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Macroeconomics of Mental Health

Author

Listed:
  • Boaz Abramson

    (Columbia GSB)

  • Job Boerma

    (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

  • Aleh Tsyvinski

    (Yale University)

Abstract

We develop an economic theory of mental health. The theory is grounded in classic and modern psychiatric literature, is disciplined with micro data, and is formalized in a life-cycle heterogeneous agent framework. In our model, individuals experiencing mental illness have pessimistic expectations and lose time due to rumination. As a result, they work less, consume less, invest less in risky assets, and forego treatment which in turn reinforces mental illness. We quantify the societal burden of mental illness and evaluate the efficacy of prominent policy proposals. We show that expanding the availability of treatment services and improving treatment of mental illness in late adolescence substantially improve mental health and welfare.

Suggested Citation

  • Boaz Abramson & Job Boerma & Aleh Tsyvinski, 2024. "Macroeconomics of Mental Health," Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers 2387, Cowles Foundation for Research in Economics, Yale University.
    • Handle: RePEc:cwl:cwldpp:2387
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    File URL: https://economics.yale.edu/sites/default/files/2024-04/d2387.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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