Returning to Work After Stress-Related Sick Leave: An Effectiveness Trial of Work-Focused Treatments in Primary Care

Launched by KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET · Jul 14, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a type of therapy called work-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (WCBT) to help people who are on sick leave because of long-term stress-related conditions, like burnout or exhaustion, that make it hard to work. The researchers want to find out if this therapy helps people return to work better and faster compared to the usual care they might receive. They will also look at whether WCBT improves overall health and daily functioning, reduces the number of sick leave days, and if it is a more affordable treatment option.

People who may join the study are adults between 18 and 60 years old who are currently on at least half-time sick leave due to stress-related work problems, and who speak Swedish or English. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the special work-focused therapy or the standard care that is normally given. If you join, you can expect to take part in therapy sessions aimed at improving your ability to handle work demands and reduce stress. This study is not yet open for participants but may be a helpful option for those struggling to return to work after stress-related illness.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. be on sick leave at least 50%
• • 2. be diagnosed with a primary diagnosis adjustment disorder (F43.2-F.43.9) including exhaustion disorder (F43.8A)
• • 3. be of working age (18-60 years)
• • 4. be able to understand verbal and written Swedish or English
• • 5. give informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. other psychiatric conditions that require prioritization for immediate or simultaneous treatment: specifically, a current diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or organic mental disorder; current high risk of suicide; or recent (within 3 months) history of substance use disorder)
• • 2. other ongoing or recent (within 6 months) psychological treatment for stress-related disorders