Interventions to Facilitate Working While Depressed and Anxious

Göteborg University

Status: Unknown

Conditions: Work Capacity

Treatments: Behavioral: Physical activity; Behavioral: Work-directed rehabilitation

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03748394

VGFOUREG-588531

Details and patient eligibility

About

The study compares the effects of two add-on interventions in primary care rehabilitation, on work ability and psychological health, in workers with common mental disorders. One intervention consists of a person-centered plan using work-directed treatment modules of occupational therapy and physical therapy, during 8 weeks. The other intervention consists of supported physical activity during 8 weeks. The primary outcome is work ability, measured by the work ability index and days on sick leave.

Full description

Common mental disorders (CMD), including mild to moderate depression, anxiety disorders and exhaustion disorder, are a major cause of sick leave and work disability. Compared to other disorders, work-related problems associated with CMD is sparsely explored. While recommended treatments, such as antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy have effects on psychiatric symptoms, the effect on work capacity is unclear, suggesting a need for alternative interventions.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of an add-on work-directed intervention in primary care rehabilitation, compared to a physical activity control, for persons with CMD.

The goal of the experimental condition is to enhance the participant's ability to work by creating an individually tailored plan for self-management, supported by occupational and physical therapy techniques, such as structuring daily activities, stress management or body awareness techniques. Enhancing self-management is the core of this intervention and also a new approach compared to earlier efforts to promote work capacity.

Enrollment: 60 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Unipolar depression or anxiety disorder according to the Mini Neuropsychiatric Interview (DSM-5 criteria).
• Currently working to some extent, part time sick leave is accepted.

Exclusion criteria

• Substance abuse according to the Mini interview
• High suicide risk according to the Mini interview
• Psychotic symptoms according to the Mini interview

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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60 participants in 2 patient groups

Work-directed rehabilitation

Experimental group

Description:

Work-directed, person-centered plan using modules of occupational therapy and physical therapy

Treatment:

Behavioral: Work-directed rehabilitation

Physical activity

Active Comparator group

Description:

Physical activity according to national health recommendations

Treatment:

Behavioral: Physical activity