Stress-related and psychological disorders

Age and Sex distribution

The age and sex distribution of work-related mental ill-health cases reported through THOR are shown in Table THORP01 and Table THORP02. The latest LFS information relating to age and sex relates to 2007/08. Age and sex data for self-reported work-related stress, depression or anxiety are shown in Table STRAGE1W12 (prevalence), and Table STRAGE2W12 (incidence).

The highest proportion of cases reported, both by occupational physicians and psychiatrists, occurred in the age groups 35-44 and 45-54 years. The estimated incidence rates of self-reported work-related stress in 2007/08 were also highest among the 45-54 year age bracket.

Taking both surveillance schemes together over the years 1999 to 2008, since 2006 more female cases have been reported than men. However, this represents a pattern of more male cases being reported by psychiatrists and more female cases by occupational physicians. Self-reported data for the period 2001/02 to 2007/08 has consistently indicated females to have a statistically significantly higher incidence rate of stress as compared to males.