Changes in cost of treating schizophrenia: comparison of two studies done a decade apart

Objective of this study was to compare the cost of care of schizophrenia estimated in the same catchment area separated by a decade. Cost of care of schizophrenia was estimated in 50 outpatients in 2001-2002 and 53 outpatients 2010-2011 using the same methodology along with structured assessments of psychopathology. Overall cost of care of schizophrenia has doubled in the last one decade. The total direct cost of the treatment has not changed much in the monetary terms in last one decade, but total indirect cost has increased 2.35 times. In terms of proportion of cost, there was no significant change in the proportion of the provider cost, however, the proportion of indirect cost increased from 63% to 77.57% from the year 2001-2002 to the year 2010-2011. Cost of care of schizophrenia is more for those have lower level of functioning and have to visit the hospital more often. Cost of care of schizophrenia in India has doubled in the last one decade.