Psychotropic medications and work performance
Article Abstract:
Side effects of psychotropic drugs (drugs used to treated psychiatric disorders) are common and may frequently impair job performance. Because many individuals who must take these drugs are concerned about their side effects, some patients stop taking their medication. However, the consequences of noncompliance are usually more severe than the side effects of the drugs. A summary of the major side effects of the most commonly used psychotropic drugs is presented, along with information on the prevalence of psychiatric conditions. Four major types of psychiatric disorders are identified: depression, manic depression, panic disorder, and schizophrenia; the most commonly used drugs are neuroleptics (antipsychotic drugs), antimanic-depressive drugs, antidepressants, and antipanic agents. The pharmacological properties of these drugs are discussed. A recent survey has estimated the prevalence of these mental disorders by sex, age, and geographic factors. Twice as many women suffer from depression as men; the other three common disorders occur between the sexes with the same frequency. Women are more likely than men to seek treatment for depression or manic depression. In addition to the side effects of psychotropic drugs, environmental conditions are known to affect individuals with these disorders and it is important to assess all possible contributing factors that may have an impact on the employee's underlying illness. In conclusion, an understanding of the side effects of psychotropic drugs and the potential complications that may occur in this patients in the workplace is emphasized. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1990
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Violence in the workplace
Article Abstract:
A case study published in the October 1990 issue of Journal of Occupational Medicine describes the tragic mass murder of eight coworkers by a former employee who was on disability for psychiatric problems. The assailant was Joseph T. Wesbecker, and his victims were working at the Standard Gravure Company in Louisville, Kentucky when he opened fire on them with a semiautomatic rifle in September 1989. The case study is presented by Frank E. Kuzmits, who analyzes the assailant's psychiatric history in an attempt to determine whether the crime was predictable, and therefore preventable. It is concluded that such violent crimes are very difficult to predict. This editorial concurs that violence in the workplace, because it is so rare, is virtually impossible to predict. However, employers can and should take certain measures to reduce the chance that their employees will be exposed to violent behavior. Large companies need to have a clear and explicit procedure by which reports of threats are communicated from worker, to supervisor, to medical consultants, who can evaluate the situation using professional experience. Written policies are also needed to guide personnel departments in deciding when persons threatening revenge or violence should be referred for therapy or forcibly removed from the situation, when potential victims should be informed, and when police should be consulted. More research is needed into tragedies like the Wesbecker case; with greater knowledge the likelihood of preventing violence in the workplace will improve. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1990
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