Effects on Performance of Anxiety and Depression in the Working Population

摘要

It is not clear to what extent medication taken for psychiatric illness affects a person's quality of work and productivity. Perhaps more importantly very little is known about the possible consequences for workplace safety. The use of focus groups in this study produced data on the personal experiences of mental health problems and the impact of psychotropic drugs on work performance from members of the working population. Focus group discussions also gathered information from a range of work sectors, on the organisational perspectives of mental health in the workplace. Initial analysis of the data indicated similarities in the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and the side effects of the medication, experienced by participants. Compliance with drug regimes was affected by the amount of information respondents were given about their medication and the side effects they experienced. Workers' concerns about drug dependency also affected their use of medication causing them to take less than their prescribed dose or to discontinue the treatment. The people experiencing anxiety and depression relied upon managers or colleagues for support and rehabilitation in the workplace but felt that their lack of knowledge and understanding of mental health issues made it difficult for them to offer appropriate help. Participants considered practical help from people within the workplace most beneficial to enable them to cope at work.