What is Work Aversion Disorder?

Answer 1

Work Aversion Disorder (WAD) is a psychological disorder in which the person suffering from the disorder feels repulsed by the idea of being employed or working for a living. It is a silent but serious disorder, ruining lives and tearing families and friendships. In a patient with WAD, dislike, disfavor, and digust for all or many types of work are so strong that the patient is more likely to accept upon herself the consequences of failure to work than employment itself. Population affected Those with WAD are typically adults, ages 21-64, who have at least some experience with employment. Some have held steady jobs in the past; others have worked, but only for brief periods of time at multiple jobs. While more men actually get diagnosed, it is possible that a greater or equal number of women have the disorder. Many people suffer from WAD, but do not actually get diagnosed or because they are aware of their condition or that they have a medical problem. There are also some who would experience WAD symptoms were they forced to work, but they are steadily supported by someone else, such as parents or a spouse, and their need for employment is not an issue. Work Aversion Disorder affects an estimated 1-2% of the population. In the United States, about 4-5 million individuals are affected. In other countries, the percentage of the population affected is comparable. Work Aversion Disorder affects persons of all races, religions, nationalities, and ethnicities equally. Though some cultures put a greater emphasis on the work ethic than others, this does not affect the percentage of those afflicted. Work Aversion Disorder is common in special needs children upon reaching adulthood. Low self esteem, paired with social troubles when employment survival skills are not taught provide for a poor match in the work force. There is especially a high rate of WAD in veterans of the armed forces, with at least 5% suffering from WAD. This can be attributed to the psychological effects of the military environment. Behaviors exhibited The most characteristic behaviors of a person with WAD are the apathy at finding employment, the lackadaisical attitude toward performing existing employment, and the desire to find alternatives in life to being gainfully employed. As severity levels vary, some WAD patients are employed at least part-time, but do not take their jobs very seriously. Others, who have some flexibility as to when or how much they can work (such as those with working for temporary employment agencies) will do the very minimum amount of work they need to meet their expenses. Some WAD patients, if they are happy with their job, will not exhibit symptoms at while they are employed, and will take their job seriously. If one of these people loses her job, she will then clearly exhibit symptoms. Many WAD patients are confronted about their behaviors and attitudes by relatives and friends who are unaware of their disorder. It is not uncommon for them to make excuses like "I am too tired all the time" or "I am busy with something else" or "I can't do this because of this and I can't do that because of that." It is typical for WAD patients to search for ways to make money that take little or no effort, or to otherwise have unrealistic goals. Some WAD patients live in hopes that one day they will win the lottery and not have to work again, or that they will inherit a lot of money, or that they will start a business or get a book published and make money from that, or that they will hit some type of jackpot. If unmarried, they may just expect to marry someone who is rich or who can otherwise support them. Many such patients will not even be trying to make these things happen. Others live with the expectation that familiy members, such as parents, uncles, aunts, siblings, or inlaws can and will support them and even let them live with them. Begging is a common method of dealing with the lack of income. Most begging comes from family and friends. Some turn to non-profit and religious organizations (such as churches) to meet their needs. Many street beggars (homeless or not) have WAD. Since the age of the interet, cyberbegging has become another venue for WAD patients. Many religious people will turn to prayer as a way to deal with their lack of money. Sometimes, their prayers are for a windfall; for others, it is just to meet their basic needs. Compulsive gambling is also common about WAD sufferers. An estimated 40% of compulsive gamblers have WAD. Many WAD patients fall victim to one or more get-rich-quick schemes throughout the course of their illness. This further complicates their lives with more lost money, that very little bit that could have been used to meet their needs or improve their lives. Attempting to get declared disabled by the government and receive welfare is common too. While it is debateable among politicians, legal, and medical experts whether or not WAD is a valid reason for receiving welfare, some patients are successful at getting approved; others are not. Those who do get approved do so on the basis that they suffer from a psychological disorder that prevents them from working (see below). Turning to a life of crime in extreme cases occurs to. It is estimated that about 20-40% of criminals whose crimes involved illegally obtaining money did so because of WAD. Views The view of the WAD patient in the eyes of others can vary. The majority of the population looks unfavorably upon WAD patients. The typical view is that they are "lazy," lacking of a work ethic, and altogether "immature" and "irresponsible." Many patients are viewed as "stupid" or "dumb," or as second-class citizens. Examination of WAD patients has shown the contrary, and that a psychological disorder beyond the patient's control is At Fault. WAD patients on average are no less intelligent, mature, responsible, independent, energetic, or ethical than other people. A small number of people, mostly those familiar with this condition or other medical conditions that may cause it take the disorder quite seriously, believing and feeling for those who make excuses not to work. Causes Why do patients have Work Aversion Disorder? Most patients are not open even to themselves as to why they do not wish to work, or even that they do not wish to work, as they make constant excuses to avoid work or specific jobs they are offered. These excuses are generally not true, or are true but exaggerated. Often, the patient is unaware of her real troubles. In reality, there are a variety of other reasons why WAD patients do not wish to be employed, and sometimes, multiple reasons are present. Some of these include: * Boredom with working * Finding work mentally too taxing or challenging * Discomfort with the setting of a workplace or the interaction with others at work * Difficulty following a set of rules typical to work, such as behavioral and performance guidelines or a dress code * Discomfort being judged by others for the quality of one's work * Feeling shame being seen by others performing various types of work * Dislike of taking orders from others (also known as "Hierarchy Aversion") * Dislike of the confinement to a schedule of fixed hours * Refusal to give up an activity in favor of work to which patient is addicted or otherwise attached * Loss of free time It is the lymbic system of the brain in which a person can understand cause and effect, and therefore see the value of doing right and the unpleasant consequences of doing wrong. For example, if one touches a burning hot surface and feels the pain, it is the lymbic system that tells her not to touch it again because it'll be too painful. But in some WAD patients, there is a distortion in the lymbic system in which one's views have been skewed, so even if she has been able to enjoy the benefits of work, and is suffering from the horrific consequences of earning too little money or none at all, her reality is twisted into accepting the pain caused by not working. This is comparable to one who suffers from a lot of pain from touching a hot surface, but continues to do it again. Usually, one or more physchological disorders is behind WAD. Some of these are: * Anxiety Disorder * Asperger's Syndrome * Autism * Bipolar disorder * Clinical Depression or Disthymia * Learning Disabilities * Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder * Oppositional Defiance Disorder * Panic Disorder * Phobias * Post-Traumatc Stress Disorder (PTSD) It can be caused by a particular experience one had in the past with employment, such as previously getting fired (leading to fear of rejection), being mistreated by a previous employer, or having a scary experience at a previous job (such as an on-the-job accident). In some, it can be the enjoyment of or addiction to a hobby or extracurricular activity. For example, one can be addicted to playing Video Games, or enjoy their gardening more than work. Or they may feel they wish to be at a certain place during the hours when it is customary to work so they can participate in an activity. There are some forms of WAD in which a person is willing to work, but only at a certain type of job. For example, one may only want to be a waiter, and won't settle for being a store clerk. The person would rather be unemployed than be something other than a waiter. Treatment Some forms of WAD can be cured, some can't. When WAD is cured, the patient may be able to return to work and lead a normal life. When it can't, alternative arrangements need to be made for the patient such as economic support by a relative or welfare. Treating the underlying disorder that caused WAD is key. This may require psychotherapy, counseling, or medication. In all cases, it takes the willingness of the patient to receive the treatment. One form of treatment that has been developed and is successful with some patients is called "Work-Hardening" therapy. The object of work-hardening therapy is to gradually get the patient adapted to work. In work-hardening therapy, the patient is initially given a short work week with short days with a participating employer. Over time, the length of the work day and the number of work days in a week is increased, until it has reached full time. Some patients are able to see temporary relief from their conditions if they are able to find employment that unlike most, provides them with comfort that they lack elsewhere. This is not necessaily a cure. If this employment is lost, symptoms will likely reappear. Simply being told by others to work does not cure or solve the disorder. Even being threatened into working or facing consequences does not motivate the patient to work. In many cases, this can make the patient more agitated and less willing to receive treatment. Complications The following can go wrong with WAD patients: * Exhaustion of savings - In patients who have no income who rely on existing savings for their basic necessities * Debt - When a patient treats her credit cards as "income" or "assets" readily available for spending. Often, such patients will take cash advances on their credit cards that will be used to pay other credit card bills. * Late fees - Extra money that must be paid on bills that are not paid on time further complicate their lack of money * Loss of services - Those who lack money will face inevitable terminations in services to which they subscribe, such as utilities. Those with car payments may face repossession, and even without car payments, others may not be able to pay for the fuel, insurance, maintenence, and repairs on their vehicle. * Starvation - When patient cannot afford sufficient nourishment * Suffering of family - Dependent family members may suffer from patient's unwillingness to work * Marital problems - Marriages may be impacted by a spouse with WAD. It is more common for a woman to leave a man with WAD than for a man to abandon such a woman due to society's expectations. * Loss of custody - Courts may strip custody of children from WAD patients who are unable to support their children, leading to complications of neglect * Legal action - Patient may be sued for collection of money owed to creditors. This can lead to foreclosure or eviction from one's residence, garnishment of any existing wages, or attachment of assets * Crime - Some WAD patient resort to criminal activity in desperation. Most such crimes are petty in nature. Check bouncing is common as patients attempt to "play the float" to pay their bills when they are expecting some money. Others may write bad checks, knowing they will bounce, but hoping to have obtain their needs. Check kiting and various scams are common too. * Homelessness - A significant number of homeless people have WAD * Medical problems - Self-neglect and neglect of dependents can lead to serioud health problems