Predicting which people with psychosocial distress are at risk of becoming dependent on state benefits: analysis of routinely available data

摘要

STUDY QUESTION Can we predict which people with psychological distress are at increased risk of becoming dependent on long term sickness related state benefits? SUMMARY ANSWER There were significantly increased rates of caseness according to the general health questionnaire for two years before, and frequent consultations for three years before, patients went on to receive incapacity benefit. WHAT IS KNOWN AND WHATTHIS STUDY ADDS Mild mental disorders and frequent consultations in general practice are known to be associated with long term sickness absence. These factors can also predict long term sickness absence up to three years before people become dependent on benefit. Participants and setting Participants in the British Household Panel Surveys, 1991-2007 (1738 incapacity benefit claimants), and the Scottish Health Surveys in 1095,1998, and 2003 (7932, 12 939, and 11472 respondents, respectively).