Cost of care of schizophrenia: a study of Indian out‐patient attenders

OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost of care of Indian out-patients with schizophrenia. METHOD: Cost of illness in 50 out-patients with schizophrenia was assessed over a 6-month period together with structured assessments of psychopathology and disability, and compared with 50 out-patients with diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: Total annual costs of care of schizophrenia were 274 US dollars; these were not significantly different from diabetes mellitus. Indirect costs (63%) were higher than direct costs. Drug costs were high. The main brunt of financial burden was borne by the family. Total treatment costs in schizophrenia were significantly higher in those who were unemployed, those who visited the hospital more often, and were more severely ill and disabled. CONCLUSION: Schizophrenia is an expensive illness to treat even in developing countries. Costs of care are similar to those of chronic physical illness, such as diabetes mellitus. Costs are higher in severely ill and disabled patients.