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Economic evaluation of an add-on module to reduce intrusive suicidal mental images in patients with depressive symptoms
van Bentum,Jaël Wijnen,Ben Bachrach,Nathan Creemers,Daan van Dijk,Maarten K. Dingemanse,Pieter van Haaren,Monique Stikkelbroek,Yvonne Van,Henricus L. Vrijsen,Janna N.
van Bentum,Jaël
Wijnen,Ben
Bachrach,Nathan
Creemers,Daan
van Dijk,Maarten K.
Dingemanse,Pieter
van Haaren,Monique
Stikkelbroek,Yvonne
Van,Henricus L.
Vrijsen,Janna N.
Abstract
Background Previous research demonstrated the effectiveness of an add-on module in reducing intrusive suicidal mental images in patients with elevated depression symptoms indicative of a depressive disorder. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of combining this module with treatment as usual (TAU) versus TAU-alone. Research design and methods A randomized controlled trial of 91 participants (46 add-on+TAU, 45 TAU). Cost-effectiveness was assessed over 12 months using quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as the primary outcome. Healthcare, patient, and work-related costs were measured. Health-related quality of life was assessed using EQ-5D-5 L at baseline, and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results The add-on+TAU group showed slightly higher QALYs (0.674) than TAU-group (0.630) after 12 months. From a societal perspective, the intervention yielded an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €137,285 per QALY gained (95% CI: -€7,338 to €15,656; QALY gain: 0.0274). Healthcare costs were higher in the add-on+TAU group, primarily due to increased outpatient mental care costs (including intervention costs of €524.02/participant). The intervention showed a 35% probability of cost-effectiveness at an €80,000 willingness-to-pay threshold. Conclusions Although the add-on module reduced suicidal mental images, its cost-effectiveness remains uncertain. Modest QALY improvements did not justify increased healthcare and societal costs. Larger-scale studies with extended follow-up are needed.
Description
Date
2025-12-17
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Publisher
Research Projects
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Keywords
Suicide, suicidal intrusions, mental images, eye movements, dual task, quality-adjusted life years, cost-effectiveness, SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Citation
van Bentum, J, Wijnen, B, Bachrach, N, Creemers, D, van Dijk, M K, Dingemanse, P, van Haaren, M, Stikkelbroek, Y, Van, H L, Vrijsen, J N, de Winter, R F P & Sijbrandij, M 2025, 'Economic evaluation of an add-on module to reduce intrusive suicidal mental images in patients with depressive symptoms', Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 267-277. https://doi.org/10.1080/14737167.2025.2604569