[Psychiatric disorders observed in the Angers university hospital occupational psychopathology department]

This epidemiological study was conducted on the medical records of 168 employees consecutively evaluated by the occupational health psychiatrist between 2007 and 2009.

Psychiatric disorders were listed according to the WHO International Classification of Diseases.

The diagnoses observed were anxiety disorder including post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive episode, burn-out and work-related stress. Suicidal thoughts were systematically investigated and more often affected men and were associated with major depressive episodes, burn-out and post-traumatic stress disorder.

This study opens several fields of reflection. The delayed management of suffering employees could be improved by better awareness and training of healthcare professionals in work-related mental health problems. Employees should be encouraged to more readily consult occupational health services. The creation of specific healthcare networks would avoid inappropriate treatment and delayed management that predispose to chronic disorders. A detailed analysis by policy-makers on working conditions in post-modern societies is essential to prevent progression of mental suffering in the workplace.