Socio-demographic, health, treatment, and labour market characteristics of sick-listed employees diagnosed with and treated for a mental disorder in Germany

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the socio-demographic, health, treatment, organisation, job, and labour market characteristics of 484 German sick-listed employees diagnosed with a mental disorder (MD), along with gender differences. Methods: This cross-sectional study used online baseline self-report data from sick-listed employees diagnosed with and treated for a MD, recruited as part of an evaluation trial for a return to work (RTW) intervention (DRKS00026232). Descriptives and t-tests/chi-squared tests were performed. Results: Mean age was 42.6 years (range 20–60 years). Nearly 60% were female, 31% highly educated, and more than half fell into lower gross household income groups. Recurrent depression was a common diagnosis. The employees reported moderate depressive symptoms, low RTW self-efficacy, and poor work ability. Gradual RTW was rated the most common workplace accommodation need for RTW. Significant gender differences were found regarding socio-demographic, health, job, and labour market characteristics. Conclusions: Despite the majority having permanent, fulltime, white-collar jobs, the results highlight the vulnerability of persons with a diagnosed MD in the labour market, suggesting an urgent need for more clinical and work-directed aftercare. Women seem more disadvantaged than men but not regarding treatment and organisation characteristics, emphasising the importance of addressing gender differences in mental health and practice.