Original Research J Clin Psychiatry February 2015

The Economic Burden of Adults With Major Depressive Disorder in the United States (2005 and 2010)

JCP 2015;76(2):10.4088/JCP.14m09298

Full Article Read the complete peer-reviewed article in J Clin Psychiatry. Clinical Summary Major depressive disorder imposes costs far beyond the psychiatric visit, with much of the burden arising from comorbid conditions and lost work rather than depression treatment itself. For clinicians, this reframes major depressive disorder as a disorder with substantial medical and occupational consequences that extend well beyond symptom management. FAQ How much did the economic burden of major depressive disorder increase in the United States from 2005 to 2010?

Key Takeaways Direct treatment spending for major depressive disorder was a relatively small share of the overall burden: MDD direct costs accounted for only 12%-13% of total incremental costs, totaling $21.6 billion in 2005 and $27.7 billion in 2010. Clinical Guide How should clinicians evaluate comorbid conditions and occupational impairment when treating adults with major depressive disorder?