Study shows there is a need for better compliance therapies (11/27/05)

One of the major reasons treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders is complicated is that the patients do not stick to the medication schedules the physicians have ordered them to follow. It is known that relapses are very common among those patients that do not take their medications. Because of this, compliance therapies have been developed in order to overcome the problem. These may for instance include motivational interviewing and/or cognitive behavioral therapy. In a study recently, the researchers examined what outcome trials with compliance therapies have had on compliance among psychotic patients, especially compared with common, conventional advice to the patients.

In the study, online medical databases were searched for trials, which compared a group of participants who received compliance therapy with a group who did not. Articles were only considered if the participants were on antipsychotic medication; received 4-6 sessions of compliance therapy, which lasted 20-60 minutes. Parameters measured were compliance and effects on psychotic symptoms.

Only two trials analyzed in the study met the criteria required. One reported compliance therapy had a significant effect on compliance but not on symptoms. The other trial reported no significant effects from compliance therapy. However, methodological flaws affected the validity of both findings.

Judging from the results from the current study, further research is required in this important area, in order to develop strategies for improving compliance among psychotic patients. The importance of following their prescribed treatment schedule remains as one of the most important aspects in the treatment of psychotic disorders.

Ilott R. Does compliance therapy improve use of antipsychotic medication?
Br J Community Nurs. 2005 Nov;10(11):514-9.
ABSTRACT