Morbidity-related productivity losses from major depressive disorder among U.S. adults.

INTRODUCTION

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability and functional impairment, yet contemporary national estimates of productivity losses from MDD among U.S. adults remain limited. This study estimated the annual cost of morbidity-related productivity losses attributable to MDD among U.S. adults aged ≥18 years, in total and per-affected adult, in 2024.

METHODS

Morbidity-related productivity losses attributable to MDD among U.S. adults were estimated using a human capital approach. Multiple data sources, including pooled data from the 2022-2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health and published literature, were used to quantify costs related to absenteeism, presenteeism, household productivity loss, and inability to work. All costs were expressed in 2024 USD, and analyses were conducted in 2026.

RESULTS

Total annual cost of morbidity-related productivity losses attributable to MDD among U.S. adults were estimated approximately $119 billion (95% prediction interval [PI]: $81-$167 billion) or at $5,824 (PI: $4,636-$7,106) per-affected adult in 2024. Inability to work costs accounted for 44% of total productivity losses, followed by presenteeism (33%), absenteeism (18%), and household productivity loss (5%). Total productivity loss costs and per-person loss costs differed by sex.

CONCLUSIONS

MDD-related productivity losses impose a substantial economic burden in the United States. Because these costs are driven by both MDD prevalence and the amount of lost productive time, implementation of evidence-based mitigation and treatment strategies could reduce the societal burden of depression and yield meaningful cost savings for the U.S. economy.