Depression management in the workplace: a case study

To review a case of a depression management program at PPG Industries with the potential to improve outcomes on functioning and productivity in the workplace.

The need for major improvements in depression management has been well established. While most in the corporate world are aware of these deficiencies, the perception is that this fragmented system is difficult to change. PPG Industries, a medium-sized, Fortune 500 company manufacturing paints, stains, and sealants, has launched a successful and comprehensive program in the workplace that has improved outcomes for depressed employees. The PPG approach is practical, addressing each step in the process one at a time. This process began by establishing a close working relationship between all entities responsible for employee health, many of which are currently carved out. This enabled the company to have a comprehensive view of their depressed population and to examine their functional outcomes as well. In an effort to help identify depressed employees, the company educated their physicians and care managers and launched a confidential Web site to reduce mental health stigma and aid in employee screening and education. A multidisciplinary team was then assembled to facilitate the treatment of these patients. All of these steps were measurable, and the preliminary results of this process are summarized.

A disease management program that incorporates a multifaceted, collaborative approach to treat depression is feasible and may improve care and decrease cost to employers.