Psychiatric disorders in long-term sickness absence -- a population-based cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Long-term sickness absence (LSA) is a significant public health concern.
• Psychiatric disorders are a leading cause of LSA, yet their incidence in this population is not well-documented.
• This study addresses the gap by providing population-based incidence data for psychiatric disorders among individuals on LSA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the incidence of psychiatric disorders in individuals experiencing long-term sickness absence (LSA).
• To identify predictors of psychiatric disorders in the LSA population.
• To establish a comprehensive psychiatric assessment linked to public registers for all LSA individuals.

Main Methods:

• A two-phase design was employed in a Danish population of 120,000 inhabitants.
• 2,414 individuals on LSA were invited to participate; 1,121 responded and underwent screening for psychiatric disorders.
• A subset of 329 participants received a diagnostic interview using the Present State Examination.

Main Results:

• Nearly half (48%) of individuals on LSA had any psychiatric disorder, with 35% experiencing depression and 15% anxiety.
• In the examined subgroup, 57% had any psychiatric disorder, 42% depression, and 18% anxiety.
• Female sex and unemployment were associated with increased risk, while living with children and skilled worker status were associated with reduced risk.

Conclusions:

• The high prevalence of psychiatric disorders in LSA underscores the need for effective screening and assessment strategies.
• Further population-based research is required to validate screening tools and psychiatric examination efficiency in LSA.
• These findings emphasize the importance of addressing mental health in long-term sickness absence management.