Research project Stress and Work-Related Mental Illness Among Working Adults With ADHD
This project aims to study work-related mental illness such as stress, depression, and anxiety among professionals with ADHD, and evaluate an internet-based stress-management program to treat and prevent these negative outcomes.
The proportion of sickness absence due to psychiatric diagnoses has increased drastically. This can be attributed to several factors. Previous studies point to a transition from physical to psychosocial strain, and difficulties balancing full-time employment and family obligations. A population that may have a particularly difficult time balancing work, leisure, and family, and runs a high risk of suffering from mental illness, are professionals with ADHD.
While adults with ADHD may be highly motivated employees, their ADHD-related difficulties will soon begin to adversely affect their work performance. Many adults with ADHD underperform at work, are more stressed, are more often on sick leave, and receive sickness absence recommendations to a greater extent than adults without ADHD. This project aims to further study the experiences of stress and other work-related mental illness among adults with ADHD and the possibility of treatment and prevention through an internet-based stress-management program.
Project description
This project consists of four studies. In the first study, a qualitative survey is conducted among professionals with ADHD. This aims to explore the experiences of work-related mental illness among adults with ADHD, and the attitude toward, and need for, an internet-based stress-management program. The results are used to further develop the program. This is followed by a pilot study of feasibility, and a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of the program. A fourth study is conducted to qualitatively examine how the participants experienced the program.
Despite the fact that many adults with ADHD underperform at work, are more stressed, are more often on sick leave, and receive sickness absence recommendations to a greater extent than adults without ADHD, few studies have explored the possibility to treat and prevent these negative outcomes. The position of adults with ADHD in the labor market has been emphasized by government agencies, patient interest groups, and clinicians. If the internet-based stress-management program shows promising results it could easily be made available to the public, saving great resources for individuals and society.
Project members
Project managers
Fredrik Jönsson
Professor, Head of Department
Members
Per Carlbring
Professor
Ylva Ginsberg
Associate Professor
Martin Oscarsson
PhD Student
Alexander Rozental
Associate Professor
