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Adherence to therapy is related to many contributing factors in patients with schizophrenia. Some factors viewed as important are listed on this slide.
Patient factors such as poor insight into their illness and distress associated with side effects can affect adherence.
Complex treatment regimens and lack of efficacy also contribute to problems with adherence.
Environmental factors, such as lack of transportation to the clinic or pharmacy and stigma associated with taking medications, can negatively impact adherence.
Also, important to maintaining adherence are social factors, such as the therapeutic alliance with health care providers and social support.
Reference:
Velligan DI, Weiden PJ, Sajatovic M, et al; Expert Consensus Panel on Adherence Problems in Serious and Persistent Mental Illness. The expert consensus guideline series: adherence problems in patients with serious and persistent mental illness. J Clin Psychiatry. 2009; 70(suppl 4): 1-48.