Diagnosis: Psychological problems on the rise

Causes of disability in statutory German pension insurance

In 1993, cardiovascular disorders were still the main cause of disability. At least 27% of male employees in Germany applying for disability benefit due to reduced earning capacity did so for this reason. Just ten years later, psychological disorders were the top cause of disability. In 2003, such complaints accounted for more than 30% of all occupational disability pensions, nearly double the figure ten years earlier. In the same period, cardiovascular disorders have almost halved. Musculoskeletal and locomotor disorders are also declining as causes of disability.

Source: Bundesversicherungsanstalt für Angestellte (BfA)