HSE press release E008:03 - 20 January 2003
New research published by the Health and Safety Executive looks at the effects of medication prescribed for anxiety and depression on working life.
The research has been commissioned by HSE in response to an increase in the numbers of people suffering with anxiety and depression in recent years, leading to widespread use of medication to treat these conditions. These drugs have known side effects that can include further anxiety, sleep disruption, tiredness, fatigue, nausea and headaches.
The study, conducted by the Health and Safety Ergonomics Unit, Loughborough University, the Department of Health and Social Care, Brunel University, examined how the drugs used to treat anxiety and depression affect performance and safety at work.
The research involved focus groups of employees who had suffered anxiety and depression. The data collected included personal experiences of mental health problems and the impact of their medication. Focus groups were also held with staff from human resources, occupational health and health and safety departments to explore employers' views and practices in connection with mental-ill health among their staff. The study covered a wide range of work sectors (health care, social services, education, manufacturing, engineering, retail, service industries etc).
The research indicates that:
Failing to take medication as prescribed was commonplace due to unpleasant side effects, lack of improvement of symptoms, or because the medication made people feel worse at first. Individuals were often unprepared for the effects of their medication and would have welcomed better information from doctors and pharmacists.
Drawing on the evidence collected, the report makes recommendations for the prevention and management of anxiety and depression in the workplace, as well as outlining areas for improvement in health care.
The findings also indicate that mental health problems are not well understood by employers and managers, with little support in the workplace for individuals suffering from anxiety or depression.
Professor Cheryl Haslam who led the research said: "People suffering with anxiety and depression experience great difficulties at work managing their symptoms and dealing with unpleasant side effects of their medication. Many were unprepared for the fact that it can take two or three weeks before they see improvement in their symptoms after starting medication. Patients need more information from GPs about the medication and side effects, so they know what to expect."
1. Medication prescribed for anxiety and depression includes
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. Prozac or Seroxat),
benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium or Ativan) and other anti-depressant
or anti-manic pharmaceuticals.
2. The research was funded by HSE and undertaken by the Health and
Safety Ergonomics Unit (Loughborough University) and Department of
Health and Social Care (Brunel University), lead by Professor
Cheryl Haslam (now at Nottingham University).
3. This project was part of HSE's ongoing programme of research. The results of this and other projects will feed into the development of the Health and Safety Commission's Priority Programme on work-related stress.
Copies of "Effects of prescribed medication on performance in the working population", RR 057 (ISBN 0 7176 2595 8), priced £20.00 can be ordered online at http://books.hse.gov.uk
HSE's Research Reports are available on the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/
All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the HSE Press Office
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