Foreclosures and Health

Foreclosures may be making some people sick, according to recent research published by the National Bureau of Economic Research.  In markets hit hard by foreclosures, such as, Arizona, California, Florida, and New Jersey, the number of reported visits to emergency rooms and doctor's offices also has risen.

The study finds that an increase of 100 foreclosures corresponded to a 7.2% increase in reported cases of hypertension and an 8.2% increase in diabetes among people age 20 – 49.  A rise of 100 foreclosures was associated with a 12% increase in doctor visits for anxiety and a 39% increase in visits for suicide attempts, though these figures still represent a small number of patients.