Journal
ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA
Volume 102, Issue -, Pages 83-86Publisher
WILEY-BLACKWELL
DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0447.2000.00016.x
Keywords
compliance; antipsychotic drugs; side effects; psychological factors
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Objective: Despite the demonstrated efficacy of antipsychotics the relapse rate among patients with schizophrenia remains high. One major reason for this is non-compliance. Tn this article we review different factors influencing compliance and discuss possibilities to enhance compliance among schizophrenic patients. Method: This review is based on a systematic literature search in Medline. Results: We summarize the four main factors (patient-, environment-, physician- and treatment-related) that influence compliance and discuss possible measures to enhance compliance. Next to many other variables discussed in more detail, it is crucial to ensure a positive doctor-patient relationship and to provide sufficient information about the benefit/risk ratio of the medication as well as about the illness itself to build up and sustain compliance. Significant others should be included into the therapeutic alliance whenever possible. Conclusion: Despite many published reports on compliance, it remains to be a problem of eminent clinical relevance. Clinicians must not underestimate it in order to optimize the treatment of patients with schizophrenia.
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