PSYCHIATRIC-DISORDERS AS A FACTOR IN SICK-LEAVE DUE TO OTHER DIAGNOSES - A GENERAL POPULATION-BASED STUDY

Background The aim was to analyse the role of psychiatric disorders in sick-leave in different sick-leave diagnoses. Method A stratified pop ulation-based sample of women (n=292) in Goteborg were interviewed, an d diagnoses were made according to DSM-III-R. Sick-leave data, includi ng diagnoses, were obtained for two years. Results Women with psychiat ric disorders had an increased number of sick-leave spells and sick-le ave days in all the sick-leave diagnostic groups. The largest differen ces between the two groups of women were found in menial disorders, di seases of the locomotor system and gastro-intestinal diseases. The ass ociation between psychiatric disorders and sick-leave was strongest in older age groups. Conclusions Unrecognised psychiatric disorders asso ciated with an increased number of medical complaints and visits can b e an important factor in the increase in sick-leave.