[Night workers and plasmatic cortisol]. / Lavoratori notturni e cortisolo plasmatico.

The aim of the study is to evaluate whether occupational exposure to night work could cause alterations in the levels of plasmatic cortisol. The interest toward this argument arises form several studies in scientific literature referring the presence of an alteration in the synthesis and release of cortisol in workers exposed to night work. We studied a population of workers employed in night security service and monitoring service of alarm systems in different museums compared to a control group not performing shift-work and/or night work. The exposed and control subjects were compared by age, length of service, smoking habit (n. cigarettes per day), habitual consumption of alcoholic drinks (n. glass of wine/beer per day). We evaluated the levels of plasmatic cortisol on 50 workers exposed to night work, all males of whom 30 smokers and 20 non-smokers and on 50 controls of whom 30 smokers and 20 non-smokers.

[Working reinstatement and mental health]. / Reinserimento lavorativo e salute mentale.

Mental illness, as anxiety, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorders, anorexia, have a huge impact on any working population. These disorders are a medical and social reality in strong increasing and they represent a great public interest. People suffering from a mental illness experience many inconveniences: a reduced possibility in choosing of the type of job, the necessity of a support, the difficulty in changing job, a reduction of the working hours, discriminations and abuse. This study explored the role of work in enhancing the economic and social integration of people with mental disorders. The importance of addressing specific issues (supported employment, vocational rehabilitation) related to the employment of persons with mental health problems has also been recognized.