The occupational history describes the sequence and duration
of jobs held by the patient, reasons for job changes, and the patient's
current or most recent employment, including quality of work relationships
and whether current or recent jobs have involved shift work, a noxious
or perilous environment, exposure to hazardous materials, unusual
physical or psychological stress, or injury or exposure to trauma
while in the military or hazardous occupations (e.g., fire and rescue,
law enforcement). Work skills and strengths are noted, as well as
the quality of the patient's relationships with co-workers
and work supervisors. Past or current experience with the workers' compensation
system and patterns of recovery or disability following episodes
of illness are also determined (61–64). When appropriate,
a history of preparation for and adjustment to retirement is included.