Number of depression and burnouts increased for more than 1 year by 44 percent in 5 years
Between 2018 and 2023, the number of depression and burnouts increased by 44 percent for more than 1 year. This is evident on Monday from provisional figures from the National Institute for Sickness and Invalidity Insurance (RIZIV).
The statistics describe the evolution of disability, or incapacity for work for more than 1 year. The number of people in disability due to a mental disorder increased further in 2023, especially for depression or burnout, there is an increase of 9.4 percent compared to 2022.
Of all people who were on disability at the end of 2023 – it concerns 526,507 people – 37.6 percent are incapacitated for work due to a mental disorder. 69.5 percent of them suffer from depression or a burnout, or 137,454 people
55-59 years
Most disabled people due to depression or burnout are in the age group 55-59 years. It concerns 27,394 people. However, the highest ascent percentage can be found in the youngest age group: the young people under 30 years old (+21.6 percent on an annual basis), followed by the 30-39 year olds (+16 percent). Until now, the rise was highest for people over 60.
Those very high ascent percentages in the two youngest age groups occur for both employees and job seekers (+21.4 percent in 1 year for young people under the age of 30) and with the self -employed (+30 percent).
Almost 60 percent of all people in disability are women. In the event of disability due to depression or burnout, that is 69 percent of the cases.
The RIZIV calculated that in 2023 more than 2 billion euros went to benefits for disability for more than 1 year caused by depression or burnout. That is an increase of more than 15 percent in one year and more than 74 percent since 2018. This includes the ordinary benefits, the catch -up premiums and the allowances for the help of third parties.
