Schizophrenia - the cost revealed . . .

A landmark new report from SANE Australia - 'Schizophrenia: Costs' - reveals the alarming human and financial costs of schizophrenia.

 Download the full report (870Kb, PDF)

The report - 'Schizophrenia Costs: An analysis of the burden of schizophrenia and related suicide in Australia' - was commissioned by SANE from Access Economics.

The human cost
One of the most alarming facts noted in the report is that people with schizophrenia are 12 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, and that they are particularly vulnerable when not receiving appropriate rehabilitation and support in the community. Yet over 80% of those affected are not receiving rehabilitation . . .

The financial cost
The real financial costs of schizophrenia in 2001 totalled $1.85 billion - over one-third of this cost is borne by people with the illness and their carers. Within 10 years this cost is calculated to spiral to $10 billion per annum unless action is taken.

Where to from here?
By investing incrased funding in effective treatments and support, government will no only reduce the human cost of schizophrenia and related suicide, it will also reduce the financial cost to health systems.

SANE is distributing this landmark report nationally, and calls on Australian governments to take urgent action to reduce the appalling cost of schizophrenia.