. A large number of empirical studies prove the effectiveness of exercise in mild and moderate depression. For further conceptualization and quality assurance of exercise as a treatment option, it is necessary to understand the concrete mechanisms of action. In addition to physiological factors, psychological factors also play a role in the effect. As a meta-theory of human experience and behavior, Self-Determination Theory (SDT) provides a useful frame for understanding psychological mechanisms of action with concrete implications for treatment practice. The conceptual extension of SDT to include the frustration of basic psychological needs in addition to need satisfaction is proving useful in the study of mental illness. The first part of this dissertation consists of two publications that validate relevant measurement instruments in this context. The first questionnaire measures the extent of generally experienced satisfaction and frustration of the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The second questionnaire measures the experienced satisfaction of needs by the instructor (here: exercise therapist). The second part of the dissertation includes two publications that examine and classify the satisfaction and frustration of basic psychological needs in depressive symptoms. Differences in the extent of need satisfaction and need frustration between a sample with depression and a sample without depressive symptoms are examined. Further, the relationship between need frustration and depressive symptoms is placed in the context of established pathological processes (emotional dysregulation, rumination). The main findings of this work show that by adding the dimension of need frustration to Basic Psychological Needs Theory, SDT now covers a broader spectrum on the health-disease continuum. In doing so, SDT focuses on the psychological impact of social environments. In addition to the nonfulfillment of basic psychological needs, it is primarily experienced need frustration that is a general vulnerability factor for the occurrence of psychological illness. Moreover, the unbalanced satisfaction of basic psychological needs possibly indicates a conflicting experience between the needs. For the treatment practice it can be deduced that an autonomy-supporting atmosphere, which enables the balanced satisfaction of all three needs, is central for the treatment success. T2 - Psychologische Grundbedürfnisse und Depression im Kontext von Gesundheit und Sport KW - basic psychological needs KW - depression KW - exercise KW - autonomy support KW - treatment KW - psychologische Grundbedürfnisse KW - Depression KW - Sport KW - Autonomieunterstützung KW - Behandlung Y1 - 2023 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Drosselmeyer, Julia A1 - Jacob, Louis A1 - Rathmann, Wolfgang A1 - Rapp, Michael Armin A1 - Kostev, Karel T1 - Depression risk in patients with late-onset rheumatoid arthritis in Germany JF - Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation N2 - The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression and its risk factors in patients with late-onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated in German primary care practices. Longitudinal data from general practices (n=1072) throughout Germany were analyzed. Individuals initially diagnosed with RA (2009-2013) were identified, and 7301 patients were included and matched (1:1) to 7301 controls. The primary outcome measure was the initial diagnosis of depression within 5 years after the index date in patients with and without RA. Cox proportional hazards models were used to adjust for confounders. The mean age was 72.2 years (SD: 7.6 years). A total of 34.9 % of patients were men. Depression diagnoses were present in 22.0 % of the RA group and 14.3 % of the control group after a 5-year follow-up period (p < 0.001). In the multivariate regression model, RA was a strong risk factor for the development of depression (HR: 1.55, p < 0.001). There was significant interaction of RA and diagnosed inflammatory polyarthropathies (IP) (RA*IP interaction: p < 0.001). Furthermore, dementia, cancer, osteoporosis, hypertension, and diabetes were associated with a higher risk of developing depression (p values < 0.001). The risk of depression is significantly higher in patients with late-onset RA than in patients without RA for subjects treated in primary care practices in Germany. RA patients should be screened routinely for depression in order to ensure improved treatment and management. KW - Late-onset rheumatoid arthritis KW - Depression KW - Primary care KW - Risk factors KW - Germany Y1 - 2016 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-016-1387-2 SN - 0962-9343 SN - 1573-2649 VL - 26 IS - 2 SP - 437 EP - 443 PB - Springer CY - Dordrecht ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Frodl, Thomas A1 - Janowitz, Deborah A1 - Schmaal, Lianne A1 - Tozzi, Leonardo A1 - Dobrowolny, Henrik A1 - Stein, Dan J. A1 - Veltman, Dick J. A1 - Wittfeld, Katharina A1 - van Erp, Theo G. M. A1 - Jahanshad, Neda A1 - Block, Andrea A1 - Hegenscheid, Katrin A1 - Voelzke, Henry A1 - Lagopoulos, Jim A1 - Hatton, Sean N. A1 - Hickie, Ian B. A1 - Frey, Eva Maria A1 - Carballedo, Angela A1 - Brooks, Samantha J. A1 - Vuletic, Daniella A1 - Uhlmann, Anne A1 - Veer, Ilya M. A1 - Walter, Henrik A1 - Schnell, Knut A1 - Grotegerd, Dominik A1 - Arolt, Volker A1 - Kugel, Harald A1 - Schramm, Elisabeth A1 - Konrad, Carsten A1 - Zurowski, Bartosz A1 - Baune, Bernhard T. A1 - van der Wee, Nic J. A. A1 - van Tol, Marie-Jose A1 - Penninx, Brenda W. J. H. A1 - Thompson, Paul M. A1 - Hibar, Derrek P. A1 - Dannlowski, Udo A1 - Grabe, Hans J. T1 - Childhood adversity impacts on brain subcortical structures relevant to depression JF - Journal of psychiatric research N2 - Childhood adversity plays an important role for development of major depressive disorder (MDD). There are differences in subcortical brain structures between patients with MDD and healthy controls, but the specific impact of childhood adversity on such structures in MDD remains unclear. Thus, aim of the present study was to investigate whether childhood adversity is associated with subcortical volumes and how it interacts with a diagnosis of MDD and sex. Within the ENIGMA-MDD network, nine university partner sites, which assessed childhood adversity and magnetic resonance imaging in patients with MDD and controls, took part in the current joint mega-analysis. In this largest effort world-wide to identify subcortical brain structure differences related to childhood adversity, 3036 participants were analyzed for subcortical brain volumes using FreeSurfer. A significant interaction was evident between childhood adversity, MDD diagnosis, sex, and region. Increased exposure to childhood adversity was associated with smaller caudate volumes in females independent of MDD. All subcategories of childhood adversity were negatively associated with caudate volumes in females - in particular emotional neglect and physical neglect (independently from age, ICV, imaging site and MDD diagnosis). There was no interaction effect between childhood adversity and MDD diagnosis on subcortical brain volumes. Childhood adversity is one of the contributors to brain structural abnormalities. It is associated with subcortical brain abnormalities that are relevant to psychiatric disorders such as depression. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd. KW - Depression KW - Childhood adversity KW - MRI KW - Caudate KW - Hippocampus KW - ENIGMA Y1 - 2016 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.11.010 SN - 0022-3956 SN - 1879-1379 VL - 86 SP - 58 EP - 65 PB - Elsevier CY - Oxford ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Kuhlmann, Stella A1 - Tschorn, Mira A1 - Arolt, Volker A1 - Beer, Katja A1 - Brandt, Julia A1 - Grosse, Laura A1 - Haverkamp, Wilhelm A1 - Müller-Nordhorn, Jacqueline A1 - Rieckmann, Nina A1 - Waltenberger, Johannes A1 - Warnke, Katharina A1 - Hellweg, Rainer A1 - Ströhle, Andreas T1 - Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and stability of depressive symptoms in coronary heart disease patients BT - a prospective study JF - Psychoneuroendocrinology : an international journal ; the official journal of the International Society of Psychoneuroendocrinology N2 - Objective: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) supports neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and promotes the survival of various cell types in the brain and the coronary system. Moreover, BDNF is associated with both coronary heart disease (CHD) and depression. The current study aims to investigate whether serum BDNF levels are associated with the course of depressive symptoms in CHD patients. Methods: At baseline, N = 225 CHD patients were enrolled while hospitalized. Of these, N = 190 (84%) could be followed up 6 months later. Depressive symptoms were assessed both at baseline and at the 6-months follow-up using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Serum BDNF concentrations were measured using fluorometric Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Results: Logistic regression models showed that lower BDNF levels were associated with persistent depressive symptoms, even after adjustment for age, sex, smoking and potential medical confounders. The incidence of depressive symptoms was not related to lower BDNF levels. However, somatic comorbidity (as measured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index) was significantly associated with the incidence of depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a role of BDNF in the link between CHD and depressive symptoms. Particularly, low serum BDNF levels could be considered as a valuable biomarker for the persistence of depressive symptoms among depressed CHD patients. KW - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) KW - Coronary heart disease (CHD) KW - Depression KW - Serum Y1 - 2016 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.12.015 SN - 0306-4530 VL - 77 SP - 196 EP - 202 PB - Elsevier Science CY - Oxford ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Pitzer, Martina A1 - Esser, Günter A1 - Schmidt, Martin H. A1 - Hohm, Erika A1 - Banaschewski, Tobias A1 - Laucht, Manfred T1 - Child regulative temperament as a mediator of parenting in the development of depressive symptoms BT - a longitudinal study from early childhood to preadolescence JF - Journal of neural transmission N2 - Child temperament as well as parenting behaviors have been linked to adolescent depression. Beyond their main effects, the interplay between these factors is of interest. For example, in an interactive model, a differential susceptibility of temperamental variants to parenting has been suggested. However, so far, the differential susceptibility hypothesis has mostly been studied with a focus on externalizing disorders. On the other hand, parenting may shape the child’s temperament and vice versa in a transactional process. In a prospective, longitudinal at-risk sample (163 boys, 176 girls), we assessed emotional (easy–difficult) and regulative (self-control) temperament at ages 4.5, and 8 years, respectively, as well as parenting quality at age 4.5 years using the HOME inventory. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to investigate the prediction of depressive symptoms at age 11, measured by the Child Depression Inventory, including interaction terms between the temperament variable and parenting. We additionally tested whether parenting was mediated by child temperament. As previously reported, both self-control and parenting were longitudinally associated with preadolescent depressive symptoms. There were no interactive effects between temperament and parenting. However, the effects of parenting were partly mediated by self-control. Our data do not support a differential susceptibility of temperamental variants in the development of preadolescent depression. However, our results are in line with the assumption that parenting may shape young children’s temperament, with positive parenting in the early childhood fostering the development of regulative temperament. KW - Temperament KW - Parenting KW - Children KW - Depression KW - Parent-child-interaction Y1 - 2017 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-017-1682-2 SN - 0300-9564 SN - 1435-1463 VL - 124 SP - 631 EP - 641 PB - Springer CY - Wien ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Heißel, Andreas A1 - Bollmann, Julian A1 - Kangas, Maria A1 - Abdulla, K A1 - Rapp, Michael Armin A1 - Sánchez Fernàndez, Alba Cristina T1 - Validation of the German version of the work and social adjustment scale in a sample of depressed patients JF - BMC health services research N2 - Background Depression is one of the key factors contributing to difficulties in one’s ability to work, and serves as one of the major reasons why employees apply for psychotherapy and receive insurance subsidization of treatments. Hence, an increasing and growing number of studies rely on workability assessment scales as their primary outcome measure. The Work and Social Assessment Scale (WSAS) has been documented as one of the most psychometrically reliable and valid tools especially developed to assess workability and social functioning in patients with mental health problems. Yet, the application of the WSAS in Germany has been limited due to the paucity of a valid questionnaire in the German language. The objective of the present study was to translate the WSAS, as a brief and easy administrable tool into German and test its psychometric properties in a sample of adults with depression. Methods Two hundred seventy-seven patients (M = 48.3 years, SD = 11.1) with mild to moderately severe depression were recruited. A multistep translation from English into the German language was performed and the factorial validity, criterion validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, internal consistency, and floor and ceiling effects were examined. Results The confirmatory factor analysis results confirmed the one-factor structure of the WSAS. Significant correlations with the WHODAS 2–0 questionnaire, a measure of functionality, demonstrated good convergent validity. Significant correlations with depression and quality of life demonstrated good criterion validity. The WSAS also demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = .89), and the absence of floor and ceiling effects indicated good sensitivity of the instrument. Conclusions The results of the present study demonstrated that the German version of the WSAS has good psychometric properties comparable to other international versions of this scale. The findings recommend a global assessment of psychosocial functioning with the sum score of the WSAS. KW - Workability KW - Social functioning KW - Depression KW - Psychometric evaluation KW - Translation Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06622-x SN - 1472-6963 VL - 21 SP - 1 EP - 11 PB - BioMed Central CY - London ER -