UNEMPLOYMENT AS A DISEASE AND DISEASES OF THE UNEMPLOYED

There is a causal link between unemployment and the deterioration in h ealth status, but there is also an act of selection so that people wit h health problems have more problems in getting a new job. Unemployed men, especially the young, increase their alcohol consumption as compa red with employed referents. Unemployed persons are smokers to a great er extent than employed persons, and smokers have a higher risk of bec oming unemployed. Psychological indicators have been studied well in c onnection with health effects of unemployment. Losing, or gaining, emp loyment has clear effects on psychiatric symptoms and on well-being. T he death rate is increased among unemployed persons.