Health Care Costs Higher in Patients With Chronic Medical Conditions & Comorbid Psychological Disorders

OPEN MINDS On-Line News Strategic Health Care News Health care costs for patients with chronic medical conditions were significantly higher for those who also have co-morbid depression or anxiety. About 20% of patients with arthritis, hypertension, chronic pain, diabetes mellitus, asthma, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, congestive heart failure, or stroke were likely to have received treatment for co-morbid depression or anxiety. If adequate treatment could be provided for patients with co-morbid depression or anxiety, it could help the patients improve their self care. The key driver of increased costs was poor self . . .