Personal responsibility and psychoactive drug taking behavior in discharged mental patients

Certain demographic factors related to the taking or nontaking of prescribed psychoactive drugs following discharge from a psychiatric hospital are isolated in this study. Seventy-four patients, 23 male and 41 female, were evaluated during their first two weeks of hospitalization and approximately six months after their release. Follow-up data were collected in the patient's home by a trained investigator who was able to ascertain the patient's compliance in the taking of prescribed medication and his level of behavioral functioning following discharge. Those items significantly differentiating the drug takers from the drug avoiders were tabulated, and tentative descriptions of the two groups were offered. In general, drug avoiders are highly mobile and unstable in their residence, marriage, employment history, and other social behaviors such as church attendance, while those following prescribed drug therapy are more settled and conforming.