Major depression affects over 15 million American adults and has significant economic and social costs. The annual cost of major depression in the United States was estimated to be over $210 billion in 2010, with only 40% of costs directly related to medical treatment. Left untreated, major depression can also increase the risk of other health issues. However, treatment options like psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy have proven effective in reducing symptoms for most patients. Addressing major depression through a holistic approach that considers physical, emotional, and social well-being could help improve lives while lowering healthcare costs.

1. WHO HAS MAJOR DEPRESSION?
In 2014, an estimated 15.7 million American adults
had major depression—more than the populations of
New York, Los Angeles and Chicago combined.
NATIONAL COST GOING UP
$
$
The economic
cost of major
depression
has risen
dramatically
since 2000.
HEAVY BURDEN
MAJOR EXPENSE
PROVEN SOLUTIONS
Other depression and
non-depression costs totaled
$8,014 per individual.
Medical care for
two people with
major depression
costs essentially the
same as care for
three people without
the disease.
Major depression exacts a high price from patients, employers, insurers and providers.
Addressing the condition and associated illnesses could improve overall well-being of
affected individuals and reduce costs for everyone.
LOS ANGELES
CHICAGO
NEW YORK
15.7 million American adults
In the U.S., major
depression affects:
2000 2005 2010
$83.1 billion
(most recent data available)
THAT’S AN
INCREASE OF
153 PERCENT.
153%
of adult men
0 100
4.8 percent
0 100
of adult women
8.2 percent
of the population
0 100
6.6 percent
$173.2 billion
In 2010, medical care for individuals with major depression cost $70,736,000, including:
for outpatient
services
$38,205,000 $20,598,000
for inpatient care in medications and
pharmaceutical services
$28,177,000
$1,410 $8,014
$
The cost of medical care directly
related to major depression for each
employed patient was $1,410.
In three months,
employees with major depression
will accrue:
2 patients
with depression
3 patients
without depression
$32,808 $32,877
(Average cost of treatment and medication. Source: MissionPoint Health Partners Study)
Treating patients with
depression costs around
$4,000 more annually
than treating individuals
without the condition.
$
Annually, major depression
costs employers:
$210.5 billion
MAJOR DEPRESSION MEDICAL CARE OTHER COSTS
THE COSTLY TOLL OF
$
MAJOR DEPRESSION
4.8
11.5
200 million
missed workdays
days of lower
productivity1 2 3
$17–44 billion
TOTAL:
The emotional and physical cost of
major depression for each patient can’t
be calculated. In addition to debilitating
symptoms, major depression is associated
with higher risk for:
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Heart disease
$2.90 for indirect costs, including
workplace or lifestyle adjustments made to
accommodate depressed individuals.
$4.70 for
comorbidity costs
40%
Only 40 percent of
major depression costs
are directly related to
treating the condition.
For every $1 spent on medical and pharmaceutical services for
major depression, the condition costs an additional:
• Obesity
• Parkinson’s disease
• Stroke
lost workdays
(547,945 years’ worth)
WHO CAN HELP?
Be part of the solution. Visit www.missionpointhealth.org to learn more.
TREATMENT
EFFECTIVE
VERSUS PLACEBO
Pharmacotherapy for acute episode
Psychotherapy for acute episode
Pharmacotherapy for management/relapse
Psychotherapy for management/relapse
of unsuccessful
treatments would
become successful
if patients have help
with compliance
can screen patients for
depression and connect to
resources.
can educate beneficiaries of
available treatments.
can work with their physicians to
find effective therapies.
Health systems and providers
Insurers and employers
Patients
Symptoms improved
*10% No improvement within 6 weeks
BEYOND DIRECT COSTS
80%
50%
*
At some point in their lives, 20 to 25 percent of adults go through a major depressive episode.
SYMPTOMS IMPROVE WHEN
PATIENTS SEEK TREATMENT
SOURCES:
http://missionpointhealth.org/the-real-cost-of-depression/
http://www.annfammed.org/content/13/1/56.full
http://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/implementation/topics/depression.html
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/prevalence/major-depression-among-adults.shtml
http://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/article/Pages/2015/v76n02/v76n0204.aspx
http://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/article/PublishingImages/2015/v76n02/v76n0204/v76n0204T2.gif
MissionPoint is observing that interventions that reach far beyond traditional disease management approaches,
such as addressing depression in conjunction with addressing other health challenges, can help patients improve
more quickly, reducing overall healthcare costs and driving more Healthy Days for patients.