Psychiatric disorders in professional drivers and fitness for work

TL;DR

This study examines how psychiatric disorders affect the fitness for work of professional drivers and highlights the importance of occupational physicians in managing these cases.

Contribution

The study provides insights into the impact of psychiatric disorders on driving fitness and the role of occupational physicians in prevention.

Findings

Nine out of 98 drivers had psychiatric disorders, including anxiety-depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and drug addiction.

Most drivers were advised to avoid professional driving due to their conditions.

All affected drivers were male, with an average age of 45 years.

Abstract

The driver’s job is a safety job requiring a meticulous neuropsychological assessment, which can affect the decision on fitness to drive. Professional driving benefits from codified regulations concerning neuropsychological disorders.

To describe the socio-professional characteristics of drivers with psychiatric illnesses

To specify the impact of these pathologies on decisions on fitness for work

Retrospective descriptive study of drivers with psychiatric disorders who consulted the occupational pathology and fitness for work department of the Charles Nicolle Hospital for fitness for work assessment during the period from January 2016 to January 2023.

Out of 98 drivers who consulted our department for an aptitude assessment, nine (n=9) patients had a psychiatric disorder. The average age was 45±7 years. They were all men. They were bus (n=7), light car (n=1), and lorry (n=1) drivers. They belonged to the transport (n=7) and service (n=2) sectors. Length of service ranged from one year to 35 years. The pathologies presented by the patients were: anxiety-depressive disorder (n=7) , bipolar disorder (=1) and drug-addiction (n=1). They were being treated with antidepressants (n=7), anxiolytics (n=3), and thymoregulators (n=1). The medico-legal decision was to avoid professional driving (n=7) and to avoid professional driving at night (n=2).

psychiatric illnesses can compromise fitness to work. The role of the occupational physician in the primary and secondary prevention of people at risk is important.

None Declared