Minor psychiatric morbidity in employed young men and women and its contribution to sickness absence.

An epidemiological survey of male and female executive officers in the Civil Service showed a prevalence of 33% of minor psychiatric disorders. Follow up one year later found that only half were better. The presence of minor psychiatric disorder was associated with increased rates of sickness absence, particularly certified absence. Such a high prevalence, associated as it is with handicap to the individual and consequences for the working environment, indicates the need for early medical detection and treatment.