The Economic Impact of Depression Treatment in India: Evidence from Community-Based Provision of Pharmacotherapy

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Angelucci, Manuela; Bennett, Daniel
• 署名单位: University of Texas System; University of Texas Austin; University of Southern California; University of Southern California
• 刊物名称: AMERICAN ECONOMIC REVIEW
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0002-8282
• DOI: 10.1257/aer.20210687
• 发表日期: 2024
• 页码: 169-198
• 关键词: COMMON MENTAL-DISORDERS; MATERNAL DEPRESSION; primary-care; risk attitudes; follow-up; HEALTH; severity; phq-9; inference; efficacy

摘要

This study evaluates the impact of depression treatment on economic behavior in Karnataka, India. We cross -randomize pharmacotherapy and livelihoods assistance among 1,000 depressed adults and evaluate impacts on depression severity, socioeconomic outcomes, and several potential pathways. When combined, the interventions reduce depression severity, with benefits that persist after treatment concludes. Pharmacotherapy alone has a weaker effect that is only marginally significant and dissipates sooner. Depression treatment does not significantly increase earnings, consumption, or human capital investment in children. (JEL I12, I15, I18, J13, J22, J31, O15)