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Published on: December 6, 2024
Post-traumatic stress disorder cases reported by UK occupational physicians 1996-2024
B Green1, D Fishwick1,2,3, M Carder1
1Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Ellen Wilkinson Building, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|May 21, 2026
Summary
Workplace trauma can lead to Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), affecting various professions. This study analyzed 397 PTSD cases over 28 years, highlighting common traumas and at-risk occupations for occupational physicians.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychiatry
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Workplace trauma presents diagnostic challenges for occupational physicians.
- A prospective national voluntary surveillance system captured incident PTSD cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze 28 years of UK Occupational Physicians Reporting Activity (OPRA) data for Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cases.
- Identify patterns of psychiatric trauma and affected occupations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of OPRA data from 1996 to 2024.
- Content analysis to categorize types of psychiatric trauma across occupations.
Main Results:
- 397 PTSD cases reported (ICD-10 definition), representing 2% of all OPRA conditions and 3% of mental health cases.
- Mean age of PTSD cases was 40.9 years; 68% were male.
- Most frequent occupations: police (20%), military (11%), nurses (7%). Common traumas: physical assault (22%), military trauma (17%).
- PTSD frequently comorbid with depression and anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is linked to specific workplace exposures and occupations, notably in military, police, and healthcare.
- Males are more frequently diagnosed with PTSD than females.
- Occupational physicians play a crucial role in identifying PTSD and facilitating access to mental health professionals and evidence-based treatments.
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