Characteristics of Mental Disorders Among Information Technology Workers in 238 Compensated Cases in Japan

Overview

Journal Ind Health

Specialties Environmental Health
Occupational Medicine

Date 2023 Apr 12

PMID 37045767

Authors

Yuki Takahashi

Toru Yoshikawa

Kenji Yamamoto

Masaya Takahashi

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the circumstances, characteristics, and background factors of mental disorders within the information technology (IT) industry, which is known for the frequent occurrence of mental disorders from overwork and poor psychosocial work environment. The study analyzed 238 cases of mental disorders and suicides in the IT industry from fiscal years 2010 to 2018 on the database constructed by the Japan Research Center for Overwork-Related Disorders. The results showed a higher number of cases among men (n=178, 74.8%) and an increasing number among women. The data for diagnosis of mental diseases indicated a high number of depressive episodes (150 cases, 63.0%). Regarding work-induced psychological burden, 37 cases (15.5%) reported "extremely long working hours" for "special events" and 65 cases (27.3%) reported "constantly long working hours". For "specific events", 87 cases (36.6%) reportedly "caused (major) changes in the content and amount of work". Among women, 13 cases (21.7%) of "sexual harassment" (SH), which showed an increasing trend. Therefore, in the IT industry, the working hours must be properly managed. Mental health measures should also accompany improved psychosocial environment in the workplace, and prohibition of SH at work in particular.

References

Asakura T . [Stressor and stress reduction strategies for computer software engineers]. Sangyo Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2002; 44(4):117-24. DOI: 10.1539/sangyoeisei.kj00001991794. View

Fujigaki Y, Asakura T, Haratani T . Work stress and depressive symptoms among Japanese information systems managers. Ind Health. 1994; 32(4):231-8. DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.32.231. View

Yamauchi T, Yoshikawa T, Takamoto M, Sasaki T, Matsumoto S, Kayashima K . Overwork-related disorders in Japan: recent trends and development of a national policy to promote preventive measures. Ind Health. 2017; 55(3):293-302. PMC: 5462645. DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2016-0198. View

Glaesmer H, Romppel M, Brahler E, Hinz A, Maercker A . Adjustment disorder as proposed for ICD-11: Dimensionality and symptom differentiation. Psychiatry Res. 2015; 229(3):940-8. DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.07.010. View

Reichow B, Volkmar F, Bloch M . Systematic review and meta-analysis of pharmacological treatment of the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children with pervasive developmental disorders. J Autism Dev Disord. 2013; 43(10):2435-41. PMC: 3787525. DOI: 10.1007/s10803-013-1793-z. View

Brugha T, McManus S, Bankart J, Scott F, Purdon S, Smith J . Epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders in adults in the community in England. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2011; 68(5):459-65. DOI: 10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.38. View

Magnusson Hanson L, Nyberg A, Mittendorfer-Rutz E, Bondestam F, Madsen I . Work related sexual harassment and risk of suicide and suicide attempts: prospective cohort study. BMJ. 2020; 370:m2984. PMC: 7463167. DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m2984. View

Perkonigg A, Lorenz L, Maercker A . Prevalence and correlates of ICD-11 adjustment disorder: Findings from the Zurich Adjustment Disorder Study. Int J Clin Health Psychol. 2018; 18(3):209-217. PMC: 6224856. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2018.05.001. View

Kim Y, Park J, Park M . Creating a Culture of Prevention in Occupational Safety and Health Practice. Saf Health Work. 2016; 7(2):89-96. PMC: 4909854. DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2016.02.002. View

10.

Spencer T, Biederman J, Mick E . Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis, lifespan, comorbidities, and neurobiology. J Pediatr Psychol. 2007; 32(6):631-42. DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsm005. View

11.

Yamauchi T, Sasaki T, Yoshikawa T, Matsumoto S, Takahashi M, Suka M . Differences in Work-Related Adverse Events by Sex and Industry in Cases Involving Compensation for Mental Disorders and Suicide in Japan From 2010 to 2014. J Occup Environ Med. 2018; 60(4):e178-e182. DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001283. View

12.

Houle J, Staff J, Mortimer J, Uggen C, Blackstone A . THE IMPACT OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT ON DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS DURING THE EARLY OCCUPATIONAL CAREER. Soc Ment Health. 2011; 1(2):89-105. PMC: 3227029. DOI: 10.1177/2156869311416827. View