RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The analysis describes the patterns of antidepressant use of workers who are on depression-related short-term disability (D-SDIS) and the association between these patterns and return to work. STUDY DESIGN: Three Canadian financial institutions participated in the study. All have nationwide employee bases representing approximately 12% (63,000 workers) of the Finance/Insurance sector. The study is a secondary analysis using 1996-1998 administrative data from SDIS claims, long-term disability claims, prescription drug claims, and occupational health department records. PRINCIPLE FINDINGS: During the study period, 3% of the sample experienced at least one episode of SDIS related to mental and nervous disorders. Of these, 73% (n=1,492) had depression-related episodes. About 58% of employees on D-SDIS used antidepressants. Among those who used antidepressants, about 75% used pharmacological guideline recommended first-line treatments (e.g., selective serotinin reuptake inhibitors). In addition, there are differences in disability outcomes (i.e., returned to work part-time, full-time, quit, or went on to long-term disability) by patterns of antidepressant use. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings can contribute to decreasing the impact of depression in the workplace. The information can help payors (e.g., insurance companies, employers, government) develop drug benefits and disability management programs that assist disabled populations return to work. They may also help to justify changes in drug benefit structures. In the long run, this study will add to the body of knowledge that may help to curb the rising rate of depression-related disability.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participant will be able to: (1) Discuss pharmacological guideline recommended first-line antidepressant treatment (2) Describe the patterns of antidepressant use among a population of workers on depression-related short-term disability (3) Describe the association between disability outcomes and patterns of antidepressant use.
Keywords: Depression, Disability
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.