[Modulating variables of work disability in depressive disorders]

To describe the duration of sickness absence in unipolar depression and to determine the relationship of demographic, job-related and clinical variables with length of temporary work disability in depressive disorders.

Prospective observational study. A total of 1,292 subjects with depressive disorder diagnosis (ICD-9-CM) were selected claiming sick leave in an Occupational Diseases and Accident sat Work Insurance Scheme (sampling on successive occasions). Descriptive analyses of sickness absence duration, and bivariate (median test) and multivariate analysis (logistic regression) were performed to find relationships between demographic, job-related and clinical variables.

Mean duration of sickness absence episodes due to a depressive disorder was 120 days. After multivariate analyses, female sex (p < 0.01), higher age (p < 0.01), lower educational level (p < 0.01), method of payment according to whether self-employed or unemployed workers (p < 0.01) and being referred to both psychiatrist and psychologist (p < 0.01) remained significantly associated with sick leave length.

These findings confirm a strong association of depression with long periods of work disability and high absenteeism, and also suggest the need for improvements in functional ability assessment and promotion, treatment and referral of depressed patients.