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Violence at work linked to clinical depression

Issue date

11 Aug 2006

Violence at work linked to clinical depression

Employees subjected to real or threatened violence at work run a major risk of becoming clinically depressed or suffering other stress related disorders, new research has concluded. A study in the September 2006 issue in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found the magnitude of the risk was in direct proportion to the amount of workplace violence experienced. The findings are based on an investigation of more than 14,000 Danish hospital patients between the ages of 18 and 65, who were treated for depression or stress related disorders between 1995 and 1998. These patients were then compared with 38,000 people without mental ill health problems, but matched for age and sex. The prevalence of real and threatened violence was highest among those working in health, education and social work sectors. Exposure to violence boosted the risk of depression by 45 per cent in women and 48 per cent in men, compared with those in workplaces without any risk of violence. Stress related disorders were around a third more likely in women and 55 per cent more likely in men. Threatening behaviour boosted the likelihood of depression by 48 per cent in women and stress related disorders by almost 60 per cent in men. The magnitude of risk was directly proportional to the amount of violence experienced at work. The authors say risk of psychiatric problems among employees exposed to violence is well recognised and is reflected in guidance from the European Commission and the International Labour Organisation. 'Despite these efforts, there seems to be no decrease in work related violence, threats, and harassment,' they say, adding the study 'points to the importance of preventing and minimising violence and threats at work as well as providing satisfactory organisational and individual support for victims.'

Joanna Wieclaw and others. Work related violence and threats and the risk of depression and stress disorders, Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, volume 60, pages 771-5, September 2006.

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