Depression spending increases but outcomes do not, study finds

The options for treating depression have expanded far beyond a simple prescription to buy Paxil in recent years. But new research suggests that this may not necessarily lead to better outcomes.

A team of researchers from Harvard Medical School analyzed Medicaid spending trends from 1996 through 2005. The results showed that spending on depression increased by 29 percent during this time period. However, indicators of quality were more mixed, suggesting that the extra spending did little to improve care.

The results showed that a major reason for the dramatic increase in spending resulted from a greater use of antipsychotic medications, which began before the study period in the 1980s, the researchers said. These medications may have different effects than standard antidepressants like Paxil.

"In summary, during the 10-year period between 1996 and 2005, we found a substantial increase in spending for patients with depression, with minimal improvements in quality of care," the researchers wrote. "Our findings underscore the importance of continued efforts to improve quality of care for individuals with depression."