title: Depression prevention, labour force participation and income of older working aged Australians: A microsimulation economic analysis.
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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Group-based psychological intervention to prevent depression could result in considerable economic benefits in addition to its clinical effects.
authors.affiliation: School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Australia l.veerman@uq.edu.au.
authors.forename: J Lennert
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Veerman
authors.affiliation: NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Rupendra N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Shrestha
authors.affiliation: Deakin Health Economics, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia.
authors.forename: Cathrine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mihalopoulos
authors.affiliation: University Centre for Rural Health - North Coast, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, Australia.
authors.forename: Megan E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Passey
authors.affiliation: National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australia.
authors.forename: Simon J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.affiliation: National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australia.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tanton
authors.affiliation: NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Emily J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Callander
authors.affiliation: NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Deborah J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Schofield
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000191:economics* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004651:Employment / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000191:economics*; D057566:Self Report; D012946:Social Welfare; D013660:Taxes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: Depressive disorders; cost-effectiveness; economics; income; labour force participation; welfare