Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
07:57
A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
[Economic evaluation of a course in coping with depression]
Erik Nord1, Odd Steffen Dalgard
1Divisjon for psykisk helse, Nasjonalt folkehelseinstitutt, Boks 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo.
Summary
A depression coping course significantly improves quality of life, offering benefits comparable to gaining an extra life year for one person. The course costs USD 45,000-60,000 for 200 individuals, representing good value for societal investment.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health
- Health Economics
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- A depression coping course demonstrated documented effects in shortening depressive episodes.
- An economic evaluation was performed to assess the cost-effectiveness of this intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an economic evaluation of a depression coping course.
- To estimate the societal value and cost of the intervention.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial with 155 subjects with depression was used to estimate medical effect.
- The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to measure improvement, with the intervention group showing an average improvement of 3-4 points.
- A societal value estimate was applied to the observed treatment effect.
Main Results:
- The quality of life improvements for 200 individuals taking the course were valued comparably to an extra life year for one person.
- The estimated cost for 200 individuals to complete the course ranges from USD 45,000 to USD 60,000.
- This cost falls within acceptable societal willingness-to-pay thresholds for gaining life years.
Conclusions:
- The depression coping course offers significant value, comparable to life-extending interventions.
- The intervention's cost is justifiable based on societal priorities for health outcomes.
- Potential reductions in sick leave may further decrease the net societal cost of the course.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Depression: Overview
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
01:20Coping Strategies: Emotion Focused
Emotion-focused coping refers to a set of strategies aimed at managing the emotional impact of stressors, rather than directly addressing their causes. This approach involves altering one's emotional response to stressful situations to reduce their psychological effects. For example, individuals might talk with a friend or engage in activities like journaling to express their feelings. Such actions can help achieve emotional clarity or release, providing the psychological stability needed to...
01:25Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapy, pioneered by Aaron T. Beck in the 1960s, is a structured approach to addressing psychological distress by focusing on the influence of thoughts on emotions and behaviors. All cognitive therapies involve the basic assumption that human beings have control over their feelings, and that how individuals feel about something depends on how they think about it. Unlike psychoanalytic methods that delve into unconscious processes or humanistic approaches emphasizing...
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
01:24Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Treatment approaches for psychological disorders fall into three main categories: psychological, biological, and sociocultural. Each approach targets different aspects of mental health, requiring varying levels of education and training.
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...