Economic burden of schizophrenia on healthcare systems of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus: direct medical costs, productivity losses and the impact of maintenance therapy programmes

Abstract

The work is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the economic burden of schizophrenia on the healthcare systems of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. The study assesses direct medical costs associated with the treatment and rehabilitation of patients and also calculates productivity losses due to disability and reduced work capacity. During the research, epidemiological data on schizophrenia in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus were analysed, and current expenditures on inpatient and outpatient care, drug therapy, and rehabilitation measures were estimated. Particular attention is paid to the impact of maintenance therapy programmes on reducing the frequency and duration of hospitalisations and on increasing patients’ employment rates. The methodology includes statistical and comparative analysis of data from national ministries of health, modelling of economic indicators using a productivity-loss formula, and a review of scientific publications and clinical trial results. The results show that the economic burden of schizophrenia consists of significant direct costs and even more substantial productivity losses. Implementation of maintenance therapy programmes can reduce the overall burden by 10-15% through fewer hospitalisations and improved patient work capacity. Based on the findings, recommendations are formulated to optimise financing of mental healthcare, develop outpatient support, and implement work adaptation programmes. The research results can be used by healthcare authorities in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus for budget planning and improvement of psychiatric care systems.