Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of antidepressants : a critical appraisal of methods.
In recent years, there has been much debate regarding the real cost effectiveness of new antidepressants. This review is an attempt to identify key contentious methodological issues that can impact the reliability, validity and quality of the research on this subject. There are inherent complexities between inputs and outcomes related to depression, and the choice of pharmacoeconomic methodology requires a crucial balance between the study design and its ability to capture relevant information. Knowledge of the real efficiency of antidepressants should always be ascertained with reference to the real-world setting. Studies that show a corresponding balance between internal and external validity, coupled with sound methodology and standardised reporting, have the potential to translate pharmacoeconomics research into real-world, time-relevant decision-making.
Iqbal
Sheikh Usman
SU
Health Outcomes Technologies Program, Health Services Department, Boston University School of Public Health, and Center for the Assessment of Pharmaceutical Practices (CAPPs), Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA. usman@bu.edu
Prashker
Mark
M
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000379:methods; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics; D017850:Economics, Pharmaceutical; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents