[Annual costs of bipolar disorders in Germany].
With costs of approximately 5.8 billion EUR annually, bipolar disorders represent a substantial burden on German society. The costs are mainly due to high indirect costs caused by morbidity-related unemployment, suicide-related losses of productivity, time off from work, and early retirement. Inpatient care, with a considerable average length of stay for patients with bipolar disorders, accounts for two-thirds of direct costs. This paper refers to statistics on use of healthcare services based primarily on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision. Representing a relatively narrow definition of bipolar disorders in comparison with the clinically relevant spectrum, this classification leads to a conservative estimate of the total costs. The significant lag between first acute episode and a correct diagnosis causes a delayed onset of maintenance treatment that leads to increased costs. Increasing public awareness, destigmatizing the disease, and educating physicians are necessary steps to limit the substantial economic burden for society.
Abteilung Gesundheitsökonomie, GlaxoSmithKline GmbH and Co. KG, München, Deutschland. claus.runge@gsk.com
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D000041:Absenteeism; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000191:economics*; D003363:Cost Control / Q000639:trends; D017281:Cost of Illness; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005251:Fees, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D005858:Germany; D005102:Health Expenditures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000191:economics; D010415:Pensions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012943:Social Security / Q000191:economics*; D013405:Suicide / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014478:Unemployment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data