ADHERENCE TO ANTIPSYCHOTIC MEDICATION IN SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS

Background Antipsychotic medications have been reduced severity and duration of acute psychotic episode and the number of recurrent psychotic episodes among persons with schizophrenia by long-term use of this medication. However, poor adherence to antipsychotic medication in schizophrenia has been associated with increased rate of rehospitalisation and relapse. The nonadherence to antipsychotic medication is often underestimated. Good adherence to antipsychotic medication is one of the corner stones of long remissions. Conclusions On the basis of different studies it could be concluded that around one half of the schizophrenia patients have poor adherence to antipsychotic medication. To increase adherence to antipsychotic medication good therapeutic alliance should be established with positive emotions, bilateral communication and patient involvement in decision making. The adherence to the antipsychotic medication could be improved with the agreement about psychopharmacotherapy. Antipsychotic therapy should be understandable, tolerable and acceptable for the patient