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A Systematic Review of the Factors which Predict Return to Work for People Suffering Episodes of Poor Mental Health

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Abstract

Introduction Poor mental health is responsible for a large percentage of long term work absence, and only 50% of those who are off work for 6 months or more return to work. Method We aimed to describe the factors which predict or restrict return to work for people suffering episodes of poor mental health. A literature review was conducted to identify all papers relating to long term mental illness absence. Results Fourteen papers of varying methodological quality considered mental health in relation to psychiatric morbidity, depression, stress, and body weight. Successful return to work is predicted by factors related to work, family history, health risk behaviours, social status, and medical condition. Conclusions This study identifies a range of factors which are important in preventing return to work for people with mental health conditions. The factors affecting RTW after a period of sickness absence due to poor mental health are wide ranging and in some cases studies have produced opposing results (particularly in the case of demographic factors). Further research is required to describe the factors which delay return to work for people experiencing episodes of poor mental health.

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Acknowledgements

This research was commissioned and funded by the Department of Work and Pensions (UK Government). The authors acknowledge the contribution of Mr Andrew Booth, Senior Lecturer in Evidence-based Medicine, University of Sheffield, in assisting with literature searching strategies. This work was carried out at the School of Health and Related Research at the University of Sheffield along with support from colleagues at the University of Glasgow. This study was funded by the Department of Work and Pensions (UK Government). The authors have no competing interests to declare.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK

    Lindsay Blank

  2. ScHARR, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK

    J. Peters & S. Pickvance

  3. Capita Health Solutions, London, UK

    J. Wilford

  4. Public Health and Health Policy, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK

    E. MacDonald

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  1. Lindsay Blank
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  2. J. Peters
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  3. S. Pickvance
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  4. J. Wilford
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  5. E. MacDonald
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Correspondence to Lindsay Blank.

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Blank, L., Peters, J., Pickvance, S. et al. A Systematic Review of the Factors which Predict Return to Work for People Suffering Episodes of Poor Mental Health. J Occup Rehabil 18, 27–34 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-008-9121-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-008-9121-8

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