Depression takes a high toll on worker productivity

Depression is a leading cause of lost productivity at work, costing employers $44 billion annually in lost time and medical treatment, according to a study published yesterday in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

“People get to work with this illness, but they’re not feeling well,” says Walter Stewart, lead author of the study and director of Danville, Pa.-based Geisinger Health System. An estimated 9.4% of the U.S. workforce suffers some type of depressive disorder, with major depression taking the highest toll on productivity at 8.4 hours per week. Some 57% of patients with major depression received treatment, but just 22% received adequate treatment with both anti-depressants and outpatient therapy.

Seventy-two percent of depressed individuals have comorbid anxiety or substance abuse problems, according to a separate study published in JAMA. Other research shows that 69% of depressed people may not realize they’re depressed, reporting unexplained physical symptoms as their only complaint.

“Employers are taking a double hit” in medical costs for depressed employees, says Stewart, but the good news is the condition is treatable.


Submitted by CorpCare Associates