Abstract

Adverse Events Medication Treatment Costs in a Chronically, Severely Mentally Ill Forensics Population

Author(s): Alexandria L. Fagan , Julie Cold Kissack , Bruce G. Augustin

The adverse event profile of atypical antipsychotics continues to be delineated with the increased length of time the products have been on the market. Obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes appearing as new-onset comorbid diseases or exacerbated diseasesin the mentally ill population have been reported following atypical antipsychotic exposure. Few reports in medical literature address the cost of treating atypical antipsychotic-induced adverse events. Nine patients on an inpatient forensics unit were enrolled in a longitudinal study monitoring adverse events with antipsychotic treatment. In thissmall case seriesreport, adverse eventswere documented, and the cost of pharmacotherapeutic treatment cost, potentially, attributed to antipsychotic adverse events was calculated. The cost of pharmacotherapeutic treatment of adverse events caused by antipsychotics was substantial in this patient population. Failure to recognize the financial burden of this additional treatment may adversely impact treatment for the person with mental illness.

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