Economic costs of anxiety disorders

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are estimated to affect 26.9 million individuals in the United States at some point during their lives. This study used the human capital approach to estimate the direct and indirect costs of these highly prevalent disorders. In 1990, costs associated with anxiety disorders were $46.6 billion, 31.5% of total expenditures for mental illness. Less than one‐quarter of costs associated with anxiety disorders were for direct medical treatment; over three‐quarters were attributable to lost or reduced productivity. Most of these indirect costs were associated with morbidity, as mortality accounted for just 2.7% of the total. Greater availability of effective, relatively low‐cost outpatient treatment could substantially reduce the economic and social burden of these common and often crippling disorders. Anxiety 2:167–172 (1996). © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Self-help interventions for anxiety disorders: An overview

“…These disorders are associated with a marked impairment in the quality of life of patients and their relatives [3,4] and incur huge economic costs [5]. A Dutch population study estimated the cost of anxiety disorders in a population of 1 million to be approximately $500 million per year [6].…”

A Review of the Diagnosis, Pharmacologic Treatment, and Economic Aspects of Anxiety Disorders

“…However, results of numerous surveys have indicated that anxiety disorders are extremely common in the American population. 1 In 1993, a follow-up of the 1988 Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) study reported a 1-year prevalence of 12.3% for all anxiety disorders. 2 Further, the National Comorbidity Survey calculated a 1-year prevalence for anxiety disorders of 17.2% and suggested that 1 in 4 Americans (24.9%) would experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.…”

“…Prompt detection and successful treatment can help reduce the overall costs of these debilitating disorders to individuals, families, social services, and the health care system. DuPont et al 1 estimated the total economic cost of anxiety disorders using the data set (derived from national surveys) and a cost estimation method developed by Rice 41 for use in public and health policy. Core costs were divided into direct costs (medical expenditures) and indirect costs (morbidity and mortality).…”

“…The total economic cost in 1990 was estimated to be $46.6 billion; this figure represented 31.5% of the total cost of mental illness in the United States (Table 5). 1 Between 1985 and 1990, the expenses related to anxiety increased by 38.3%. 1 Direct medical costs (e.g., doctor and hospital visits, medications) accounted for only $10.7 billion.…”

“…1 Between 1985 and 1990, the expenses related to anxiety increased by 38.3%. 1 Direct medical costs (e.g., doctor and hospital visits, medications) accounted for only $10.7 billion. Prescription medications represented 2.5% ($1.2 billion) of the expenses related to anxiety, but they accounted for 53.3% of the drug costs for all mental disorders.…”