Work-anxiety rather than cognitive performance contributes to work ability decisions in patients with mental disorders

Background: Mental work-ability decisions must be based on information on person´s symptom load, cognitive performance and workplace conditions. This investigation explores in which way these factors contribute to work ability in persons with common mental disorders CMD). Methods: 1570 CMD-patients underwent multimodal medical diagnostic. Participants filled in questionnaires on work-phobic-anxiety and general mental symptom load. They were also investigated concerning their cognitive performance. Sick leave duration, workplace problems and subjective work-ability were assessed. Physicians´ decision on the persons´ work-ability (fit or unfit for work) was given five weeks later. Results: Negative work-ability perception, long previous sick leave duration and high work phobic anxiety explained unfitness for work, whereas general symptom load and general cognitive performance did not. Conclusion: Work-directed diagnostics and interventions must address work-phobic anxiety and subjective work ability perception.