Socioeconomic burden of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases--focusing on work productivity and disability.

Chronic disabling conditions, such as immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID), adversely affect patients in terms of physical suffering and pain, impaired function, and diminished quality of life. These persistent relapsing diseases have a significant influence on individual employment status and work-related productivity. In addition to the significant burden on patients and their families, IMID represent a sizable burden to society due to high healthcare and non-healthcare related costs. Non-healthcare related, or indirect, costs - primarily associated with decreased work productivity, disability payments, and early retirements - are typically greater contributors than direct healthcare costs to the total costs associated with IMID. This article discusses the socioeconomic impact of several IMID, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis.