Sponsored Links

 

Link between Mental Health Days and Mortality Risk

work stress

A new study has shown a strong connection between people who take mental health days at work, and a higher risk of death due to certain types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and suicide. The researchers indicate that this may be because people who take time off for work because of psychiatric issues, are often experiencing more severe symptoms.

The researchers looked at data pertaining to the sick days of nearly 20,000 workers between 1990 and 1992. The sick days included those related to both mental health and non-mental health reasons. This data was then compared to mortality data from 1993 to 2008.

They found a strong correlation between those workers (7 percent of the group) who had absences exceeding seven days for a psychiatric condition and their rate of death during the subsequent 16 year period. These workers were much more likely to die from suicide (6 times), cancers related to smoking (1.5 times) and cardiovascular disease (2 times) compared to those workers who didn’t take any sick days.

This research suggests that psychiatric illness can be as debilitating as physical sickness, and increase mortality risks just as much. It may also provide helpful information towards identifying people who are in the high risk group so effective treatment can occur.
The data could signal, in other words, that serious mental illness is just as debilitating as physical illness, with similar long-term effects on overall survival.

The researchers acknowledge limitations to their study, including the likelihood that psychiatric disorders may have been underreported because of stigma and other health conditions frequently associated with such conditions.

But they also note the value that could come with identifying at-risk individuals and targeting them for interventions.

call now icon Free Treatment Assessment
Call Now—Help Available 24/7 (877) 331-9311

 

OCD Self Test

Do you or a loved one feel like you might have a problem with OCD?
Take the Self Test now to get more information.


 

Sponsored Links

 

 
disclaimer

The information provided on brainphysics.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of brainphysics.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Click here to read our complete Terms of Use.

Free Treatment Assessment
Call Now—Help Available 24/7 (877) 331-9311

Sign up for our newsletter to receive mental health Information & Inspiration

Email

Sponsored Links

You May Also Want To Read

 

Other People Are Also Reading

 

Online Support Groups

visit SupportGroups.com

SupportGroups.com provides a support network for those facing life's challenges. Click on the following links to get a helping hand in a confidential, caring environment.

Support Groups

 

BrainPhysics.com Social