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Economic burden of major depressive disorder increased 21% from 2005 to 2010

The economic burden of patients with major depressive disorder in the United States increased 21% from $173.2 billion in 2005 to $210.5 billion in 2010, according to data published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

Ronald C. Kessler, PhD, the McNeil Family Professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School, and members of Analysis Group, Inc., collected data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health for DSM-IV criteria and administrative claims data for ICD-9 codes to determine the economic burden among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Ronald C. Kessler

Results indicate that the prevalence of MDD increased from 13.8 million to 15.4 million adults between 2005 and 2010. In addition, there were 1.5 million more people treated for MDD in 2010 compared with 2005.

The researchers found that the incremental economic burden of patients with MDD increased by 21.5% from 2005 to 2010. Direct costs increased 27.5% from $77.5 billion in 2005 to $98.9 billion in 2010, according to data.

The suicide rate was 14.2 per 100,000 in 2005, and increased to 15.9 per 100,000 in 2010; and 50% of suicides were linked to MDD, according to researchers. The economic burden of suicides among those with MDD increased from $9.4 billion in 2005 to $9.7 billion in 2010.

Workplace costs also increased, with presenteeism accounting for $64.7 billion in 2005, with an increase to $78.7 billion in 2010.

“The current study adds to our understanding of MDD as a source of significant economic burden,” the researchers wrote. – by Samantha Costa

Disclosure: Kessler reports serving as a consultant to Hoffman-La Roche and Johnson & Johnson Wellness and Prevention; has served on advisory boards for Mensante, Johnson & Johnson Services, Lake Nona Life Project, and US Preventive Medicine; and owns 25% share in DataStat. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.