Depression prevention, labour force participation and income of older working aged Australians: A microsimulation economic analysis

J. Lennert Veerman, Rupendra N. Shrestha, Cathrine Mihalopoulos, Megan E. Passey, Simon J. Kelly, Robert Tanton, Emily J. Callander, Deborah J. Schofield

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: Depression has economic consequences not only for the health system, but also for individuals and society. This study aims to quantify the potential economic impact of five-yearly screening for sub-syndromal depression in general practice among Australians aged 45-64 years, followed by a group-based psychological intervention to prevent progression to depression. Method: We used an epidemiological simulation model to estimate reductions in prevalence of depression, and a microsimulation model, Health&WealthMOD2030, to estimate the impact on labour force participation, personal income, savings, taxation revenue and welfare expenditure. Results: Group therapy is estimated to prevent around 5,200 prevalent cases of depression (2.2%) and add about 520 people to the labour force. Private incomes are projected to increase by $19 million per year, tax revenues by $2.4 million, and transfer payments are reduced by $2.6 million. Conclusion: Group-based psychological intervention to prevent depression could result in considerable economic benefits in addition to its clinical effects.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)430-436
Number of pages7
JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
Volume49
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 May 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • cost-effectiveness
  • Depressive disorders
  • economics
  • income
  • labour force participation
  • welfare

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