Understanding the financial impact of depression: a review of cost of illness evidence from India

India bears a large portion of the societal and economic effects of depression, which is a major contributor to the disease burden. With an emphasis on both direct and indirect costs, this review examines the cost-of-illness (COI) data about depression in India. Clinical depression or major depressive disorder (MDD) is thought to affect 15-20% of people in their lifetime, and gender and poverty are important risk factors. The average yearly direct cost of depression in India is around ₹19,500 per person, which includes both medical (₹13,510 median) and nonmedical (₹6008 median) expenses. However, indirect costs-which make up 56.33% of the total COI-amount to an average of ₹33,800 per year and include factors such as lost work, caregiver stress, and time off for consultations. An estimated ₹59951.33 is the total yearly economic burden per person. Financial barriers to consistent care are highlighted by the fact that patients on regular medication spend much more (₹1,387) than those receiving irregular treatment (₹554). These results highlight the fact that women and lower-income groups are disproportionately affected by depression, and that untreated mental illness leads to significant productivity losses and long-term financial strain. Legislators must prioritize mental health financing, increase insurance coverage, and enhance access by distributing resources fairly and utilizing digital health tools. Planning successful, inclusive, and long-lasting mental healthcare.