SICK-LEAVE AMONG WOMEN AND THE ROLE OF PSYCHIATRIC-DISORDER

The aim was to assess sick-leave among women in relation to psychiatri c disorder. A stratified population-based sample of women in Gothenbur g were interviewed and diagnoses were made according to DSM-III-R. Sic k-leave data was obtained for a ten year period. Women with psychiatri c disorder had higher rates of sick-leave, compared to women without s uch disorders, in analyses taking into account age, socio-economic sta tus, physical health, marital status and motherhood. Presence of psych iatric and physical illness were both independently associated with hi gher sick-leave. Highest sick-leave was found among those with a combi nation of psychiatric and physical morbidity. Psychiatric disorder is an important factor in sick-leave among women, especially regarding le ngth of absence.