[Cost-Effectiveness of the Treatment of Depression in Old Age]

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a systematic literature review of cost-effectiveness studies evaluating the treatment of depression in old age.

Methods: Systematic literature search in electronic databases in March 2014.

Results: Nine studies were included in the review. They were conducted in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States. The studies investigated psychological interventions (N = 3), pharmacotherapy (N = 1), and integrated care models (N = 5). The results varied greatly.

Conclusion: The variation of the results in the included studies does not permit generalized conclusions, especially not for the widespread and recommended pharmacotherapy. Cost-effectiveness of psychological interventions and integrated care programs differed depending on the details of the program designs.