Economic Burden and Healthcare Resource Utilization Among Individuals with Major Depressive Disorder Utilizing Anti-Anxiety Medications in the United States

Abstract: Background: Anxiety is a prevalent symptom among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). MDD patients with anxiety symptoms frequently experience more severe depression, greater difficulty tolerating antidepressants, and generally poorer outcomes, compared to those without anxiety. The resulting economic burden among MDD patients experiencing symptoms of anxiety is not well understood. Objective: This study aims to estimate direct medical costs and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) incurred among MDD patients with symptoms of anxiety, compared to MDD patients without anxiety. Methods: This descriptive study utilized IBM MarketScan® Commercial claims data from 01/01/2016 to 12/31/2019 to identify patients with an MDD diagnosis. Direct medical costs and HCRU were compared among patients with an MDD diagnosis who were also utilizing an anti-anxiety medication, to patients with an MDD diagnosis but without anxiety. Results: Among 624,942 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of MDD, 26.6% (n=166,158) had symptoms of anxiety based on their concurrent anti-anxiety medications. Total direct medical costs were $4,549 per patient per year for patients with MDD with symptoms of anxiety, compared to $2,197 for those with MDD but without anxiety. Inpatient costs, outpatient costs, and emergency room costs were $2,330, $1,550 and $283, respectively, for the MDD cohort with symptoms of anxiety, compared to $889, $950 and $137, respectively, for the MDD cohort without anxiety. Conclusion: This study indicates a greater economic burden and HCRU among MDD patients with symptoms of anxiety, compared to MDD patients without anxiety symptoms.Short Description: This study aims to estimate direct medical costs and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) incurred among MDD patients with symptoms of anxiety, compared to MDD patients without anxiety. IBM MarketScan® Commercial claims data were utilized to identify patients with an MDD diagnosis from 01/01/2016 to 12/31/2019. Results revealed increased medical costs among patients with MDD and anxiety symptoms compared to patients with MDD without anxiety, indicating greater economic burden for MDD patients with anxiety symptoms.Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): This study was sponsored by Sage Therapeutics, Inc. and Biogen Inc. Logistical support for this abstract was provided by Boston Strategic Partners, Inc. and Envision Pharma Group and funded by Sage Therapeutics, Inc. and Biogen Inc.