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Antipsychotic medication adherence in schizophrenia
Matthew J Byerly1, Paul A Nakonezny, Emmeline Lescouflair
1Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75235-8828, USA. matt.byerly@utsouthwestern.edu <matt.byerly@utsouthwestern.edu>
The Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|August 28, 2007
Summary
Poor adherence to antipsychotic medication in schizophrenia has serious consequences. This review updates literature on nonadherence, its impact, and interventions to improve medication adherence for schizophrenia patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Mental Health
Background:
- Medication adherence is a significant challenge in managing schizophrenia.
- Nonadherence to antipsychotic medication can lead to severe clinical and social repercussions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of the literature on antipsychotic medication nonadherence in schizophrenia.
- To examine the frequency, impact, and correlates of nonadherence.
- To review interventions aimed at improving adherence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent publications.
- Analysis of clinical and social impacts of nonadherence.
- Evaluation of intervention trials for adherence improvement.
Main Results:
- Nonadherence to antipsychotic medication is frequent in schizophrenia.
- Nonadherence is associated with significant negative clinical and social outcomes.
- Various interventions have been tested to improve adherence, with mixed results.
Conclusions:
- Addressing medication nonadherence is critical for effective schizophrenia management.
- Further research is needed to identify and implement effective adherence interventions.
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