Research Plus

Work factors can predict depression

Swedish research on the impact of work factors on anxiety and depression employed external assessment to overcome potential bias identified in previous studies, namely over-reporting of unfavourable work characteristics by those with psychiatric conditions. The study was based on 672 men and women in different occupations. Work characteristics and clinical diagnosis were assessed by interview. Externally assessed lack of instrumental social support at work (OR 6.4; 95% CI 2.6–15.8) and deteriorating work characteristics (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.3–6.1) were associated with an increased risk for depression, even after controlling for mental illness symptoms at baseline, but were not significant for anxiety.

Occupational & Environmental Medicine 2008; 65; 90–96.  http://oem.bmj.com/content/65/2/90.abstract

Tags depression evidence based practice

Occupational Health at Work April/May 2008 (vol. 04/6) pp40