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Work Addiction

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Behavioral Addictions

Abstract

The available data leaves no doubt that compulsive overworking is a genuine problem related to significant harm. Thus far, most cases were recognized in relation to the official diagnosis of anankastia/obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). However, while this personality domain may be a risk factor, the available evidence suggests that work addiction is, to some extent, an independent clinical entity and addictive disorder with its own etiology, symptomatology, epidemiology, and course. Work addiction has substantial epidemiological significance due to its high prevalence rates (ranging from 6.6 to 20%) and impairments that it causes. Currently, no well-established theoretical models explaining the biological underpinnings of work addiction exist, and there are no related neuroimaging, physiological or genetic studies to date. It is comorbid with numerous mental disorders and potentially associated with stress-related health problems, particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD). There are appropriate psychometric measures, such as the Bergen Work Addiction Scale, grounded in the addiction framework. There is paucity of high-quality data on the effectiveness of treatments, with most empirical evidence supporting a mindfulness-based approach. There is some indirect support for self-help groups such as Workaholics Anonymous and case reports on individual and family therapies. Treatments for other behavioral addictions and substance use disorders, as well as for anankastia/OCPD, may be adapted for work addiction because of shared similarities. These may include, notably, cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Prevention initiatives directed at young populations, are indispensable to decrease the high prevalence of this disorder in industrialized countries. Perhaps, the greatest challenge currently facing research, prevention and treatment of this disorder is the social and institutional resistance to acknowledge it.

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The author received no financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

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Correspondence to Paweł Andrzej Atroszko .

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The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

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Atroszko, P.A. (2022). Work Addiction. In: Pontes, H.M. (eds) Behavioral Addictions. Studies in Neuroscience, Psychology and Behavioral Economics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04772-5_9

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