Cost-utility of brief psychological treatment for depression and anxiety.
BACKGROUND
The cost-utility of brief therapy compared with cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and care as usual in the treatment of depression and anxiety has not yet been determined.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the cost-utility of brief therapy compared with CBT and care as usual.


METHODS
A pragmatic randomised controlled trial involving 702 patients was conducted at 7 Dutch mental healthcare centres (MHCs). Patients were interviewed at baseline and then every 3 months over a period of 1.5 years, during which time data were collected on direct costs, indirect costs and quality of life.


RESULTS
The mean direct costs of treatment at the MHCs were significantly lower for brief therapy than for CBT and care as usual. However, after factoring in other healthcare costs and indirect costs, no significant differences between the treatment groups could be detected. We found no significant differences in quality-adjusted life-years between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Cost-utility did not differ significantly between the three treatment groups.
van Roijen
Leona Hakkaart
LH
Institute for Medical Technology Assessment, PO Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands. l.hakkaart-vanroijen@erasmusmc.nl
van Straten
Annemieke
A
Al
Maiwenn
M
Rutten
Frans
F
Donker
Marianne
M
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000191:economics*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000191:economics*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands