title: Cost-effectiveness of escitalopram in major depressive disorder in the Dutch health care setting.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of escitalopram for the treatment of depression in the Netherlands from a societal perspective.
  
  
  METHODS
  A decision tree model was constructed using decision analytical techniques. Data sources included published literature, clinical trials, official price/tariff lists, national population statistics, and Delphi panel data. The comparators were venlafaxine XR and citalopram. The primary perspective of this health economic evaluation was that of the society in the Netherlands in 2010. The time horizon was 26 weeks. The effectiveness outcomes of the study were quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Escitalopram was associated with a cost savings per patient of €263 versus venlafaxine XR and €1992 versus citalopram over a period of 26 weeks from a societal perspective. Escitalopram was also associated with a gains QALYs: 0.0062 versus venlafaxine XR and 0.0166 versus citalopram. Escitalopram was dominant over both venlafaxine XR and citalopram.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on the findings from this cost-effectiveness analysis, the favorable clinical benefit of escitalopram resulted in a positive health economic benefit in the Netherlands.
authors.affiliation: Ars Accessus Medica, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. marknuijten@arsaccessusmedica.com
authors.forename: Mark J C
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Nuijten
authors.forename: Mélanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brignone
authors.forename: Florence
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Marteau
authors.forename: Johan A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: den Boer
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hoencamp
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015283:Citalopram / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D015283:Citalopram; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors