Noncompliance with Treatment of Neurologic Disease

Noncompliance is a major problem in the treatment of a number of neurologic disorders. Because many neurologic disorders are chronic and many treatments are prophylactic rather than symptomatic, noncompliance is of particular concern. The fact that many neurologic disorders also affect cognition, motivation, and mood adds to this problem. Decreasing the number of times per day the patient is supposed to take the medication is the single most effective way of improving compliance. Making the patient an active participant in treatment planning, as well as through patient education, use of a pillbox, and frequent visits may all help improve compliance.