Psychiatric disorders as a factor in sick-leave due to other diagnoses. A general population-based study.

Abstract

The aim was to analyse the role of psychiatric disorders in sick-leave in different sick-leave diagnoses. A stratified population-based sample of women (n = 292) in Göteborg were interviewed, and diagnoses were made according to DSM-III-R. Sick-leave data, including diagnoses, were obtained for two years. Women with psychiatric disorders had an increased number of sick-leave spells and sick-leave days in all the sick-leave diagnostic groups. The largest differences between the two groups of women were found in mental disorders, diseases of the locomotor system and gastro-intestinal diseases. The association between psychiatric disorders and sick-leave was strongest in older age groups. Unrecognised psychiatric disorders associated with an increased number of medical complaints and visits can be an important factor in the increase in sick-leave.