Researchers in the UK have added a nice piece of information to the “no duh” file: having a stressful high-pressure job increases risk for depression and anxiety. The researchers defined “highly demanding job” as “involving a lack of control, long hours, non-negotiable deadlines, and a high volume of work.” Something that I also take particular pleasure in adding, is that one of the primary reasons for this that was given is that high stress can increase stress hormones in the brain, which can lead to depression.

I’ll add something else: having constant work stress and long hours can create chronic feelings of dissatisfaction, allows for less time for important social relationships (spouse, children, friends), and can lead to a one dimensional mode of existence. I hope that people in these types of jobs (PsychCentral blogger does not fall into this category) consciously consider a cost/benefit analysis that takes relationships into account, rather than just the number after the $ symbol.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 4 Aug 2007
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.