Unemployment a

Abstract

General practitioners are well aware of the negative effects of unemployment, particularly long-term unemployment, on their patient's physical and mental health. High risk factors are the same as those generally associated with cardiovascular problems and include poor eating habits, weight gain, marked increases in cigarette smoking, excessive use of alcohol and other substances. The unemployed come to their GPs with signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression, and physical problems such as headaches, insomnia and general 'aches and pains'. Unemployment can also led to increased difficulties in their relationships with others that led to marital and family problems.