Adherence to the Treatment in Psychiatric Patients

WOS: 000360665300019Purpose: Although medical treatments develop day by day, there have been no changes in the treatment adherence ratios in psychiatric patients in the past years. In this study, we aimed to determine the causes for treatment nonadherence and present possible solutions. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, clinical records of 230 patients who have been hospitalized in the inpatient clinic of Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine Psychiatry Department were analyzed initially. Axis I psychiatric disorders of patients which were diagnosed by using DSM-IV-TR criteria and associated characteristics of disorders have been completed in the socio-demographic data form. According to our retrospective adherence scale which was based on Morisky Adherence Scale, patients' adherence to the appointments at the first and third months after discharging from hospital and taking their medication as recommended were checked. Results: The results of this study have shown that the rate of non-adherence with treatment changes between 16.7 % - 68.8 % according to disorder. According to the current study, the reasons have effects on the patients' adherence were Axis I and Axis II psychiatric disorders according to DSM-IV, number of daily medications taken, presence of comorbid medical illnesses, family history of psychiatric illnesses and presence of insight. Conclusion: Although medical treatments and drug industry develop day by day, there have been no changes in the treatment adherence ratios in the past years. To generate possible solutions, treatment adherence should be assessed in all clinical interviews and if patient is non-adherent this issue should be handled seriously