[Role of Psychiatry in Occupational Health: Focus on Stress Check System in Japan].

Abstract

The major role of occupational physicians is to facilitate workers' communication with managers and primary physicians. In other words, occupational medicine is similar to consulta- tion-liaison psychiatry. Psychiatrists should not decide whether patients can return to the workplace solely based on their symptoms of mental disorder; their work performance and potential to cooperate with other workers in the workplace should also be considered. In order to achieve this, it is important to promote close cooperation between occupational physicians and psychiatrists. The aim of the stress check system in Japan is the primary prevention of mental disor- ders. However, it is necessary to provide care for groups and individuals, which is in accor- dance with the concept of first aid. It is useful for occupational physicians to liaise with psychi- atrists when they encounter the critical case of a patient with mental health problems.