Age and Sex distribution

The age and sex distribution of work-related mental ill-health cases reported through THOR are shown in Table THORP01 and Table THORP02. The latest LFS information relating to age and sex relates to 2006/07. Age and sex data for self-reported work-related stress, depression or anxiety are shown in Table STRAGE1E (prevalence), and Tables STRAGE2E and STRAGE2W12 (incidence).

The highest proportion of cases reported, both by occupational physicians and psychiatrists, occurred in the age groups 35-44 and 45-54 years. The estimated incidence rates of self-reported work-related stress in 2006/07 were also highest among these two age categories.

Taking both surveillance schemes together over the years 1999 to 2007, more male cases were reported than female. However, this represents a pattern of more male cases being reported by psychiatrists and more female cases by occupational physicians. Self-reported data for the period 2001/02 to 2006/07 has consistently indicated females to have a statistically significantly higher incidence rate of stress as compared to males.