Direct and indirect costs of rheumatoid arthritis and the socio-emotional effects of this disease – an Austrian study

Abstract

The results of this Austrian study confirm the conclusions of earlier studies that high costs for the individual and for society result from rheumatoid arthritis. We were able to show the figures for direct costs; indirect costs could not be calculated in their entirety. Drugs--especially disease-modifying drugs--and inpatient treatment constitute the largest percentage of direct costs. We describe the enormous psychological and psychosocial impact of rheumatoid arthritis, pain, and reduced quality of life. The study also presents a basis for the decisions to be made by patients, physicians and health policy makers.