Prevalence and Effect of Detecting Common Mental Disorders in Long-term Sickness Absence

Prevalence and Effect of Detecting Common Mental Disorders in Long-term Sickness Absence

The hypothesis was that a large fraction of individuals with common mental disorders were undetected in long-term sickness and that detection of the disorders by screening, a psychiatric diagnostic examination and feedback to the individuals, primary care, and rehabilitation officers improved return to work, improved quality of life and reduced psychological distress.

Inclusion Criteria:

• First sick-listing between August 30, 2004 and August 29, 2005 in six municipalities (118,000 inhabitants)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to understand Danish and absence due to pregnancy