Contemporary Data and Trends in the Economic Costs of Mental Disabilities

Abstract

This article addresses the economic effects of mental disabilities by analyzing contemporary data in the context of micro- and macroeconomic thought and relevant statistical literature. Within the parameters of these conceptual and statistical reference points, the authors seek to discern current trends in the direct, indirect, and opportunity costs posed by mental disabilities, not only to the individuals who suffer from them, but also to their families, to employers, and to society as a whole. The authors also discuss uncertainties that inhere in available data concerning both the prevalence of these conditions and the related costs of treatment, as well as the complexity of drawing correlations among variables with respect to these costs and the difficulty of identifying a meaningful measure of the economic consequences that attend mental disabilities. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Master’s level providers in health service psychology: An idea that has come and passed, and now must come again.

“…Recent estimates of the global burden of all diseases suggest that mental disorders—including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, schizophrenia, bipolar, developmental disorders, disruptive behavior, and eating disorders—are the leading cause of the number of years lived with disability (Vigo, Thornicroft, & Atun, 2016; Whiteford et al, 2013). In addition to the direct costs of treating mental disorders, which are estimated at over $89 billion annually (Kamal, Cox, & Rousseau, 2017), mental disorders also exact indirect costs such as lost productivity, disability benefits, opportunity loss, and diversion of resources to the development and maintenance of mental health institutions and the workforce (Shaughnessy, Parker, Hollenshead, Clottey, & Rubin, 2017).…”

“…A similar pattern is found with U.S. adolescents with mental disorders: 55.0% fail to receive treatment (Costello, He, Sampson, Kessler, & Merikangas, 2014). The substantial unmet need for the treatment of mental disorders persists even though direct expenditures on mental health services have increased by 39.4% from 2000 to 2012 (Shaughnessy et al, 2017). The lack of significant progress in addressing untreated mental disorders, despite significant investments in their scientific study as well as substantial advances in their identification and treatment, suggest the need for a radical change in our approach (Dobbs, 2017; Kazdin & Blase, 2011).…”

Value configurations for balancing standardization and customization in chronic care: a qualitative study

“…This is particularly relevant for chronic care, as medical development has entailed increasing volumes of patients living with long-term and/or multiple conditions [ 34 , 35 ]. Further, mental disabilities add considerably to this cost development [ 36 ]. One example of a chronic mental conditions is schizophrenia, which is characterized by great complexity of care, and high costs over a long period of time [ 37 ].…”

Differences in the Functioning and Occupational Activity in People with Mental Disorders: A Gender Perspective

“…The high levels of disability caused by the MD limit the individual and social functioning of the patient, such as having a job [3]. The disability associated with MD leads to negative economic consequences derived from direct costs for the care of the disease and indirect cost such as those associated with loss of productivity of the patient and primary caregiver [4].…”