Affiliation:
1. Department of Economics, University of Texas at Austin (email: )
2. Center for Economic and Social Research and Department of Economics, University of Southern California (email: )
Abstract
This study evaluates the impact of depression treatment on economic behavior in Karnataka, India. We cross-randomize pharmacotherapy and livelihoods assistance among 1,000 depressed adults and evaluate impacts on depression severity, socioeconomic outcomes, and several potential pathways. When combined, the interventions reduce depression severity, with benefits that persist after treatment concludes. Pharmacotherapy alone has a weaker effect that is only marginally significant and dissipates sooner. Depression treatment does not significantly increase earnings, consumption, or human capital investment in children. (JEL I12, I15, I18, J13, J22, J31, O15)
Publisher
American Economic Association
Subject
Economics and Econometrics
Reference75 articles.
1. Multiple Inference and Gender Differences in the Effects of Early Intervention: A Reevaluation of the Abecedarian, Perry Preschool, and Early Training Projects
2. Angelucci, Manuela, and Daniel Bennett. 2022a. "Depression, Pharmacotherapy, and the Demand for a Novel Health Product." IZA Working Paper 15832.
3. Angelucci, Manuela, and Daniel Bennett. 2022b. "Mental Health, Productivity, and Child Investment in Peri-Urban Bangalore." AEA RCT Registry. https://doi.org/10.1257/rct.1067.
4. Angelucci, Manuela, and Daniel Bennett. 2024. "Replication Data for: The Economic Impact of Depression Treatment in India: Evidence from Community-Based Provision of Pharmacotherapy." American Economic Association [Publisher], Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research [Distributor]. https://doi.org/10.3886/E191402V1.