Assessment of cognitive dimensions
Assessment of cognitive dimensions underscores the importance of following standard quality and test performance criteria during the assessment of cognitive function in major depressive disorder (MDD). The chapter explains the relevance of high-quality and -standard assessments as these are used for purposes of diagnosis and the evaluation of treatment efficacy. It highlights the role of the assessment of social cognitive function as an important tool to capture cognitive function in the context of emotion processing and social interaction. The chapter supports the notion for best practise guidance for the assessment of cognition in MDD. It reviews meta-analytic studies, characterizes paper-and-pencil and digital test platforms, evaluates screening tools for cognitive impairment in MDD, and estimates the efficacy of cognitive change in clinical trials in MDD. It also reviews a broad range of tests for social cognitive function.