[Adherence and difficulties related to drug treatment in patients with depression]

This research verified adherence and knowledge of people with depression regarding prescribed pharmacotherapy, satisfaction with the health team and difficulties related to drug treatment. This is descriptive and cross-sectional study, with quail-quantitative approach. The study included 27 people assisted in an outpatient clinic in the interior of the state of São Paulo - Brazil. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and review of medical records and analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. It was found that 29.6% of patients were no adherent to medication and 51.9% were unaware of the dose of prescribed drugs. Impact of drug therapy in depressive symptoms on self-care, dissatisfaction with effects of psychoactive drugs, lack of support, use of multiple medications and lack of knowledge about the disorder and treatment were reported as difficulties in following drug therapy. This study shows critical factors to the promotion of patient safety in following drug therapy.