Background:The economic burden of depression in the United States-including major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder, and dysthymia-was estimated at $83.1 billion in 2000. We update these findings using recent data, focusing on MDD alone and accounting for comorbid physical and psychiatric disorders. Method:Using national survey (DSM-IV criteria) and administrative claims data (ICD-9 codes), we estimate the incremental economic burden of individuals with MDD as well as the share of these costs attributable to MDD, with attention to any changes that occurred between 2005 and 2010. Results:The incremental economic burden of individuals with MDD increased by 21.5% (from $173.2 billion to $210.5 billion, inflation-adjusted dollars). The composition of these costs remained stable, with approximately 45% attributable to direct costs, 5% to suicide-related costs, and 50% to workplace costs. Only 38% of the total costs were due to MDD itself as opposed to comorbid conditions. Conclusions:Comorbid conditions account for the largest portion of the growing economic burden of MDD. Future research should analyze further these comorbidities as well as the relative importance of factors contributing to that growing burden. These include population growth, increase in MDD prevalence, increase in treatment cost per individual with MDD, changes in employment and treatment rates, as well as changes in the composition and quality of MDD treatment services.
Using national survey data and risk equations from the Framingham Heart Study, we quantify the impact of antihypertensive therapy changes on blood pressures and the number and cost of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths. Antihypertensive therapy has had a major impact on health. Without it, 1999-2000 average blood pressures (at age 40+) would have been 10-13 percent higher, and 86,000 excess premature deaths from cardiovascular disease would have occurred in 2001. Treatment has generated a benefit-to-cost ratio of at least 6:1, but much more can be achieved. More effective use of antihypertensive medication would have an impact on mortality akin to eliminating all deaths from medical errors or accidents. [Health Affairs 26, no. 1 (2007): 97-110; 10.1377/hlthaff.26.1.97] M an y ana lys ts ag r e e t h at m e d i c a l i n n ovat i o n, whether in the form of new drugs, medical devices, diagnostic techniques, or procedures, has resulted in substantial improvements in both quality and length of life. However, estimating the actual societal value of medical innovation remains a challenge. The medical literature reports results from scores of randomized clinical trials measuring the relative safety and efficacy of specific treatments on individuals in highly controlled settings, but there are few careful estimates of the societal impact of specific medical innovations with real-world average rates of diagnosis, compliance, and clinical impact.Real-world experience may differ from that in highly controlled clinical trials. Patient compliance rates may be lower. Further, the overall population may be
The objective of the study was to quantify the direct and indirect incremental costs of epoetin alpha (EPO) therapy for anemia in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD). Using employer claims data from January 1998 to January 2005, direct (medical and pharmacy) and indirect (sick leave and disability) costs were compared between CKD-anemic patients treated with EPO before dialysis (n = 199) and those not treated with an erythropoiesis-stimulating therapy (EST) (n = 196). Among the results, incremental direct and indirect cost savings for EPO-treated patients were $1443 and $328 per member per month (PMPM) (p < 0.001), respectively, compared to non-EST-treated patients with anemia. After multivariate adjustments, direct and indirect costs remained significantly lower by $852 and $308 PMPM (p < 0.001), respectively, for the EPO-treated group. Direct costs during the first 6 months of dialysis also were significantly lower for the EPO-treated group (who received EPO before dialysis), by $1515 PMPM (p = 0.0267, in multivariate regression). In conclusion, anemic CKD patients treated with EPO before dialysis had significantly lower direct and indirect costs compared to non-EST-treated patients.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.