Back to work: evaluation of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program with emphasis on mental symptoms; A two-year follow up

ack to work: evaluation of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program with emphasis on mental symptoms; A two-year follow up Original Research (1246) Total Article Views Authors: Sj str m R, Asplund R, Alricsson M Published Date June 2012 Volume 2012:5 Pages 145 - 151 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S32372 Received: 29 March 2012 Accepted: 10 May 2012 Published: 25 June 2012 Rita Sj str m,1,2 Ragnar Asplund,3 Marie Alricsson2,4 1Str msund Health Centre, J mtland County Council, Str msund, 2Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, stersund, 3The Research and Development Unit, J mtland County Council, stersund, 4School of Human Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden Background: The aim of this investigation was to analyze temporal changes in anxiety, depression, and stress in patients with musculoskeletal pain for a period of up to 2 years after a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program, in relation to sick-listing (registered with The Swedish Social Insurance Agency [Forsakringskassan] for sickness benefit). Methods: Ten persons with full-time sick leave (absence from work for medical reasons) (group 1) and 49 with part-time or no sick leave (group 2) at the end of the 2-year study period participated. It was shown in a previous study that group 1 had higher pain rating and higher subjective physical disability than group 2, with little or no improvement during and after rehabilitation. In the present study, all participants were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and a self-rated stress test. Results: Participants with full-time sick leave during the study period (group 1) showed improved stress levels but no change in anxiety and depression levels. Anxiety, depression, and stress changed more favorably in participants with part-time or no sick leave than in those with full-time sick leave. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that investigation and appropriate treatment of psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, are important in multidisciplinary rehabilitation of patients with musculoskeletal disorders.