Further policy changes are needed to improve depression care

Depression is a highly prevalent disorder among primary care (PC) patients, particularly those with chronic medical disorders. Patients with depression use more medical care and have two-fold higher medical costs than patients without depression. Older adults with depression have high medical costs, frequently have multiple chronic illnesses, and are the focus of many payment reforms and healthcare redesign approaches. Depression is a risk factor for functional decline in aging populations, dementia, and mortality.
Source: General Hospital Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research