EVALUATION OF COMMON MENTAL DISORDERS IN TEACHERS OF A STATE SCHOOL IN THE SOUTH OF THE STATE OF SANTA CATARINA

Abstract

Introduction: This study addresses the psychological health of teachers, relating it to their working conditions. Teachers face physical and mental stress due to the high demand for activities, work overload, and interpersonal conflicts. These factors may be related to disorders such as burnout syndrome, anxiety disorders, sleep-wake disorders, and depressive disorders. Thus, this study aimed to understand the frequency of common mental disorders in teachers at a state school in southern Santa Catarina. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that evaluated 52 teachers from Martinho Alves dos Passos State School, Santa Catarina. Data collection occurred from March to May 2022 using the SRQ-20 Scale to verify the frequency of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results: The research identified that 50% of the teachers presented CMD based on the SRQ-20 Scale. The average age of the teachers was 38.75 years. There was no significant association between the diagnosis of CMD and sociodemographic variables. However, teachers with CMD showed higher use of controlled medication, especially SSRI antidepressants, and more psychiatric diagnoses than those without CMD. Women had a higher prevalence of CMD compared to men. Conclusion: This study highlights the high prevalence of mental disorders among teachers, especially among women, and underscores the need to address issues related to teachers' mental health and improve working conditions to reduce the risk of CMD.