The Economic Impact of Depression Treatment in India: Evidence from Community-Based Provision of Pharmacotherapy
中文摘要
本研究评估抑郁症治疗对印度卡纳塔克邦经济行为的影响。我们在1,000名抑郁症成年患者中对药物治疗和生计援助进行交叉随机分配，并评估其对抑郁严重程度、社会经济结果以及若干潜在作用路径的影响。两项干预相结合可降低抑郁严重程度，且益处在治疗结束后仍然持续。单独采用药物治疗的效果较弱，仅在边际水平上显著，且消退得更早。抑郁症治疗并未显著提高收入、消费或对子女的人力资本投资。（JEL I12、I15、I18、J13、J22、J31、O15）
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. (JEL I12, I15, I18, J13, J22, J31, O15)