The journal of mental health policy and economics
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J Ment Health Policy Econ · Dec 2005
Labor market, financial, insurance and disability outcomes among near elderly Americans with depression and pain.
The economic burden of depression has been documented, but the role of comorbid conditions is unclear. Depression and comorbid pain are particularly common, are associated with worse clinical outcomes and require different care than "pure'' depression. Does this comorbidity account for a large share of the adverse social outcomes attributed to depression? ⋯ Further research should focus on causality of depression and comorbid pain on economic outcomes. Depression research should consider the heterogeneity of this disorder in outcomes assessment.