Economic Toll of Schizophrenia in US Reaches $367 Billion

New research shows the staggering societal costs driven by lost productivity, early mortality, and unpaid caregiving.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:47am

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The economic cost of schizophrenia in the US reached nearly $367 billion in 2024, according to new research. This figure was driven largely by indirect costs such as unpaid caregiving, premature mortality, unemployment, and reduced wages. The study found that almost 80% of the national estimate was from indirect costs, with healthcare accounting for just 10% of total costs.

Why it matters

The findings highlight the substantial economic burden that schizophrenia places on individuals, families, and society as a whole. This underscores the need for increased funding and coordinated care to address this public health issue, which remains underfunded for both treatment and research.

The details

The study used a cost-of-illness model to estimate the national and state-level costs of schizophrenia. It found that the $366.8 billion national estimate was driven by indirect costs like unpaid caregiving ($149 billion), patient unemployment and reduced wages ($55 billion), premature mortality ($47 billion), and quality-of-life issues ($41 billion). Direct costs included healthcare ($37 billion), homelessness and supportive housing ($35 billion), and justice system factors ($12 billion).

  • The economic cost of schizophrenia reached nearly $367 billion for roughly 3.1 million US adults in 2024.

The players

Holly B. Krasa, MS

Lead author of the study and an employee of the Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance in Alexandria, Virginia.

Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance

A non-profit organization that funded the research on the economic cost of schizophrenia in the US.

Blue Persimmon Group

A life sciences consulting firm that employs two of the study's investigators.

Precision AQ

A life sciences consulting firm that employs five of the study's investigators.

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What they’re saying

“These national- and state-level estimates provide a clearer foundation for targeting care, guiding investment, and expanding early intervention to reduce the long-term impact of schizophrenia.”

— Holly B. Krasa, MS, Lead author

“A sustained research agenda is essential to drive innovation, improve care delivery, and reduce the long-term costs.”

— Holly B. Krasa, MS, Lead author

The takeaway

The staggering $367 billion economic toll of schizophrenia in the US underscores the urgent need for increased funding and coordinated care to address this debilitating mental health condition. Investing in research, early intervention, and comprehensive support services could help reduce the long-term societal impact of schizophrenia.