For individuals with depression what are the various evidence based treatments and what is their relative costs including consideration for time to recover and decrease further episodes.

Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.: For individuals with depression what are the various evidence based treatments and what is their relative costs including consideration for time to recover and decrease further episodes.
Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.): yes
If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:: Evidence based interventions like medication, exercise, meditation, psychotherapy, ect.
What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.): adult depressed (females)
Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.): more than one episode depression
Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.): assistance in determining combination of treatment options and the program that will be effective to decreased recurrence.
Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.: many of the evidence based interventions may not included medical monitoring.

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

yes

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

EHC Priority Conditions (updated in 2008)

AHRQ Priority Populations

Describe why this topic is important.: Depression may be the primary diagnosis that interfers in a patients motivation to seek and comply with health care treatment, making it the gateway target to significantly increase access to care. It is almost universal in dual eligible recipients/substance abuse or severe and chronic illnesses.
What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.): most benefit potential for the costs/time
Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.): yes
If yes, please explain:: Other factors other than depression affect access to healthcare. It is the most likely common denominator which also has numerous etiologies. Idenifying what may be effective would empower health care providers with options to engage the person in mental health treatment while maintaining contact and engaging them in the health care that is needed.

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?
Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.
Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate)

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?: Individual

Effective Health Care Program