On Oct. 1, 2024, a study by the University of Amsterdam and the Trimbos Institute showed that 20% of the Dutch population bears a disproportionately large share of mental and other health problems.

The researchers analysed the mental health, physical health and labour productivity of a representative group of over 6,000 Dutch people. To do so, they used data from the Trimbos Institute’s NEMESIS-2 study (Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence study) on health and well-being of the Dutch population.

The researchers also found a clear relation between mental- and health problems and having been a victim of abuse before the age of 16. In addition, people in this 20% segment often struggle with multiple problems at the same time, according to the researchers. Of those with sleep problems, for instance, 70% also struggled with absenteeism at work and 100% also used psychotropic prescription medication. The study findings were published in Public Health.