Consequences of discrimination and harassment in the workplace

Discrimination and moral and sexual harassment occurring in the workplace can undermine personal integrity and, more generally, have workplace and social repercussions. At the individual level, they have an impact on well-being, self-confidence, and the ability to perform in the workplace. They can also permanently deteriorate the health of the individual, with the onset of chronic diseases such as hypertension and obesity and the increase in the cardiovascular risk; moreover, they can alter mental health, (anxiety-depressive disorder, self-destructive behaviours) and negatively impact sexual health. This article aims to help primary care general practitioners recognize, identify and treat the consequences of harassment and discrimination.