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  4. January 2024
  5. The Economic Impact of Depression Treatment in India: Evidence from Community-Based Provision of Pharmacotherapy

American Economic Review

ISSN 0002-8282 (Print) | ISSN 1944-7981 (Online)

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

  • Manuela Angelucci
  • Daniel Bennett
American Economic Review
vol. 114, no. 1, January 2024
(pp. 169–98)
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Abstract

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.

Citation

Angelucci, Manuela, and Daniel Bennett. 2024. "The Economic Impact of Depression Treatment in India: Evidence from Community-Based Provision of Pharmacotherapy." American Economic Review, 114 (1): 169–98. DOI: 10.1257/aer.20210687

Additional Materials

JEL Classification

  • I12 Health Behavior
  • I15 Health and Economic Development
  • I18 Health: Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
  • J13 Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
  • J22 Time Allocation and Labor Supply
  • J31 Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
  • O15 Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration