Pharmaco-economic aspects of antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs
Laux, G.
Psychiatrische Praxis 30(Suppl 2): S90-S93
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0303-4259 PMID: 14509049 Document Number: 554856
This review summarizes results of cost-utility analyses done with newer versus older antidepressants as well as atypical versus conventional/typical neuroleptics/antipsychotics. Following descriptions of the methodological priniciples, the currently available studies (stimulation models) are presented and discussed critically. It can be stated that the economic value of different antidepressants and the atypical neuroleptics can not be decided definitively at the present time due to methodological reasons (e.g. lacking of randomized prospective studies). Increased quality of life of patients and their family seems true for the newer psychotropics, measurement is difficult, however, and a challenge for social and ethical discussions.