Abstract
Summary Objectives Individuals who are out of work have a higher rate of common mental disorders (CMD) than individuals who are employed. People who are unemployed in the UK are entitled to welfare benefits to alleviate financial strain. This study examined rates of CMD in individuals who were employed, unemployed and receiving various UK benefits. It also investigated associations between duration of unemployment, gender and CMD. Study design An analysis of 5090 working-age participants from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007, a stratified probability sample survey conducted among adults aged 16 years and over living in private households in England. Methods CMD was assessed using the Clinical Interview Schedule (Revised). Information was gathered on sociodemographics, employment, income, benefits and debt. Data were analysed using logistic regression …