Systematic efforts to identify and treat depression in the workplace can significantly improve employee health, boost productivity and lower overall costs for the employer, according to new research funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The study involved a trial with 604 employees enrolled in a managed behavioral health care plan, all of whom were identified as having clinically significant depression during a web-based and telephone screening process. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to an intervention that included telephone support from a care manager and their choice of telephone psychotherapy, in-person psychotherapy or antidepressant medication. The other half of the participants were assigned to usual care, which included feedback about their screening results and advice to seek care from their usual provider.

After 12 months, those in the intervention group were 40 percent more likely to have recovered from their depression compared to those in usual care. Participants in the intervention group also were 70 percent more likely to stay employed, and worked an average of two more hours per week than those in usual care.

Although the data did not lend itself to a comprehensive cost/benefit analysis, the researchers noted that just the value of more hours worked among those in the intervention group who were employed, estimated at $1,800 per employee per year, far exceeded the $100-$400 per person cost associated with the type of outreach and intervention program used in the study. “This study provides compelling evidence of the importance of workplace depression screening, outreach, and enhanced treatment,” said NIMH Director Thomas R. Insel, M.D. “It is in the interest of workers' health and the company's bottom line to ensure depressed employees are effectively treated.”

Source: Workplace Depression Screening, Outreach and Enhanced Treatment Improves Productivity, Lowers Employer Costs, released September 26, 2007, National Institute of Mental Health.