Get it and Take it - Mental Health Treatments and The Choice to Not be Treated

Abstract

Mental illnesses are becoming more prevalent, and the efficacy of treatment can sometimes fall short of expectations. To understand the role played by patient and physician in determining treatment efficacy, we estimate a structural model featuring physician-patient interaction. The model highlights the pivotal role physicians play in treatment selection, while also recognizing that patients have the autonomy to decline treatment. We find that patients value their mental health while responding to treatment costs. Furthermore, physicians appear to weigh their benefits more heavily than patient health outcomes. Policy measures aimed at cutting costs show mixed results, influenced by the treatment approach and doctors' altruism levels. Standalone efforts to promote patient adherence and physician altruism show minimal benefits for mental health. Therefore, a combined strategy that addresses altruism, compliance, cost management, and patient care may improve overall mental health outcomes.

Note: There is no funding information for this research. The authors declare that they have no relevant or material financial interests that relate to the research described in this paper.

Keywords: Mental Health, Patient Adherence, Altruistic Physician

JEL Classification: I12, D12, D64