Attitudinal correlates of lithium compliance in bipolar affective disorders

Lithium noncompliance is a significant barrier to effective treatment of manic-depressive disorders, yet the reasons for it are not well established. This questionnaire study of 48 lithium outpatients evaluated the utility of Ajzen and Fishbein's Theory of Reasoned Action in explicating the relationships among lithium-related beliefs and attitudes, normative beliefs, behavioral intentions, and self-reported compliance with the treatment regimen. Results support the usefulness of this model, with some modification, in conceptualizing patients' compliance behaviors. Findings underscore the importance of the patient-physician relationship in lithium compliance.