Developing, updating and validating DepMod 2.0: an R-based decision-analytic model for the cost-effectiveness of depression interventions

BACKGROUND: Depression imposes a substantial clinical and economic burden, and evaluating the cost-effectiveness of prevention and treatment strategies is essential for informed mental health policy. The original DepMod model was developed to support such evaluations, but evolving evidence and modeling standards have created the need for an updated version. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This study introduces DepMod 2.0, an updated health-economic Markov model for depression. The model was recalibrated using recent epidemiological data on incidence, prevalence, population size, and severity distribution. In addition, DepMod was transitioned from an Excel-based implementation to an open-source R package, providing both a stand-alone R function and an interactive Shiny interface. Model validation includes assessment using the TECH-VER checklist, validation against population-level reference parameters, and comparison with outcomes from the original DepMod model. RESULTS: DepMod 2.0 produced outcomes consistent with published reference values and the original model, supporting its technical validity. Differences observed in prevention scenarios, were attributable to updated epidemiological inputs, including higher prevalence and a greater proportion of severe cases. CONCLUSIONS: DepMod 2.0 is an updated and validated R-based model that supports economic evaluation of depression prevention and treatment strategies across diverse healthcare settings.