Problems of compliance in the outpatient treatment of schizophrenia

The importance of treatment compliance in the outpatient care of schizophrenia is discussed, and research on this problem and on various approaches to its solution is reviewed briefly. The role of injectable medication in increasing adherence to treatment in the outpatient setting is important, although studies in this area have suffered from problems of inadequate duration and sample size, and differing definitions of relapse. Whatever treatment is chosen, careful attention to side effects, which may be mild or subclinical, is essential. The psychological meanings attached by patients to their illness and its treatment are also important considerations, as is education of patients and professionals on issues related to treatment adherence.