Adoecimento mental e afastamento do trabalho de servidores do Poder Judiciário Estadual

Abstract

The incidence of mental disorders as a reason for prolonged absence from work among employees of the Judiciary of Mato Grosso do Sul has been evident, according to internal data from recent years. We developed this study to analyze the rates of absence due to mental illness, investigate the diagnostic categories of the mental disorders presented, and identify the reasons—from the perspective of the employees—that led to mental illness. The period studied is from 2018 to 2023. The theoretical framework is based on the Critical Theory of Society, particularly the studies of Adorno, T. Horkheimer, M. Marcuse, H. and Crochík, J.L.. Possible reasons to be investigated as triggers were: work-related factors, traumatic experiences, financial problems, family conflicts, and a previous history of mental disorders, among others. The chosen methodology was exploratory and descriptive field research, using spreadsheets and statistical analysis of data provided by the Human Resources Department of the Mato Grosso do Sul State Court of Justice, in addition to an online form completed by employees. The results show a 69% increase in the number of sick leaves for mental health treatment from 2018 to 2023 (from 189 to 320). The number of employees on leave increased from 102 in 2018 to 157 in 2023, a 39% increase. In all years, the most prevalent disorders were anxiety disorders, followed by recurrent depressive disorders, acute stress reactions, depressive episodes, and, lastly, bipolar affective disorder. Regarding the reasons, 42 people (52.5% of respondents) attributed their mental illness to work-related factors; in addition to these, another 5 (6.3%) stated that their health condition worsened due to two main causes, one of which was work; 16 people (20%) associated the mental illness with traumatic experiences; 8 people (10% of respondents) stated that they already had the diagnosis previously; 5 respondents (6.3%) correlated financial problems, excessive responsibilities, family conflicts, social isolation, and stress due to reasons unrelated to work. 4 subjects (5%) attributed it to other factors, of which 2 mentioned a late diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder - ASD.