Cost-Effectiveness of Screening and Psychotherapy for Depression
Author Information
Author(s): van den Berg Matthijs, Smit Filip, Vos Theo, van Baal Pieter H. M.
Primary Institution: Centre for Public Health Forecasting, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
Is minimal contact psychotherapy cost-effective for preventing major depression in opportunistically screened individuals with sub-threshold depression?
Conclusion
The study found that opportunistic screening and minimal contact psychotherapy may be cost-effective in preventing major depression.
Supporting Evidence
- The intervention was estimated to avert 12,000 DALYs.
- From the health care perspective, the ICER was €1,400 per DALY.
- The intervention was cost-saving from the societal perspective.
- Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed a probability of around 80% for cost-effectiveness.
Takeaway
This study shows that checking people for mild depression and helping them with a simple therapy can save money and help them feel better.
Methodology
A Markov model was used to estimate future health effects and costs over a five-year period.
Potential Biases
The study relied on a single trial for effectiveness data, which may not be generalizable.
Limitations
The effectiveness of the intervention was assumed to last for only one year, and the model did not account for all potential biases and uncertainties.
Participant Demographics
The target population consisted of individuals aged 20 to 65 visiting a general practitioner.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.016
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.40–1.09
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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