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Work-Associated Trauma

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Mental Health in the Workplace

Part of the book series: Integrating Psychiatry and Primary Care ((IPPC))

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Abstract

Traumatic events are experienced by most people at some point in their life. Following a traumatic event, most individuals will return to their previous functioning, and some feel an increased sense of efficacy. However, others experience adverse psychological and behavioral effects. These effects include distress reactions, health risk behaviors, and psychiatric disorders. Workplace traumatic events and responses most studied include workplace violence, accidents, occupational exposures, and disasters. Prevention measures which reduce exposure to workplace trauma are optimal. Individuals exposed to traumatic events will benefit from the use of prompt, evidence-based interventions. Many will seek and benefit from self-help interventions and peer support, but some may need formal assessment and treatment through employee assistance programs and healthcare. Effective prevention and treatment can improve well-being, enhance performance, and optimize retention.

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Acknowledgment

Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Defense, the Uniformed Services University, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the US Public Health Service.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University, School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA

    Joshua C. Morganstein, James C. West & Robert J. Ursano

Authors
  1. Joshua C. Morganstein
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  2. James C. West
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  3. Robert J. Ursano
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Joshua C. Morganstein .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Michelle B. Riba

  2. Comprehensive Depression Center, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Sagar V. Parikh

  3. Comprehensive Depression Center, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    John F. Greden

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Morganstein, J.C., West, J.C., Ursano, R.J. (2019). Work-Associated Trauma. In: Riba, M., Parikh, S., Greden, J. (eds) Mental Health in the Workplace. Integrating Psychiatry and Primary Care. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-04266-0_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-04266-0_11

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