[Psychiatric sick leave]

Abstract

There is no consensus amongst physicians, social security representatives and researchers about optimum sick leaves. This is an indication that should maximize positive outcomes and minimize potential side effects, both for the patient and society. The use of sick leaves during the last decade rose steadily, particularly in the psychiatric field. The most important causes of this increase are: changes in public policies, overuse of psychiatric diagnosis to cover up unmet social needs, and modifications to labour structure. It is analysed the impact that this situation has implied for physician patient relationship as well as for health budget. Even though sick leave diminishes presentism associated to a psychiatric disorder, published evidence about the effect of prolonged sick leave shows that damage overruns potential benefits: augmented morbidity and mortality, workplace phobia, economic loss, among others.