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Treatment non-adherence in affective disorders
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Claremont House, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|April 10, 2002
Summary
Medication non-adherence is common in affective disorders, affecting up to 60% of patients. Addressing patient beliefs, not just side effects, can improve adherence and long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Medication adherence is crucial for effective treatment of unipolar and bipolar affective disorders.
- Non-adherence significantly impacts long-term prognosis and treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence of medication non-adherence in unipolar and bipolar affective disorders.
- To identify predictors of medication non-adherence.
- To explore methods for improving medication adherence.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of Medline and PsycLit databases (1976-2001).
- Inclusion of English language publications.
- Supplemented by hand searches and review of clinical practice articles.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of non-adherence ranges from 10% to 60% (median 40%), with no significant change despite new medications.
- Patient attitudes and beliefs are significant predictors of adherence, comparable to side effects.
- Limited studies show that recognizing and addressing non-adherence can lead to improvement.
Conclusions:
- A very small percentage of research on affective disorders addresses medication non-adherence.
- Improving adherence is vital for enhancing the long-term prognosis of affective disorders.
- Further research and clinical focus on adherence strategies are warranted.