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 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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSIONS

Unrecognised psychiatric disorders associated with an increased number of medical complaints and visits can be an important factor in the increase in sick-leave.