The number of depression and burnout cases leading to work incapacity of over a year increased by 44% between 2018 and 2023, according to figures released on Monday by the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (RIZIV/INAMI).
In 2023, long-term disabilities (over a year) related to mental disorders continued to rise, particularly due to depression or burnout, increasing by 9.37% compared to 2022.
By the end of 2023, out of 526,507 individuals on disability, 37.6% were due to mental disorders.
Of these, 137,454 persons (69.5%) were suffering from depression or burnout.
The 55-59 age group remains the most affected, with 27,394 people on disability for depression or burnout. However, the largest increase was seen among people under 30, with a rise of 21.6% in one year, followed by the 30-39 age group with a 16% increase. Previously, the highest rate of increase was among those over 60.
These significant increases appear among both salaried workers and job seekers, with a 21.4% rise in one year for those under 30, and independent workers, who saw a 30% increase.
Women make up nearly 60% of disabilities for all causes, and 69% for disabilities linked to depression or burnout.
In 2023, over €2 billion were paid by the indemnity insurance to cover work incapacities of more than a year due to depression or burnout, reflecting an increase of over 15% in one year and more than 74% since 2018.
These expenses include standard indemnities, catch-up bonuses, and assistance from third parties.
