Analysis of modern trends in the structure of disabilitating mental pathology of the population of the Republic of Belarus

Objective. To analyse current trends in the structure of disabling mental pathology among adult and child population of the Republic of Belarus for the period of 2015-2024 to identify key problems and ways to improve the system of psychiatric care, medical prevention and rehabilitation.

Materials and methods. The study is based on an analysis of data from 29 966 adults (18+) and 10 259 children (<18) newly recognized as disabled due to mental and behavioral disorders. Materials of the database of the Republican Information and Analytical System on Medical Assessment and Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons of the Republic of Belarus were used. Nosological groups are identified according to the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases.

Statistical processing was carried out using Microsoft Excel, absolute, relative and intensive indicators were calculated taking into account demographic data of the National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Belarus.

Results. The average annual level of primary disability related to mental and behavioral disorders was 3.96 per 10,000 people among the adult population of the Republic of Belarus. The largest proportion of disability falls on the age groups of 80-89 years old (29.8%), 70-79 years old (18.7%) and 60-69 years old (9.8%). The leading cause of primary disability is organic mental disorders (77.0% in 2024), mainly vascular and mixed dementia (49.0%), and Alzheimer’s disease (7.0%). Primary disability in this group increased over 10 years from 2254 cases in 2015 to 2652 in 2024. Vascular dementia predominates in the Republic of Belarus due to the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, late diagnosis, and influence of environmental factors and bad habits. Since 2019, the leading cause of primary disability in children is autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Over 10 years, the number of ASD cases has increased 6-fold (from 221 in 2015 to 1298 in 2024), and primary disability rates have increased from 1.38 to 6.32 per 10,000 children. The increase of disability among adults with ASD is projected to increase: by the end of 2023, 256 patients over the age of 18 were registered, 85% of whom have severe disabilities (I and II disability group).

Conclusion. The structure of disabling mental pathology in the Republic of Belarus is characterized with predominance of vascular dementia, that requires strengthen prevention of cardiovascular diseases and early prevention of cognitive disorders. Disabilities due to ASD are rapidly increasing in children, creating a need for the development of medical, social, and occupational rehabilitation programs for adult patients. Counteracting the identified trends is seen in the introduction of advanced diagnostic methods, prevention of cardiovascular diseases and promotion of a healthy lifestyle, development of a support system for patients with ASD at all stages of life. The obtained data are relevant for the adaptation of the State policy in the field of mental health and social protection.

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