Study Reveals Significant Hospital Costs in Europe Linked to Physical Health Conditions in Individuals with Mental Disorders

A comprehensive study led by Judit Simon from the Department of Health Economics at the Medical University of Vienna has shed light on the substantial impact of physical health issues among people with mental health conditions in Europe. The research analyzed data from 32 countries and published findings in xperience in The Lancet Psychiatry, highlighting that the treatment of physical comorbidities significantly contributes to healthcare expenditures.

In 2019, treating physical illnesses co-occurring with mental disorders such as alcohol use disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia led to an additional annual hospital cost of approximately 30.5 billion euros across Europe. These costs are primarily driven by physical health issues rather than psychiatric care itself. Common physical problems include injuries from falls, substance use, or suicide attempts, as well as diseases affecting the digestive system like liver disease and chronic inflammation, which are particularly prevalent in alcohol use disorder cases.

Furthermore, conditions affecting the nervous, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems are more frequently observed among individuals with mental illnesses, often resulting in longer hospital stays and more intensive treatments, thereby elevating healthcare expenses.

Although alcohol use disorders and depression account for the largest share of these costs due to their widespread occurrence, alcohol use disorders and bipolar disorder exhibit the highest above-average costs. The study also estimated that reducing physical illnesses in this population by just one percent could save over 190 million euros annually in hospital costs across Europe.

According to Judit Simon, integrating physical and mental healthcare is crucial not only for enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals but also for ensuring the sustainability of healthcare systems. The study emphasizes that all factors—from biological to social and care-related influences such as limited access to preventive services, unhealthy living environments, and medication side effects—play a role in the development of these comorbidities.

In 2019, the study identified 21.2 million cases of alcohol use disorder with 84 million associated physical conditions, alongside millions of cases of bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia with significant physical health problems. These findings are based on extensive data sources, including health statistics from the European Statistical Agency and global disease burden studies.

This research underscores the importance of integrated care approaches that address both mental and physical health issues to reduce economic burdens and improve patient outcomes.