Clinical and scientific implications
stress-related disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, anxiety
DISORDERS
Findings from our study can guide clinicians delivering vocational rehabilitation interventions to people on sick leave with depression, anxiety disorders and stress-related disorders. Return-to-work self-efficacy and quality of life are relevant areas to address but may impact the RTW process differently depending on whether the individual is on sick leave with depression or anxiety disorders. The findings also suggest that a heavier symptom burden leads to slower RTW in the short and the long term, but appropriate support may moderate this association.Our study has also identified subgroups within the target group that highlight the need to evaluate and further develop vocational rehabilitation interventions. People on sick leave from unemployment have needs that are not addressed by current vocational rehabilitation interventions. Demand-side employment research may produce knowledge about strategies to improve vocational outcomes for this group. Findings also indicate that younger age reduces the likelihood of RTW in people on sick leave with depression. Unemployment or interrupted education entails a significant risk of long-term adverse consequences, and more research is needed on how to customize effective vocational rehabilitation interventions to younger people living with depression.