Depression treatment and cost offset for rural community residents with depression

This study examined the relationship between costs of treating physical pro blems and costs of treating depression, for 322 rural residents with depres sion. Multiple regressions were used to control for sociodemographics, depr ession severity, and physical and mental health comorbidities at baseline. The results indicated a $1.42 (n = 322) reduction in the costs of treating physical problems for a $1.00 increase in the costs of treating depression. The reduction was $2.61 (p < 0.05) among those receiving depression treatm ent (n = 125). These findings suggest a net savings from depression treatme nt, in addition to other benefits such as improved symptoms and functioning and increased productivity.