Compliance with antipsychotic treatment

• Published in: Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica Vol. 102; no. s407; pp. 83 - 86
• Main Authors: Oehl, M., Hummer, M., Fleischhacker, W. W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Copenhagen Munksgaard International Publishers 01.01.2000
• Subjects: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Antipsychotic Agents - administration & dosage; Antipsychotic Agents - therapeutic use; antipsychotic drugs; compliance; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Compliance; Physician-Patient Relations; psychological factors; Recurrence; Risk Factors; Schizophrenia - drug therapy; side effects
• ISSN: 0001-690X; 0065-1591; 1600-0447
• DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0447.2000.00016.x

Objective: Despite the demonstrated efficacy of antipsychotics the relapse rate among patients with schizophrenia remains high. One major reason for this is non‐compliance. In this article we review different factors influencing compliance and discuss possibilities to enhance compliance among schizophrenic patients. Method: This review is based on a systematic literature search in Medline. Results: We summarize the four main factors (patient‐, environment‐, physician‐ and treatment‐related) that influence compliance and discuss possible measures to enhance compliance. Next to many other variables discussed in more detail, it is crucial to ensure a positive doctor–patient relationship and to provide sufficient information about the benefit/risk ratio of the medication as well as about the illness itself to build up and sustain compliance. Significant others should be included into the therapeutic alliance whenever possible. Conclusion: Despite many published reports on compliance, it remains to be a problem of eminent clinical relevance. Clinicians must not underestimate it in order to optimize the treatment of patients with schizophrenia.