GP consultations for common mental disorders and subsequent sickness certification: register-based study of the employed population in Norway.
BACKGROUND
Challenges related to work are in focus when employed people with common mental disorders (CMDs) consult their GPs. Many become sickness certified and remain on sick leave over time.


OBJECTIVES
To investigate the frequency of new CMD episodes among employed patients in Norwegian general practice and subsequent sickness certification.


METHODS
Using a national claims register, employed persons with a new episode of CMD were included. Sickness certification, sick leave over 16 days and length of absences were identified. Patient- and GP-related predictors for the different outcomes were assessed by means of logistic regression.


RESULTS
During 1 year 2.6% of employed men and 4.2% of employed women consulted their GP with a new episode of CMD. Forty-five percent were sickness certified, and 24 percent were absent over 16 days. Thirty-eight percent had depression and 19% acute stress reaction, which carried the highest risk for initial sickness certification, 75%, though not for prolonged absence. Men and older patients had lower risk for sickness certification, but higher risk for long-term absence.


CONCLUSION
Better knowledge of factors at the workplace detrimental to mental health, and better treatment for depression and stress reactions might contribute to timely return of sickness absentees.
['Gjesdal|Sturla|S|', 'Holmaas|Tor Helge|TH|', 'Monstad|Karin|K|', 'Hetlevik|Øystein|Ø|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D000367:Age Factors D000368:Aged D001007:Anxiety D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D003863:Depression D004608:Eligibility Determination D004651:Employment D005260:Female D058006:General Practice D006801:Humans D008297:Male D001523:Mental Disorders D008875:Middle Aged D009664:Norway D012737:Sex Factors D018582:Sick Leave D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders D013315:Stress, Psychological D019966:Substance-Related Disorders D055815:Young Adult
mental health doctor–patient relationship family health health economics occupational/environmental medicine primary care.