Sickness absence with psychiatric disorders--an increased risk for marginalisation among men?

Sickness absence with psychiatric disorders is a major public health problem with serious consequences for the individual, the employer and society. The aim was to assess the occurrence of psychiatric sickness absence with special focus on sex differences.

A nationwide sickness insurance register was used. Population at risk was defined as all individuals entitled to sickness benefits in 1994 (N = 1,978,030). Those who were sick-listed for more than 14 consecutive days with a psychiatric diagnosis (n = 28,799) were selected as cases.

Of the population under study, 1.46% had at least one psychiatric sickness absence episode. Women had twice the male cumulative incidence of sickness absence for a psychiatric diagnosis. Cumulative incidence was highest among those aged 45-59 years. Men had more sickness absence days. Depression was the most common diagnosis among both women and men.

Increased efforts are needed to recognise, treat and rehabilitate individuals with a lowered work capacity due to sickness absence. The increased risk of long sick-leave spells among men needs further attention.