Depression Drops In Ranking As Primary Cause Of Disability

Cigna’s disability claims data for the past 20 years shows a reduction in depression-related absences, and an increase in prescribed antidepressants. In 1993, depression was the third most common reason for a short-term disability absence; by 2012, depression had become the fifth most common reason for a short-term disability absence.  In 1993, depression represented 4.2% of disability claims; in 2013, represented 3.6% of claims. Interestingly, among the short-term disability claimants diagnosed with depression, antidepressant use increased from 37.3% to 74.5%.

In the United States, unplanned absences due to physical or mental . . .