Estudio sobre la relación entre morbilidad psiquiátrica y absentismo por incapacidad temporal en una gran empresa

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between psychiatric «caseness» and both the largest number of sick-leave spells and sick-leave days in a working population in a company in Cádiz (Spain). Methods: We performed an observational study and explored the six-month prevalence of psychiatric disorders. Assessment instrument included General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS). Results: During the six month period, 114 employeers were under sick-leave (5,4%). 88 subjects accepted to participate in the study. Thirty three (37,5%) had a psychiatric diagnoses, mostly affective disorders (anxiety and depression). Psychiatric «cases» showed more sick-leave days during the two years before and the two years after the assessment. Conclusions: The psychiatric morbidity in this sick leave population is higher than in general population and primary care studies; being similar to that found in severe and chronic medical conditions. The high rate of psychiatric problems found in this study and the relationship to days lost of work in a four year period highlights the importance of psychiatric sreening in this population.