Gursimran Thandi
Introduction: In the UK, the economic cost of absenteeism, loss in productivity and the demand on health care services is considerable. A substantial amount of time off work certified by a doctor is due to common mental disorders. There is a need for rapid and effective interventions at step 2 of the care system.
Objective: The impact of a single-session of a brief intervention, called Havening, in addressing depression, anxiety and impaired functioning in the workplace are presented. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of a single-session of Havening in improving self-reported impaired occupational functioning.
Methods: Twenty-seven participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire depression module (PHQ-9), Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7) and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) before, 1-week and 2-months after the Havening intervention.
Results: The single-session of the Havening intervention had a positive impact on probable depression (PHQ-9), probable anxiety (GAD-7) and work and social adjustment (WSAS) scores over time. The scores on all three measures improved over time. A significant effect for time was observed PHQ-9 (χ2(2) =30.79 , p<0.001), the GAD-7 (χ2(2) = 38.18, p<0.001) and the WSAS (χ2(2) = 22.62, p<0.001).
Conclusion: The single-session of Havening proved efficacious in reducing self-reported symptoms on the PHQ-9, GAD-7 and the WSAS in a sample of participants who reported being occupationally impaired.
