Outreach and Treatment for Depression in the Labor Force

This study will assess the effects of depression treatment on employee productivity. This study will also evaluate the impact of depression screening and outreach on employees' receptivity to treatment.

This study is conducted in three phases. In the first phase, employees from various companies participate in an on-line Health Risk Assessment survey at a secure website. Those who display symptoms of depression participate in a brief telephone interview to confirm the depression diagnosis. In the second phase, depressed participants are randomly assigned to receive either intervention treatment or usual care for 18 months. The intervention consists of periodic telephone contact with a mental health clinician who provides education regarding depression and its treatment. Participants receiving the intervention are also provided with resources to obtain psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy. Those who do not seek treatment are monitored and supported. Participants in the usual care arm are informed of their possible depression and are encouraged to seek professional treatment. The final phase of the study involves data analysis and dissemination of aggregated results. Surveys and questionnaires are used to assess participants.

Wang PS, Simon GE, Avorn J, Azocar F, Ludman EJ, McCulloch J, Petukhova MZ, Kessler RC. Telephone screening, outreach, and care management for depressed workers and impact on clinical and work productivity outcomes: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2007 Sep 26;298(12):1401-11. doi: 10.1001/jama.298.12.1401.