Effects of prescribed medication on performance in the working population

Abstract

The prevalence of depression and anxiety has increased sharply in recent years leading to extensive use of medication. But little is known of how the symptoms of anxiety and depression and the medication for these conditions impact on health and safety at work. The aims of the study were therefore to:

- examine the relationship between psychological morbidity, prescribed medication, and work performance, in different groups of workers,

- investigate the relationship between prescribed medication and self-reported incidence of accidents and ‘near miss’ experiences,

- explore the issue of mental health problems among employees from the employer’s perspective,

- review the implications for the advice that should be given to workers and employers