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Improving mental health treatments through comparative effectiveness research
Philip S Wang1, Christine M Ulbricht, Michael Schoenbaum
1National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in Bethesda, Maryland, USA. wangphi@mail.nih.gov
Health Affairs (Project Hope)
|May 6, 2009
Summary
Comparative effectiveness research is crucial for improving mental health treatments. This research clarifies treatment value, guiding better care and policy decisions for serious mental illnesses.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Mental Health Policy
- Comparative Effectiveness Research
Background:
- Significant U.S. mental health spending increases, driven by psychotropic medications, have not improved access to appropriate care for serious mental illnesses.
- Less than 25% of individuals with serious mental illnesses receive evidence-based treatment.
- Uncertainty regarding the relative effectiveness of different mental health treatments hinders payer confidence and investment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical need for comparative effectiveness research in mental healthcare.
- To demonstrate how this research can inform and improve clinical practice and health policy.
- To address the gap in knowledge regarding the relative efficacy of various mental health interventions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of recent comparative effectiveness trials in mental health.
- Evaluation of data to assess the value and impact of different treatment strategies.
- Synthesis of findings to illustrate the practical applications of this research.
Main Results:
- Comparative effectiveness research provides essential data on treatment value.
- Evidence from trials can guide payers and policymakers toward more effective resource allocation.
- Such research has the potential to significantly improve the quality and accessibility of mental health services.
Conclusions:
- Comparative effectiveness research is vital for optimizing mental health spending and outcomes.
- This research can bridge the gap between current spending and the unmet needs of individuals with mental illness.
- Implementing findings from comparative effectiveness studies can lead to more informed practice and policy decisions.
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