Cost of mental health care
Thursday, 29 May 2008 14:28
Strategies are needed to reduce the cost of mental health
Health experts have warned that the cost of mental health care is set to soar in the next two decades as cases of dementia increase.
A year-long study published by the King's Fund says the prevalence of most mental disorders is likely to remain stable during the next two decades.
But it claims that there could be a huge increase in dementia by almost two-thirds due to an ageing population.
As such the report predicts the bill for mental health services is expected to grow from £22.5 billion to £47 billion.
The Paying the Price study also estimates that mental illness in England cost £50 billion last year.
Almost half, £22.5 billion, represents money spent on direct NHS and social care services to support people with mental disorders.
More than half, £26.1 billion, represents the estimated cost to the economy of earnings lost because of the thousands of people unable to work due to their mental illness.
The report suggests a number of ways to reduce the prevalence of mental health problems and to help thousands of people back to productive work.
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