Research Plus

Early intervention for workers with depression

A randomised controlled trial demonstrates the benefits of early intervention for employees with mild to severe depression and at high risk of future sickness absence. A total of 139 office workers with depression and at risk of future absence were randomised either to a psychological intervention developed specifically for the study – based on problem-solving therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy – or to a control group. Total days’ absence was reduced in the intervention group by 46% at 12-month follow-up (a 28% drop at 18 months was not statistically significant). Depressive symptoms in the intervention group were significantly reduced at both six and 12 months.

Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2010; online first: doi: 10.1136/oem.2010.057877

Tags absence depression evidence based practice sickness absence

Occupational Health at Work December/January 2010/2011 (vol. 07/4) pp44