Prevalence of common mental disorders and their work consequences in France, according to occupational category

The aims of the study are to estimate the prevalence of the common mental disorders according to occupational category and to describe the consequences of these disorders on their work, in the French population.

It took place in France from 1999 to 2003. The sample consisted of about 36,000 people aged 18 years and older. Data were collected face-to-face using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI).

Anxiety disorders were most common (17% in men and 26% in women), while prevalence estimates for mood disorders were 10% in men and 14% in women. Prevalence of troubles were consistently higher among those in the lowest occupational categories. Among those reporting mental disorders, about 50% said that their work was affected. The repercussions on job varied by occupational category and differently for men and women.

This study shows the social and occupational inequalities in the prevalence of mental disorders and their important work consequences in the French working population. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:141-152, 2009. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.