Treatment of functional symptoms due to work-related stress

INTERVENTION: This study will analyse the effect of a stress management program. The program is composed of: 1. Stress management therapy 2. Mindfulness therapy 3. Dialogue with the participants workplace/employer 4. Physical exercise plan 210 participants are randomly assigned to three treatment groups (70 participants in each group): Group 1: Start in the stress management program immediately Group 2: Start in the stress management program after a latency of 4 months. This is a control group, to see the effect of the stress management program compared to no treatment, measured after 4 months, and the effect of the waiting time measured after 8 months. Group 3: 12 sessions of psychological therapy, starting the therapy immediately. This is a control group, to compare the stress management program with traditional psychological therapy. Total duration of treatment for all arms is 4 months and follw up will be one year after baseline. CONDITION: Stress, adjustment disorders ; Mental and Behavioural Disorders ; Reaction to severe stress, and adjustment disorders PRIMARY OUTCOME: Return to work rate, measured at 4 months and one year. SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. Symptom Checklist 92, measured at 4 months; 2. World Health Organization (WHO) Major Depression Inventory, measured at 4 months; 3. Absenteeism, measured at 4 months; 4. Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ), measured at 4 months; 5. Objective measures: ; 5.1. Salivary cortisol, measured at 4 months ; 5.2. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, blood pressure, measured at 4 months; 5.3. C‐reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) (immunological status), measured at 4 months; 5.4. HbA1C and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA‐S) (metabolic condition), measured at 4 months; 5.5. Heart rate variability (HRV), measured at 4 months; 5.6. Neo Pi‐r Personality Inventory (personality testing), measured at baseline INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Adults aged 18 ‐ 64 years, either sex 2. Employed 3. On sick leave 4. Moderate to high stress symptom score