The Social Cost of Major Depression. A Systematic Review

Abstract

Major depression (MD) is a major cause of disability and a significant public health problem due to strong physical and mental impairment, possible complications for patients (including suicides), serious social and working problems to the patient and his/her family. We provide an overview of the social cost of Major depression worldwide. We conducted a systematic literature review. Two search engines were queried. Screening of records and summary of evidence was performed by two researchers blindly. The review was conducted in accordance with the standards of the PRISMA guidelines.
 
 Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Despite the heterogeneity in terms of population, setting and estimation techniques, the studies showed that the largest share of the burden of disease is represented by indirect costs. Among direct healthcare costs, inpatient care represents the most significant item, followed by outpatient care. The average total direct cost of depression ranges between €508 and €24 069, depending on the jurisdiction where the analysis was run and the range of cost items included. Indirect costs range between €1963 and €27 364.
 
 Evidence on the cost of MD in some countries is currently lacking. A deeper understanding of the drivers of the economic burden of disease is a crucial starting point for studies concerned with the cost-effectiveness of new treatment strategies.

The use of social media and the prevalence of depression: a multi-country examination of value co-creation and consumer well-being

“…Governments are increasingly holding firms responsible for the harm they bring to society. As noted earlier, the social cost of the prevalence of depression is quite significant (Coretti et al. , 2019; WHO, 2017).…”

Genetic variables of the glutamatergic system associated with treatment-resistant depression: A review of the literature

“…Depression significantly affects family, social, and occupational functioning and is, therefore, a health, social and economic problem. A recent review calculated that the direct costs of depression, due to the higher use of healthcare services, may be up to 24,069€ per patient/year, depending on the jurisdiction wherein the analyses were performed[ 6 ]. Productivity losses, for their part, were estimated to be between 1963€ and 27364€ per person per year[ 6 ].…”

Development of a Short Form Depression Screening Questionnaire for Korean Soldiers

“…Although this number is lower than those of the Western countries such as the United States of America, Italy, and France, it is higher than those of Nigeria and China, and is increasing every year. 2 Therefore, early detection and intervention of depression in Korea is exceedingly important for preventing suicide, 3 4 labor loss, 5 6 and social costs 7 8 caused by it. As the only divided country in the world, Korea maintains the conscription system; as of the 2012 Defense White Paper, there are 639,000 soldiers in South Korea.…”