In terms of being able to work, mental health disorders are the most debilitating group of health conditions. Depression , for example, is the single largest cause of absenteeism. Individuals with major depression were found to be over 4 times more likely to take disability days than non-depressed employees, and 3 times more likely to miss time from work. A study reported in International Labor Review found that 80 to 90 percent of all industrial accidents are likely related to personal problems and employees' inability to handle stress. Employees suffering from stress, anxiety and depression suffered an average of 16 lost work days per year.
Psychological disorders increase the likelihood of problems with substance abuse.
People with panic disorder, a form of Anxiety Disorder are 4 times more likely to abuse alcohol and and 5 times as likely to abuse other drugs. In 1980, alcoholism alone cost the nation 500 million lost work days. Six out of the ten health problems chosen by over 400 corporate leaders as most seriously affecting their companies' workforces have a signficant psychological component and can be treated effectively by practicing psychologists.