Aims: To explore longitudinal changes in the importance of mental and behavioural disorders and their subgroups among people receiving disability pension in Iceland in the period 1990 to 2007.
Method: Estimation of the incidence of disability pension was based on national demographic data and information from the national disability register which includes the main diagnoses causing disability.
Results: The share of mental and behavioural disorders among new recipients of disability pension increased from 14 to 30% for women and 20 to 35% men. There was a marked increase in the incidence of disability due to disorders related to the use of alcohol and other psychoactive substances, mood disorders, disorders of psychological development and behavioural and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescence. The proportion of mental and behavioural disorders as the primary diagnosis among new recipients of disability pension increased.
Conclusion: The most likely explanation for the changes we observe is alteration in social conditions leading to a lower threshold for seeking disability pension for mental disorders.