Atypical neuroleptics: autonomy and compliance?

Area of Science:

• Psychiatric Nursing
• Pharmacology
• Mental Health Treatment

Background:

• Non-compliance with drug therapy significantly hinders treatment effectiveness.
• New-generation antidepressants and atypical neuroleptics highlight the topicality of adherence in mental health nursing.
• Atypical neuroleptics represent a breakthrough in schizophrenia treatment, offering benefits with fewer side-effects than typical neuroleptics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review literature on interventions promoting compliance with neuroleptics.
• To reflect on nursing implications relevant to atypical neuroleptics.
• To explore the evolving concept from 'compliance' to 'adherence' in psychiatric care.

Main Methods:

• Critical literature review of interventions for neuroleptic compliance.
• Analysis of nursing roles in promoting patient adherence.
• Examination of the historical trend towards patient autonomy in treatment.

Main Results:

• Three primary intervention forms identified: imposed, chosen, and active compliance.
• Literature indicates a trend towards improved compliance with increased patient autonomy and involvement.
• The term 'adherence' is increasingly replacing 'compliance' in professional discourse.

Conclusions:

• Mental health nurses are pivotal in facilitating the shift from compliance to adherence.
• Enhancing patient autonomy and involvement is key to improving medication adherence.
• Nursing practice must adapt to support the reconceptualization of patient-therapist relationships in medication management.