Psychiatria pre prax 5/2004

Compliance in the Treatment of Schizophrenia

Compliance is a principal factor in the long-therm treatment of schizophrenia. About 50% of schizophrenics are noncompliant. Noncompliance with antipsychotic medication leads to rehospitalization. The reasons for being noncompliant are different. Insight of schizophrenia and acceptance of medication are important. Adverse events, subjectively unpleasant, are often reason for antipsychotic discontinuation. Novel antipsychotics are not clear of adverse events. Educational multiapproach programs, minimalisation of adverse events possibilities, influence of the illness and patients characteristics are discussed.

Keywords: compliance, schizophrenia, antipsychotics, adherence, relaps.