Major Depressive Disorder and Public School Teachers: Evaluating Occupational and Health Predictors and Outcomes

This study aimed to examine workplace depression among public teachers. Up to 3,003 teachers completed an occupational health survey and Patient Health Questionnaire, which provided provisional diagnoses of major depressive disorder ( MDD ). Analyses explored key factors linked to MDD among teachers. Teachers more likely to meet MDD criteria were Hispanic, divorced, had less experience, taught at elementary level, reported low job satisfaction and control, and had higher absenteeism and increased likelihood of leaving the profession. Teachers with MDD had higher levels of perceived stress, anxiety, panic and somatization disorder, and lower quality of life. Workplace depression is associated with several variables, including job control, satisfaction, and mental and physical health. Future studies should address workplace interventions for educators.