Affiliations: The Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University,
Department of Social Medicine, PO Box 453, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Lena Andersson, The Sahlgrenska
Academy at Göteborg University, Department of Social Medicine, PO Box 453,
SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden. Tel.: +46 31 7736854; Fax: +46 31 162847;
E-mail: lena.andersson@socmed.gu.se
Abstract: Regional differences in Sweden in the prevalence of disability
pension with a psychiatric diagnosis are unexplained, in spite of the
significant impact on the population's health, rehabilitation systems, and the
health care system. The purpose of this study was to describe the pattern of
disability pensions with a psychiatric diagnosis and to analyze the impact of
age and gender. We examined the incidence rates in one urban and one semi-rural
region and compared these to national rates. The study sample was drawn from
employed persons between 16–64 years of age who, because of their sickness
insurance coverage, would be eligible to access disability pensions should it
be necessary. Analysis of annual incidences and standardized morbidity ratios
were made for 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, and 1998. Data on disability pension
cases were collected from the National Social Insurance registers. In the urban
region we found that the proportion of men and women clearly outnumbered the
national average: approximately twice the number of persons between 16–64
years of age with a psychiatric diagnosis were receiving a disability pension.
In the semi-rural region there were fewer men overall on disability pensions
with psychiatric disorders, but in 1980, 1985, and 1995 women clearly
outnumbered men. Access to psychiatric care, unemployment, alcohol dependence,
and previous sickness absence are suggested as possible factors that might
affect the rates of disability pension in different geographical settings.
Keywords: Swedish mental health system, psychiatric diagnosis, regional differences, disability pensions
