Exploring the relationship between non-communicable diseases and depression

Non communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are among the leading drivers of disability and death across OECD countries. NCDs frequently co-occur with depression, which can worsen NCD outcomes, lower quality of life and increase healthcare costs. It is therefore important to understand whether and to what extent NCDs increase the risk of experiencing depression. This paper finds that people living with NCDs have a 15% to 27% higher risk of experiencing depression, depending on the condition, that risk increases with the number of NCDs, and that the relationship appears to be causal. It finds that women and people in financial hardship are more likely to experience depression. The findings have important policy implications: 1) Consideration should be given to mental health and wellbeing in NCD policy, which can yield health and healthcare cost benefits. 2) Strategies to reduce NCD incidence may also reduce depression, and mental health co-benefits should be considered when developing health promotion policies.