Abstract:

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This thesis investigates the economics of mental health focusing on three dimensions: financing and services organisation, medication adherence, and socio-economic determinants. Part I provides a detailed analysis on the financial incentives to deliver mental healthcare services. It also proposes innovative payment mechanisms to incentivise integrated community-based care, to detect and prevent mental disorders early in life, and to implement a collaborative stepped care model for depression. Part II assesses the socio-economic factors that influence non-adherence rates and investigates how one can use a payment mechanism to induce adherence. Finally, Part III explores the relationship between unemployment and mental health by age group and education level.

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This PhD Dissertation was presented by Maria Ana Matias as part of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Economics. You can access the paper here.

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