The Economic Burden of Schizophrenia in the United States

The economic burden of schizophrenia in the United States (US) was estimated at 155. 7 billion in 2013. Since 2013, the US experienced significant health care reforms and treatment advances. This study analyzed recent data and literature to update the US economic burden estimate for schizophrenia. codes F20 and F25) were exactly matched to controls on demographics, insurance type, and index year. Direct non-health care costs were estimated using published literature and government data. Indirect costs were estimated using a human capital approach and the value of quality-adjusted life-years lost. Cost offsets were estimated to account for basic living costs avoided. Excess costs, comparing costs for individuals with and without schizophrenia, were reported in 2019 USD. The estimated excess economic burden of schizophrenia in the US in 2019 was 343. 2 billion, including 251. 9 billion in indirect costs (73. 4%), 62. 3 billion in direct health care costs (18. 2%), and 35. 0 billion in direct non-health care costs (10. 2%). The largest drivers of indirect costs were caregiving (112. 3 billion), premature mortality (77. 9 billion), and unemployment (54. 2 billion). Cost offsets, representing 6. 0 billion (1. 7%), were subtracted from direct non-health care costs. The estimated burden of schizophrenia in the US doubled between 2013 and 2019 and was 343. 2 billion in 2019, highlighting the importance of effective strategies and treatment options to improve the management of this difficult-to-treat patient population.