Anxiety disorders as a cause of work absenteeism

Abstract

Introduction:

mental and behavioral disorders (MBD) are among the main causes of lost workdays. Anxiety disorders are the second cause of work absenteism.

Objective:

to identify and analyze evidence available in literature about work absenteism due to anxiety disorders.

Methods:

integrative literature review, with no publication year limits and with controlled subject headings, using the following databases: Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (Lilacs), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline) and Nursing Database (BDENF).

Results:

the final selection consisted of 13 articles, the oldest published in 2006 and the most recent in 2016. Work absences due to anxiety disorders had as main risk factors the environment and working conditions, with a negative impact for both, the worker‘s and the employer‘s health.

Discussion:

evidence indicates a high prevalence of anxiety disorders as cause of work absenteeism and of the high demand for increasing social security costs. Knowing the worker‘s illness profile contributes to identify the MBD risk factors, and helps in proposing intervention strategies aimed at reducing work absenteism.

Keywords:
anxiety disorders; occupational health; sick leave