Work-related stress and bullying: gender differences and forensic medicine issues in the diagnostic procedure

Between 2001 and 2009 we examined 345 outpatients (148 males, 197 females; mean age: 41 ± 10.49) for suspected psychopathological work-related problems. Diagnosis of bullying was established using international criteria (ICD-10 and DSM-IV).After interdisciplinary diagnostic evaluation (Occupational Medicine Unit, Psychology and Psychiatry Service), the diagnosis of bullying was formulated in 35 subjects, 12 males and 23 females (2 cases of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and 33 of Adjustment Disorder). Fifty-four (20 males, 34 females) suffered from work-related anxiety, while work-unrelated Adjustment Disorder and other psychiatric disorders were diagnosed in 7 and 112 subjects, respectively. Women between 34 and 45 years showed a high prevalence (65%) of "mobbing syndrome" or other work-related stress disorders.At work, women are more subject to harassment (for personal aspects related to emotional and relational factors) than men. The knowledge of the phenomenon is an essential requisite to contrast bullying; prevention can be carried out only through effective information and training of workers and employers, who have the legal obligation to preserve the integrity of the mental and physical status of their employees during work.Few studies about gender differences in bullying have been carried out, despite the increasing attention of Institutions and the international scientific community. This study describes gender differences in the victims of bullying and work-related stress examined in the Occupational Medicine Unit of our Institute, and analyzes, from a forensic point of view, the critical issues still present in the diagnostic workup.So far, the "mobbing syndrome" does not have a clear nosological definition. The ICD-10 (International Classification of Disease) and DSM-IV (Diagnostical and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) indicate two conditions, not necessarily work-related, that are directly related to stress: 1) the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorde