SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS DUE TO DEPRESSIVE EPISODE IN BRAZIL (2008-2019)

Introduction: Mental and behavioral disorders corresponded to the third main cause of disability benefits granted by the National Institute of Social Security (INSS), especially the Major Depressive Episode (MDE). Objectives: Present the frequency of granting social security benefits for disability due to MDE in Brazil. Material and method: Ecological study of the INSS public database regarding work disability benefits granted between 2008 and 2019. Results and discussion: The average number of benefits granted by MDE was 56,643 (standard deviation – sd 6,201). The male mean was 16,837 (SD 2,227), or 29.67% (SD 1.13) and the female mean was 39,806 (SD 4,106), or 70.33% (SD 1.13). In the urban area, the average was 55,044 (SD 5,982), or 97.18% (SD 0.27) and, in the rural area, 1,599 (SD 267), or 2.82% (SD 0.27). Conclusion: Disabling MDE benefits were granted mainly to women from urban and non-work related regions. The data justify the need for effective measures to mitigate the impact of these leaves on workers and rehabilitate them for reintegration into the labor market. Keywords: Depressive Disorder, Occupational Health, Social Security, Sick Leave.