[Dysfunctional workplace organization and mobbing. 4 representative cases].
BACKGROUND
Stress and psychological harassment at work are increasing worldwide, according to International Agencies (European Community, NIOSH) and to most authors.


OBJECTIVE
To describe typical working situations responsible for distress and mobbing, with the aim of early diagnosis and effectiveness of therapy and rehabilitation.


METHODS
Four cases are reported as representative of dysfunctional organization producing distress and pathology or inducing mobbing behavior or mobbing without clear organization responsibilities.


CONCLUSIONS
In all cases dysfunctional organization appeared to have played a significant role even though not always a direct one. Also, common characteristics were highlighted in the three cases where mobbing was recognized.
Albini
Elisa
E
Istituto di Medicina del Lavoro, P.le Ospedale Civili 1, Brescia. medlav@unibs.it
Benedetti
Laura
L
Giordano
S
S
Punzi
Silvia
S
Cassitto
Maria Grazia
MG
D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000209:etiology; D017406:Sexual Harassment; D012918:Social Alienation; D012919:Social Behavior; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology; D017132:Workplace / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*