[Diagnosis and management of neurotic occupational disorders (before pension application)]

This paper summarizes how neurotic disorders affect working capability, with an emphasis on neurotic working disorders. According to official statistics neurotic disorders account for 5.5% of all disability pensions, but they figure less often as diagnoses in medical certificates issued prior to invalidation. The true impact of neurotic disorders may only be guessed, since the diagnosis is easy to miss and only reluctantly proffered when suspected. In contrast to other neurotic disorder afflicting working behaviour, the neurotic working disorder is thematically centered within the sphere of work and profession itself. The disorder is often treated inadequately and belatedly. Typical somatic complaints clusters, characteristic neurotic conflicts and personality traits often encountered with neurotic working disorder are outlined. Diagnosis requires the taking of a psychobiographic history and some knowledge of psycho- and soziotherapy. There are many options for therapy, and there are a few studies evaluating their efficacy. In order to install treatment early, a routine checkup by a psychotherapist is suggested for all patients exceeding a certain number of days off work per year.