| Title: |
Understanding the financial impact of depression: a review of cost of illness evidence from India |
| Authors: |
Parashar, Aditya; Mittal, Piyush |
| Source: |
International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology; Vol. 15 No. 2 (2026): March-April 2026; 396-399 ; 2279-0780 ; 2319-2003 |
| Publisher Information: |
Medip Academy |
| Publication Year: |
2026 |
| Subject Terms: |
Cost of illness; Depression; Socioeconomic disparities; Mental health policy; Indirect cost |
| Description: |
India bears a large portion of the societal and economic effects of depression, which is a major contributor to the disease burden. With an emphasis on both direct and indirect costs, this review examines the cost-of-illness (COI) data about depression in India. Clinical depression or major depressive disorder (MDD) is thought to affect 15-20% of people in their lifetime, and gender and poverty are important risk factors. The average yearly direct cost of depression in India is around ₹19,500 per person, which includes both medical (₹13,510 median) and nonmedical (₹6008 median) expenses. However, indirect costs-which make up 56.33% of the total COI-amount to an average of ₹33,800 per year and include factors such as lost work, caregiver stress, and time off for consultations. An estimated ₹59951.33 is the total yearly economic burden per person. Financial barriers to consistent care are highlighted by the fact that patients on regular medication spend much more (₹1,387) than those receiving irregular treatment (₹554). These results highlight the fact that women and lower-income groups are disproportionately affected by depression, and that untreated mental illness leads to significant productivity losses and long-term financial strain. Legislators must prioritize mental health financing, increase insurance coverage, and enhance access by distributing resources fairly and utilizing digital health tools. Planning successful, inclusive, and long-lasting mental healthcare. |
| Document Type: |
article in journal/newspaper |
| File Description: |
application/pdf |
| Language: |
English |
| Relation: |
https://www.ijbcp.com/index.php/ijbcp/article/view/6182/4009; https://www.ijbcp.com/index.php/ijbcp/article/view/6182 |
| DOI: |
10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20260445 |
| Availability: |
https://www.ijbcp.com/index.php/ijbcp/article/view/6182; https://doi.org/10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20260445 |
| Rights: |
Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.3941313D |
| Database: |
BASE |