Compliance with medical regimens during adolescence

In summary, compliance behavior among adolescents is complex and imcompletely understood. Although the study of compliance is important for understanding the adolescent's stage of psychological development, relationships with authority figures, and the beginning of the youngster's career as a consumer of health care, its ultimate importance lies in the prospect of improving the likelihood that medication will be utilized appropriately. The first step in the process involves systematic monitoring of compliance rather than doing so only when noncompliance is clinically suspected. When compliance is found to be problematic for an adolescent, resorting to "scare" techniques or re-education is rarely effective. A more positive outcome may be achieved by determining the circumstances under which the youngster was successful in complying and attempting to tailor-make the regimen accordingly. Barriers to compliance, such as the presence of side effects, previous negative experience with the medicine, and lack of conviction about the diagnosis of appropriateness of therapy, should always be explored. Other potential intervention strategies for improving compliance have been discussed. In the final analysis, however, as Jonson has noted, all strategies aimed at improving compliance must provide the patient with insight into his own situation and himself, as well as his capability of doing something other than conforming when he judges it best.