In Tunisia, the recognition of work-related psychological disorders as occupational diseases remains a significant challenge. On October 29, 2026, specialists in occupational medicine gathered in Tunis to discuss the issue. They expressed skepticism about the inclusion of these disorders in the national list of occupational diseases during its upcoming revision. This stance has reignited debates about medical evidence, employee protection, and workplace prevention.
The primary obstacle to recognizing psychological disorders as occupational diseases is establishing a direct link between working conditions and the diagnosed disorder. According to Zied Laadhari, president of the Tunisian Society of Occupational Medicine, the specific nature of psychological illnesses complicates the establishment of a causal link precise enough to allow for their classification as occupational diseases. Monia Trabelsi, head of the labor inspection medical department, noted an increase in stress in professional environments but not a corresponding rise in psychological disorders directly attributed to work.
The national list of occupational diseases was last revised on September 18, 2025, with updates to several pathologies and care criteria. However, experts argue that further scientific studies are needed to distinguish between work-related factors and other influences on mental health. This requirement for more evidence makes it difficult to integrate psychological disorders into the list of occupational diseases. Currently, there are 86 classified occupational diseases, with musculoskeletal disorders accounting for around 90% of recorded cases.
For employers, the issue revolves around identifying and preventing psychosocial risks. For employees, it concerns the conditions necessary to establish the professional origin of health issues. Specialists emphasize that the difficulty in recognition does not mean psychological risks should be excluded from prevention policies. The challenge now is to gather sufficient medical knowledge and criteria to inform future regulatory developments.
The next revision of the list is expected in about three years. Until then, experts stress the need for additional scientific research to better understand the relationship between work conditions and psychological disorders. This research is crucial for developing robust criteria that can accurately identify occupational diseases and distinguish them from other health issues.
The recognition of psychological disorders as occupational diseases has significant implications for employee protection and workplace safety. It also raises questions about the responsibility of employers in preventing psychosocial risks and providing adequate support to employees. As the debate continues, stakeholders are calling for a more comprehensive approach to addressing mental health in the workplace.
The issue highlights the complexities of addressing mental health in the workplace and the need for a multifaceted approach that involves medical, legal, and preventive measures. As Tunisia continues to grapple with the challenges of recognizing psychological disorders as occupational diseases, it is clear that a concerted effort from all stakeholders is necessary to find a solution.
Key points
- Specialists in Tunisia say it's unlikely that psychological disorders will be added to the national list of occupational diseases in the near future due to the difficulty in establishing a direct link between working conditions and the diagnosed disorder.
- The current list of occupational diseases in Tunisia includes 86 classified cases, with musculoskeletal disorders accounting for around 90% of recorded cases.
- Experts recommend further scientific studies to better understand the relationship between work conditions and psychological disorders, which could inform future regulatory developments.
