Societal Costs of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Vermont
Download
Key Findings
- The total societal cost of untreated PMADs in Vermont could reach $48 million for an annual birth cohort from conception to five years postpartum, amounting to $35,910 in excess costs per birthing parent with an untreated PMAD and their child.
- The largest cost drivers include preterm birth ($13.1 million), productivity loss ($12.5 million), non-obstetric health expenditures ($9.4 million), and child behavioral or developmental disorders ($6.1 million).
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are mental health conditions that develop during pregnancy and the year after delivery. The prevalence of PMADs has risen over the past two decades, with cases of depressive disorders affecting more than 25 percent of pregnant and postpartum people in Vermont. Using published literature, secondary data, and data directly from the Vermont Department of Health, we found that the total societal cost of untreated PMADs in Vermont could reach $48 million for an annual birth cohort from conception to five years postpartum, amounting to $35,910 in excess societal costs per birthing parent with an untreated PMAD and their child. Investing in perinatal mental health prevention and treatment could improve health outcomes and reduce the economic burden of PMADs on individuals, families, employers, and the state.
More like this from Mathematica
How do you apply evidence?
Take our quick four-question survey to help us curate evidence and insights that serve you.
Take our survey