A case of mental ill health caused by job stress after job reallocation

Woo, Jong Min; Kim, Gyung Mee; Kim, Seong Ah

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Recently, social concern about occupational stress and disputes, which are surrounded with judgements of work relatedness for various psychiatric sequels, is increasing.
OBJECTIVE
We present a case of work-related illness judgement in which panic disorder and adjustment disorder with conversion symptoms were associated with work stress due to job reallocation.
METHODS
We performed psychiatric assessment including mental status examination and neuropsychological test batteries. We also assessed job stress profiles using the Korean version of the Occupational Stress Inventory(K-OSI).
RESULTS
The patient showed no specific psychological or physical problems and had previously demonstrated suitable coping skills. However, the patients case, who was sensitive to emotional stress, suffered chronic stress symptoms after a role change from a car mechanic to office manager which required continuous interaction with customers and a strong emotional burden. Panic attack and conversion symptoms were judged to be associated with disharmony between individual characteristics and environmental needs.
CONCLUSION
It is noteworthy that this is the first reported case considered as a psychiatric illness related with psychological work stress. A further study will be attempted to assign standards of judgment for similar cases through systematic source collection and tool development.