[Disability Pension and Productivity Loss in Schizophrenia - An Empirical Analysis of the Financial Burden in Germany].

Quantification of the economic burden for society and the German Statutory Pension Insurance due to early retirement in schizophrenia. Based on empirical data of the German Statutory Pension Insurance, productivity losses were calculated using the human capital approach. The total expenditures of the German Statutory Pension Insurance due to pension payments for schizophrenic insurants amounted to € 450 million. Total indirect costs due to morbidity and mortality were estimated at € 2,3 million. Average indirect costs per patient ranged between € 17 000 - 28 000, depending on rates for discounting and inflation. Regarding substantial economic consequences, preventive measures and therapeutic procedures should aim to prevent reduction in earning capacity and to promote occupational reintegration of schizophrenic patients.