A 2003 JAMA article says untreated depression cost employers an estimated $44 billion in lost productive work time each year. More than one in six U.S. adults (16%) suffer from some form of depression in their lifetimes.
Depression is too often inadequately treated. 80% of patients diagnosed with depression are treated through their primary care providers, who are often ill equipped to help; 59% of those patients treated through primary care receive inadequate treatment.
Chronic Illness Exacerbates Depression
Adults with chronic illnesses are significantly more likely to suffer from depression. And, in turn, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, and obesity become more difficult to treat when co-morbid with depression. Non-adherence contributes to the problem: 21% of patients on antidepressants are non-adherent, and 48% are intermittently non-adherent.
Right Setting, Right Treatment, Right Time
The key to successful treatment of depressed patients is a population-based program focused on early identification of those suffering from depression. Beacon’s Depression Health Management (DHM) Program is an effective four-step solution:
- Identify patients suffering from depression
- Provide health coaching and ongoing assessment
- Address treatment adherence through direct member outreach
- Use Beacon’s Integrated Partner Model to integrate behavioral and medical care
Proven Results
Beacon’s DHM Program has proven its value:
- Improved treatment adherence
- Improved functioning and decreased depressive symptoms, as measured by SF-12 and PHQ-9 scores
- Fewer inpatient medical and mental-health admissions
- Improved management of medical illnesses