Descriptive analysis of Initial Expertise Examinations of Secured Citizens from the National Institute of the Social Insurance Presenting Mental Disorders

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To present a preliminary analysis of socio-demographic, clinical and social-security profile of secured citizens that underwent an initial expertise examination in Juiz de Fora (State of Minas Gerais, Brazil), following a request for social benefits due to a Mental Disorder diagnose. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of data drawn from an official data bank (DATAPREV) related to initial expertise examination concluded between July 2004 and December 2006. RESULTS: Requests came mainly from women (66.8%), residents in Juiz de Fora (83.9%), with a mean age of 44.3 years. Results indicated 22.2% of non-specific labor activity, that 41.2% of the petitioners were autonomous workers and 30.7% were unemployed at request; mean period of affiliation to Social Security was 14.4 years, and actual contribution occurred for a mean time of 7.6 years. Minor Humor Disorders (39.6%) and Anxiety Disorders (34.5%) were most frequent diagnoses; psychiatric comorbidities were most frequent (33.6%); diagnose changes, in relation to anterior examination were identified in over 50% of the registrations. The petitioners were considered incapable of working in 63.8% of the examinations; had been sick for an average of 1.9 years, incapable for a mean 37.6 days (considering the application date); the mean period of work dismissal was 307.8 days and the benefits were renewed for an average of 2.6 times. CONCLUSION: The results highlighted possible failures of experts as to the adequate registration of clinical and social security data. The results may indicate possible relations of requests for social benefits due to a Mental Disorder with region of residence, unemployment and informal work.