Cost‐effectiveness of CBT, SSRI, and CBT+SSRI in the treatment for panic disorder. (3rd July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van, F. J.; Stant, A. D.; van, W. J. P. J.; Mersch, P. P. A.; den Boer, J. A.
• Is Part Of: Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica. Volume 129:Number 4(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 286
• Page End: 295
• Publication Date: 2013-07-03
• Subjects: Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1111/acps.12169
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-690X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="acps12169-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="acps12169-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>The objective of this study was to assess the cost‐effectiveness of three empirically supported treatments for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), pharmacotherapy using a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), or the combination of both (CBT+SSRI).</p> </sec> <sec id="acps12169-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Method</title> <p>Cost‐effectiveness was examined based on the data from a multicenter randomized controlled trial. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale was selected as a primary health outcome measure. Data on costs from a societal perspective (i.e., direct medical, direct non‐medical, and indirect non‐medical costs) were collected in the study sample (<italic>N</italic> = 150) throughout a 24‐month period in which patients received active treatment during the first twelve months and were seen twice for follow‐up in the next twelve months.</p> </sec> <sec id="acps12169-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Total costs were largely influenced by costs of the interventions and productivity losses. The mean total societal costs were lower for CBT as compared to SSRI and CBT+SSRI. Costs of medication use were substantial for both SSRI and CBT+SSRI. When examining the balance between costs and health outcomes, both CBT and CBT+SSRI led to more positive outcomes than SSRI.</p> </sec> <sec id="acps12169-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>Cognitive behavioral therapy is associated with the lowest societal costs. Cognitive behavioral therapy and CBT+SSRI are more cost‐effective treatments for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia as compared to SSRI only.</p> </sec> </abstract>