Bipolar disorders in Australia. A population-based study of excess costs.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the excess costs associated with bipolar disorders in Australia, based on prevalence (using the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ)) and associated excess burden-of-illness costs.


METHODS
Using data from the 2004 South Australian Health Omnibus Survey (HOS), a weighted cross-sectional survey of 3,015 adults, excess costs were estimated from health service utilisation.


RESULTS
There was a 2.5% lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorders, delineated by the MDQ. Those persons (MDQ positive) reported a significantly greater use of services and a poorer health status and quality of life than those who were MDQ negative. Using the service provision perspective, excess costs of bipolar disorders in Australia were approx $3.97-$4.95 billion.


CONCLUSIONS
These results from an Australian population demonstrate the significant economic burden of bipolar disorders. Our findings emphasise the need for further evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of different treatments, or alternative means of reducing the burden borne by individuals, the health system and the general community.
Fisher
Laura J
LJ
Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, The Adelaide Clinic, 33 Park Terrace, Gilberton, SA, 5081, Australia.
Goldney
Robert D
RD
Dal Grande
Eleonora
E
Taylor
Anne W
AW
Hawthorne
Graeme
G
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires