Non-adherence to Antipsychotic Medication in Schizophrenia
Author Information
Author(s): Morken Gunnar, Widen Jan H, Grawe Rolf W
Primary Institution: Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, NTNU
Hypothesis
Does non-adherence to antipsychotic medication lead to increased relapse and rehospitalization in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia?
Conclusion
Non-adherence to antipsychotic medication was associated with relapse, hospital admission, and persistent psychotic symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- Non-adherent patients had an Odds Ratio of 10.27 for experiencing a psychotic relapse.
- Non-adherent patients were admitted to the hospital at a rate of 4.00 times higher than adherent patients.
- Patients using depot antipsychotics had more relapses and hospital admissions compared to those who did not.
Takeaway
If people with schizophrenia don't take their medicine, they are more likely to get sick again and need to go to the hospital.
Methodology
The study included 50 clinically stable patients with recent-onset schizophrenia, comparing outcomes based on their adherence to antipsychotic medication over a 24-month follow-up.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported adherence and the exclusion of certain patient groups may affect the results.
Limitations
The study excluded patients with major substance use disorders and mental retardation, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
19 women and 31 men, aged 18 to 35, diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or schizophreniform disorders.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
2.59–40.67
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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