In a sample of adult patients with depression who were undergoing antidepressant therapy, higher patient cost-sharing is associated with a lower likelihood of antidepressant treatment augmentation. Higher cost-sharing amounts for each augmentation class were associated with a smaller percentage of patients utilizing each class of augmentation therapy.
- Our findings add to the evidence that cost-sharing not only impacts treatment decisions for depression from the time of initial therapy but also follow-on treatment pathways for those not achieving remission.
- Employers and payers should consider the implications of higher cost sharing on the utilization patterns of patients with depression.
Acknowledgments
An earlier version of this study was presented in May 2010 at the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) 15th Annual International Meeting in Atlanta, GA, and received a “Best General Podium Presentation” Award.
Author Affiliations: From Thomson Reuters (TBG), Ann Arbor, MI; Thomson Reuters (JEB), Washington, DC; Thomson Reuters (ZC), Cambridge, MA; Health Economics and Outcomes (YJ, JAB, TH), Bristol-Myers Squibb, Plainsboro, NJ; Global Medical Affairs (AF), Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc, Princeton, NJ; The University of Pennsylvania (JAD), Lansdale, PA.
Author Disclosures: Drs Gibson and Cao report employment with Thomson Reuters, which was under contract for this research. Dr Gibson also reports stock ownership with the company. Drs Jing, Bates, and Hebden report employment with Bristol-Myers Squibb and stock ownership in the company. Dr Doshi reports consultant fees from Bristol-Myers Squibb for her involvement in this project. Dr Forbes reports employment with Otsuka. Ms Bagalman reports no relationship or financial interest with any entity that would pose a conflict of interest with the subject matter of this article.
Authorship Information: Concept and design (TBG, YJ, JEB, JAB, TH, JAD); acquisition of data (TBG, JEB); analysis and interpretation of data (TBG, YJ, JEB, ZC, JAB, TH, RAF, JAD); drafting of the manuscript (TBG,YJ, ZC, JAB, TH); critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content (TBG, YJ, JAB, TH, RAF, JAD); statistical analysis (TBG, YJ, ZC, JAB); provision of study materials or patients (TBG); obtaining funding (TBG); administrative, technical, or logistic support (TBG, YJ, JAB, JEB, TH); and supervision (TBG, YJ, TH).
Funding Source: This project was funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd.
Address correspondence to: Teresa B. Gibson, PhD; Director, Health Outcomes, Thomson Reuters, 777 E. Eisenhower Pkwy, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. E-mail: teresa.gibson@thomsonreuters.com.
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