J Korean Soc Biol Ther Psychiatry.
2021 Oct;27(3):237-244.
Calculation of Socioeconomic Cost of Depression in Korea in 2019
- Affiliations
-
- 1School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, korea
- 2Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, korea
- 3Department of Psychiatry, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, korea
Abstract
Objectives
：The high lifetime prevalence of depression in Korea is related to problems such as suicide and decreased productivity, as well as the cost of disease due to increased use of medical services, which can cause great socioeconomic loss. Therefore, in this study, the burden of disease of depression and the importance of managing mental health diseases, which are increasing day by day, are suggested to be helpful in determining priorities in health policy establishment.
Methods
：In this study, the socio-economic cost of depression was calculated by dividing it into direct cost and indirect cost. For statistical data, data from the National Health Insurance Service of the public and statistics on diseases of national interest were mainly used.
Results
：As a result, the socio-economic cost of depression in 2019 estimated in this study was calculated to be a total of KRW 4.83 trillion, with direct costs 692.9 billion won and indirect costs 4.13 trillion won. Among them, the cost due to decrease in work performance accounted for the largest portion, accounting for 65.5%.
Conclusions
：As the socio-economic burden due to depression is expected to increase in the future, it is necessary to establish a systematic funding plan for the treatment and management of depressed patients in daily life.
