Invited Commentary

Generic Versus Brand Name Drugs in Psychopharmacology: A Pharmacoeconomic Perspective

Authors: Enzo Emanuele, MD

Abstract

Psychiatric disorders exert a substantial burden on health and health care systems globally and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.1 The aim of current pharmacotherapy in psychiatric patients is to prevent and control symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, improve mental health status, and quality of life. Medical care for mental disorders however can be costly and health care providers are interested in whether treatments represent value for money. Indeed, the soaring drug expenditure for psychiatric disorders has profound effects on the sustainability of both the public and private insurance systems,2 and there is urgent need to understand barriers to cost-effective medication use in psychiatric settings. Beyond doubt it is currently paramount to evaluate not only the efficacy and tolerability of psychoactive drugs, but also the economic aspects of the psychopharmacological treatment in terms of cost-utility and cost-effectiveness.3

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