The Predicted Long-Term Benefits of Ensuring Timely Treatment and Medication Adherence in Early Schizophrenia

• DOI: 10.1007/s10488-019-00990-7
• Publication Date: 2019-11-19T19:02:45Z
• Authors: Marcela Horvitz-L...; Zachary Predmore; Patrick Orr; Mark Hanson; Richard Hillestad; Mike Durkin; Antoine C. El Khoury; Soeren Mattke
• Keywords: Receipt; Health administration; Antipsychotic drug

Abstract The impact of initiatives aimed at reducing time in untreated psychosis during early-stage schizophrenia will be unknown for many years. Thus, we simulate the effect earlier treatment entry and better antipsychotic drug adherence on schizophrenia-related hospitalizations, receipt disability benefits, competitive employment, independent/family living over a ten-year horizon. We predict that reduces hospitalizations by 12.6–14.4% benefit 7.0–8.5%, while increasing 41.5–46% employment 42–58%. larger gains if pro-adherence intervention is also used. Our findings suggest substantial benefits timely consistent early care.