COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF CLOZAPINE TREATMENT IN THERAPY-REFRACTORY SCHIZOPHRENIA

The costs and effects of clozapine treatment of refractory schizophren ic patients have been discussed recently. This study shows that 18 mon ths of clozapine treatment results in an improvement of symptoms and s ocial functioning in approximately 70% of treatment-refractory schizop hrenic patients, compared with treatment with conventional neuroleptic s during a similar period of time. Treatment with clozapine reduces th e cost of inpatient care but places increased demands on active rehabi litation resources in outpatient care. This leads to increased total c osts in a short-term perspective, but clozapine treatment is cost-savi ng for annual maintenance therapy. These costs must be weighed against the positive effects on psychotic symptoms and social functioning.