Photo by Louis Reed on Unsplash
Studies into the dangerous long-term effects of repeated psychosis should underscore the need for early and continued treatment for persons with psychotic disorders. We do understand that long-acting injectable anti-psychotic medications (LAIs) are expensive; however, one episode of psychosis necessitating an inpatient stay will far exceed the cost of LAI treatment. And, yet, despite this knowledge, insurers insist on step therapy. Let us share our experience with our insurer’s denial for our son’s long-acting injectable medication after he had failed at oral medication for a decade and subsequently been stable on an LAI.
Schizophrenia is a complicated chronic disease affecting approximately 3.5 million people in the United States, its annual healthcare costs exceed $155 billion. People living with schizophrenia often experience a reduced quality of life (QOL) and are likely to be homeless, unemployed, or living in poverty. Life expectancy for patients with schizophrenia is 25 years below the average lifespan. Furthermore, patients with schizophrenia experience numerous comorbidities; weight gain, increased cardiovascular risk, and mood and cognition deterioration. Treatment nonadherence can increase the risk of relapse, rehospitalization, and self-harm, leading to reduced Quality of Life (QOL) and increased economic burden.
Here is an Op-Ed from the Arizona Republic on April 23rd on our experience: