TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2014//
TI  - Depression prevention, labour force participation and income of older working aged Australians: A microsimulation economic analysis
JO  - Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry
A1  - Veerman, J. Lennert
A1  - Shrestha, Rupendra N.
A1  - Mihalopoulos, Cathrine
A1  - Passey, Megan E.
A1  - Kelly, Simon J.
A1  - Tanton, Robert
A1  - Callander, Emily J.
A1  - Schofield, Deborah J.
SP  - 430
EP  - 436
VL  - 49
IS  - 5
N2  - 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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Group-based psychological intervention to prevent depression could result in considerable economic benefits in addition to its clinical effects.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0004-8674
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0004867414561528
ID  - ref1
ER  -