Impact of antipsychotic medication on the cost of schizophrenia

A systematic literature search regarding the factors influencing the costs of schizophrenia and of comparative studies on the impact of antipsychotic treatment on the costs of schizophrenia between 1990 and 2004 was conducted. Altogether, 11 studies on factors influencing the costs of schizophrenia and 39 pharmacoeconomic studies on the comparative effects of antipsychotic medications on costs of schizophrenia were identified. Considering the factors influencing the costs of schizophrenia, the results of the review revealed only little systematic knowledge due to a great variation of methodologic standards and variables included. With regard to the effects of antipsychotic treatment, most studies compared atypical with conventional antipsychotic compounds. Results of these studies are inconsistent, and due to differences in methodologic standards, it is not possible to draw an evidence-based conclusion on the economic effects of a particular type of antipsychotic treatment. Consensus on the main outcome indicators of antipsychotic treatment and common standards of outcome measurement as well as economic analysis methods are necessary to overcome the current lack of empirical evidence.