A study has estimated the cost of brain disorders in Europe to be in excess of €798 billion a year. The study, which was commissioned by the European Brain Council, found that Europe spends €798 billion a year on neurological and psychiatric conditions. This is more than cardiovascular diseases which cost €192 billion and cancer which costs between €150-250 billion combined.
The researchers covered 19 major groups of disorders and 30 European countries. The estimated cost per person with a brain disorder in Europe ranged between €285 for headaches and €30,000 for neuromuscular disorders. Mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorders were found to be the most costly, at €130 billion a year. The cost was €5.2 billion for brain tumours, €27 billion for personality disorders, €21.2 billion for somatoform disorders and €33 billion for traumatic brain injuries.
The majority of the costs were for direct healthcare and direct non-medical costs with the remaining costs being indirect costs such as absences from work.
Speaking today, Liam Moloney, Solicitor, who specialises in the area of Personal Injury law and who has acted for many brain injury victims, said, “it is likely that the costs of brain disorders will continue to rise as people are living longer. Brain disorders are the number one economic challenge for European healthcare. The results of this study should be considered by the Government and patient advocacy groups. More research and funding is needed into diagnoses, prevention and treatment of brain disorders, as well as improved care for patients”.
