Ravi Lingam1, Jan Scott. 1. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Claremont House, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to review the prevalence, predictors and methods for improving medication adherence in unipolar and bipolar affective disorders. METHOD: Studies were identified through Medline and PsycLit searches of English language publications between 1976 and 2001. This was supplemented by a hand search and the inclusion of selected descriptive articles on good clinical practice. RESULTS: Estimates of medication non-adherence for unipolar and bipolar disorders range from 10 to 60% (median 40%). This prevalence has not changed significantly with the introduction of new medications. There is evidence that attitudes and beliefs are at least as important as side-effects in predicting adherence. The limited number of empirical studies of how to reduce non-adherence offer encouraging evidence that, if recognized, the problem can be overcome. CONCLUSION: Only 1-2% of all publications on the treatment of affective disorders explore factors associated with medication non-adherence. This is disappointing as research and clinical data highlight the importance of extended courses of medication in improving the long-term prognosis of affective disorders.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to review the prevalence, predictors and methods for improving medication adherence in unipolar and bipolar affective disorders. METHOD: Studies were identified through Medline and PsycLit searches of English language publications between 1976 and 2001. This was supplemented by a hand search and the inclusion of selected descriptive articles on good clinical practice. RESULTS: Estimates of medication non-adherence for unipolar and bipolar disorders range from 10 to 60% (median 40%). This prevalence has not changed significantly with the introduction of new medications. There is evidence that attitudes and beliefs are at least as important as side-effects in predicting adherence. The limited number of empirical studies of how to reduce non-adherence offer encouraging evidence that, if recognized, the problem can be overcome. CONCLUSION: Only 1-2% of all publications on the treatment of affective disorders explore factors associated with medication non-adherence. This is disappointing as research and clinical data highlight the importance of extended courses of medication in improving the long-term prognosis of affective disorders.
Authors: Walter W van den Broek; Tom K Birkenhäger; Paul G H Mulder; Jan A Bruijn; Peter Moleman Journal: Psychopharmacology (Berl) Date: 2004-10 Impact factor: 4.530