OP5
MENTAL HEALTH AND OCCUPATIONAL IMPACT ON NEURODIVERGENT HEALTHCARE WORKERS
A.Sequeira, E. Hickey, D. Patel, University College London Hospital, UK
Background
Up to 20% of people identify as neurodivergent(1). There is a lack of workplace support for neurodivergent healthcare workers (HCW)(2) which can negatively impact mental health and performance leading to sickness absence(3). Healthcare staff lack awareness of the impact on work and personal wellbeing of neurodivergent HCW(4). Yet, literature in this area is limited.
Methods
A retrospective review of referrals to the Staff Psychological and Wellbeing Service (SPWS) at University College London Hospital (UCLH) was conducted between July 2021-September 2023. Staff members who self-identified as neurodivergent were included. Mental health screening tool (PHQ-8, GAD-7) scoring at first presentation and responses to question one of the WSAS (Work and Social Adjustment Scale) were recorded.
Results
Of 114 referrals, 49% were formally diagnosed with neurodiversity, ADHD (n=44) being the most common.
Average scores for depression (PHQ-8) and anxiety (GAD-7) in neurodivergent staff were higher; 14.51 and 12.71 vs. neurotypical staff: 12.11 and 11.45 (depression (p=0.002), anxiety (p=0.044)). Average work impact on neurodivergent staff was higher (4.60) compared with neurotypical users (3.97) (p=0.05). Most neurodivergent staff scored within moderate-severe thresholds (84.31%, 74.51% depression and anxiety respectively). 73.17% attributed mental health difficulties to be work-related.
Implications for policy or practice
These data highlight depression, anxiety and work impact are significantly higher in neurodivergent healthcare staff, needing urgent focus. A neuroinclusive approach reflected in Equality&Diversity policies, raising awareness, training provision, early access to psychological support and proactive adjustments is important. Multi-disciplinary collaboration within a biopsychosocial model is recommended(5) and will be piloted locally.
References:
- Thompson, E. and Miller, J. (2024) Neuroinclusion at work. Survey report. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Available at https://www.cipd.org/globalassets/media/knowledge/knowledge-hub/reports/2024-pdfs/2024-neuroinclusion-at-work-report-8545.pdf (last accessed 28 February 2025)
- Duong, Diana, and Lauren Vogel. “Untapped potential: embracing neurodiversity in medicine.” (2022): E951-E952.
- Championing and supporting neurodiversity in the workplace; City and Guilds Neurodiversity Index 2024. Available at: https://cityandguildsfoundation.org/what-we-offer/campaigning/neurodiversity-index (last accessed 28 February 2025)
- Jo-Anne Johnson, Sanjiv Ahluwalia, Neurodiversity in the healthcare profession, Postgraduate Medical Journal, Volume 101, Issue 1192, February 2025, Pages 167–171
- Nancy Doyle, Neurodiversity at work: a biopsychosocial model and the impact on working adults, British Medical Bulletin, Volume 135, Issue 1, September 2020, Pages 108–125
