Long-term conditions and mental health: the cost of co-morbidities, concludes that the additional cost of treating long term conditions for those with depression and other mental health problems is between GBP8-13 billion a year.
The report finds that this additional cost can be attributed to the extra difficulties in treating physical illness among patients with mental health problems, including poorer self-management. However, the cost is not just a financial one. Patients with a long-term condition and co-existing mental health issue face poorer clinical outcomes and a significantly lower quality of life than people with a physical health problem alone.