Análise Epidemiológica dos Transtornos Mentais Relacionados ao Trabalho no Nordeste: 2014-2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Work-related mental disorders (WRMD) are multifactorial conditions associated with psychosocial factors such as work overload, low autonomy, harassment, and effort-reward imbalance, representing important causes of work incapacity. Although WRMD are among the main reasons for disability leave in Brazil, there is significant underreporting, especially in the Northeast region, which hinders planning and implementation of occupational health strategies. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological profile of WRMD cases reported in Northeast Brazil between 2014 and 2024. METHODOLOGY: Ecological study using data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). All WRMD cases reported among individuals aged ≥18 years residing in the Northeast region between 2014 and 2024 were included. Variables analyzed included year of notification, sex, age group, educational level, occupation, time in occupation, diagnosis (ICD-10), issuance of Work Accident Reports (CAT), clinical evolution, and adopted measures. RESULTS: A total of 6,716 WRMD cases were identified. The highest number of notifications occurred in 2023, and the lowest in 2014. Women accounted for most cases (60.12%), and the 30–39 age group was the most affected (37.7%). Most individuals had completed higher education (30.51%) or high school (27.44%). The most affected occupational groups were science and arts professionals (20.2%), service and commerce workers (18.9%), and administrative workers (16.8%); 59.72% had been in the same role for several years. The most frequent diagnoses were neurotic, stress-related, and somatoform disorders (F40–F48) (54.01%). CAT issuance occurred in 26.27% of cases, and temporary disability was reported in 69.7%. Five deaths were recorded. CONCLUSION: WRMD cases increased over the decade, affecting mainly women of productive age, with higher education levels, and employed in intellectual and service-related occupations. These findings reinforce the impact of adverse working conditions on mental illness and highlight the need to improve surveillance, prevention, reporting, and psychosocial support strategies for workers.