Psychotrauma assessment in insurance medicine (WC2006-094)

Background

Starting date: 01/01/2007 There is a need for more knowledge about psychiatric and psychological disorders in the occupational and insurance medicine in the Netherlands, because work disability due to mental illness is an important phenomenon. An average of one in two to three persons who become unable to work, suffers from psychological problems. Severe aversive experiences in childhood or later in life could increase the chance of developing psychological or psychiatric problems. About half of the general population experiences stressful incidences at least once, such as a traffic accident, robbery under threat, loss of a loved one, physical aggression or involuntary sexual contact. Often it is difficult to recognize psychological problems or limitations in working ability due to stressful experiences. Good diagnostics are essential to improve this recognition. Scientific - evidence based - knowledge on useful techniques in ability assessment in occupational and insurance medicine, is absent.