Zurich this month hosted a third roundtable to discuss trends in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.

It featured psychiatrists and representatives from Neuroscience Research Australia, the University of NSW and several mental health and suicide prevention charities.

CEO Justin Delaney says Zurich is “witnessing a profound increase” in the severity of mental illness in Australia.

It accounts for almost one-third of claims for some life products, and almost half of Zurich’s total and permanent disability claims mention mental health in addition to the primary claimed condition.

Mr Delaney says the biannual roundtables provide an “important opportunity for the broader mental health ecosystem to collaborate, exchange views and share data to drive continued progress in addressing some of the significant trends we are seeing.

“It is also a critical avenue for facilitating the meaningful and ongoing evolution of Zurich’s products and services.”

Results of a clinical trial on the use of emotional regulation and mental health tools for the management of chronic pain were presented. The forum also explored Zurich’s claims data, management and product design. 

This year, Zurich has piloted support programs for claimants aimed at improving resilience via nutrition and exercise. It has also introduced empathy training for claims employees and added mental health specialists to support its teams.