Depression status, medical comorbidity and resource costs: Evidence from an international study of major depression in primary care (LIDO)

Background. Despite the burden of depression, there remain few data on its economic consequences in an international context. Aims. To explore the relationship between depression status (with and without medical comorbidity), work loss and health care costs, using crosssectional data from a multi-national study of depression in primary care. Method. Primary care attendees were screened for depression. Those meeting eligibility criteria were categorised according to DSM-IV criteria, for major depressive disorder and comorbid status. Unit costs were attached to self-reported. days absent from work and uptake of health care services. Results. Medical comorbidity was associated with a 17-46% increase in health care costs in five of the six sites, but a clear positive association. between costs and clinical depression status was identified in only one site. Conclusions. The economic consequences of depression are influenced to a greater (and considerable) extent by the presence of medical comorbidity than. by symptom severity alone.