Cost effectiveness of clozapine in neuroleptic-resistant schizophrenia.

摘要: OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to determine whether clozapine is a cost-effective treatment for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. METHOD Data were collected on 96 patients with schizophrenia 2 years before they entered and at least after the study. Information about cost inpatient outpatient treatment, housing costs, other family burden through direct interview or questionnaire these their families available 47 patients. lost income Social Security disability insurance also obtained. Outcome measures included psychopathology, quality life, global functioning, work function, rehospitalization. RESULTS significantly decreased in who continued years. This primarily due dramatic decrease frequency Costs nonsignificantly lower dropped out treatment. estimated total 2-year 59 34 out, three interrupted from $7,390,206 $5,719,463, savings $8,702/year per patient. There costs $22,936/year 37 whom data available. no significant changes payments either group. Clozapine produced marked improvement Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale scores as well positive negative symptom scores, Global Assessment Quality Life capacity independent living, rehospitalization rates. CONCLUSIONS schizophrenic Cost result almost exclusively reduced hospitalization.