[Clinical study of drug compliance in long-term treatment for schizophrenia]

In order to study the characteristics of drug compliance in psychiatric treatment, we retrospectively examined 68 schizophrenic patients who have been in long-term treatment at the Outpatient Department of Psychiatry, Fukuoka University Hospital. The 68 patients were classified into three groups as follows: Group 1: The patients who had not been in compliance with psychiatrist's medication and stopped to take drugs for more than 2 weeks. But they found their symptoms became worse progressively. Group 2: The patients who had not been in compliance with psychiatrist's medication and stopped to take drugs for more than 2 weeks. But they thought their symptoms were not changed. Group 3: The patients who had been in compliance with psychiatrist's medication and continued to take drugs. The patients of Group 1 had undulated progress, slight symptoms and a high level of social adaptation. They tried to take drugs because they knew their symptoms might become worse without medication. But they were frustrated with taking drugs and complained their drugs should be decreased. Their character traits showed stubbornness and emotional instability. The patients of Group 2 had chronic progress, depressive symptoms, less emotional availability and a low level of social adaptation. They had poor motivation for taking drugs and low drug compliance. The patients of Group 3 had chronic progress, depressive symptoms, lack of spontaneity and a low level of social adaptation. They had a high level of drug compliance. They took drugs because psychiatrists and/or family members wanted them to do so. Their character traits showed Hypothymia and ego-weakness. These findings showed different characteristics of drug compliance in long-term treatment of schizophenic patients. We discussed the importance to indicate appropriate treatment and clinical procedures for the patients of each group and suggested to consider (1) prescription of drugs, (2) therapeutic relationship and (3) patient's circumstances in order to select appropriate procedures.