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

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 of earlier treatment entry and better antipsychotic drug adherence on schizophrenia-related hospitalizations, receipt of disability benefits, competitive employment, and independent/family living over a ten-year horizon. We predict that earlier treatment entry reduces hospitalizations by 12.6–14.4% and benefit receipt by 7.0–8.5%, while increasing independent/family living by 41.5–46% and employment by 42–58%. We predict larger gains if a pro-adherence intervention is also used. Our findings suggest substantial benefits of timely and consistent early schizophrenia care.