Cited by 291Workplace Health and Well-beingMental Health Treatment and AccessTreatment of Major Depression

Severity of Depression and Magnitude of Productivity Loss

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Beck, A., Crain, A. L., Solberg, L. I., Unutzer, J., Glasgow, R. E., Maciosek, M. V., Whitebird, R.·2011·The Annals of Family Medicine

Abstract

PURPOSE: Depression is associated with lowered work functioning, including absences, impaired productivity, and decreased job retention. Few studies have examined depression symptoms across a continuum of severity in relationship to the magnitude of work impairment in a large and heterogeneous patient population, however. We assessed the relationship between depression symptom severity and productivity loss among patients initiating treatment for depression. METHODS: Data were obtained from patients participating in the DIAMOND (Depression Improvement Across Minnesota: Offering a New Direction) initiative, a statewide quality improvement collaborative to provide enhanced depression care. Patients newly started on antidepressants were surveyed with the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item screen (PHQ-9), a measure of depression symptom severity; the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, a measure of loss in productivity; and items on health status and demographics. RESULTS: We analyzed data from the 771 patients who reported being currently employed. General linear models adjusting for demographics and health status showed a significant linear, monotonic relationship between depression symptom severity and productivity loss: with every 1-point increase in PHQ-9 score, patients experienced an additional mean productivity loss of 1.65% (P <.001). Even minor levels of depression symptoms were associated with decrements in work function. Full-time vs part-time employment status and self-reported fair or poor health vs excellent, very good, or good health were also associated with a loss of productivity (P <.001 and P=.045, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a relationship between the severity of depression symptoms and work function, and suggests that even minor levels of depression are associated with a loss of productivity. Employers may find it beneficial to invest in effective treatments for depressed employees across the continuum of depression severity.

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Authors
Beck, A., Crain, A. L., Solberg, L. I., Unutzer, J., Glasgow, R. E., Maciosek, M. V., & Whitebird, R.
Affiliations
  • Kaiser Permanente (US)
  • HealthPartners (US)
  • National Cancer Institute (US)
Venue
The Annals of Family Medicine
Published
2011-07-01
Volume
9
Issue
4
Pages
305-311
ISSN
  • 1544-1709 (ISSN-L)
  • 1544-1717
OpenAlex
W2139823150
Cited by
290
References
32
Citations by year
2026: 11 · 2025: 23 · 2024: 29 · 2023: 33 · 2022: 30 · 2021: 34 · 2020: 14 · 2019: 22 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 17 · 2016: 13 · 2015: 16 · 2014: 12 · 2013: 13 · 2012: 5
FWCI
18.99
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • The Annals of Family Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • UST Research Online (University of St. Thomas - Minnesota) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health (5r01mh080692-05)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (5R01MH080692)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Workplace Health and Well-being
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health Treatment and Access
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Treatment of Major Depression
Keywords
depression, depression severity, work productivity loss, work impairment, PHQ-9, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment, antidepressant initiation, employment status, health status, quality improvement collaborative
MeSH terms
Adult, Depression, Efficiency, Employment, Female, Health Status, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Minnesota, Surveys and Questionnaires, Severity of Illness Index, Work, Linear Models, Self Report

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