BACKGROUND: Non-compliance (or non-adherence) with antipsychotic pharmacotherapy occurs frequently. In addition, there is overwhelming evidence that it constitutes a major risk factor for psychotic relapse. Compliance substantially affects course and treatment of schizophrenia. During the last decades, a large body of research on compliance with antipsychotic medication has been accumulated. METHOD: The authors provide an overview of meta-analyses. Reviews published since 1990 on effects of interventions aiming at increasing compliance with medication in people suffering from schizophrenia are summarized. RESULTS: We found eight reviews which reported empirical findings on the efficacy and effectiveness of interventions with the goal of improving compliance. Interventions have shown limited (psychoeducation) to moderate (cognitive-behavioral and combined interventions) effects. Other relevant findings are summarized and discussed.
BACKGROUND: Non-compliance (or non-adherence) with antipsychotic pharmacotherapy occurs frequently. In addition, there is overwhelming evidence that it constitutes a major risk factor for psychotic relapse. Compliance substantially affects course and treatment of schizophrenia. During the last decades, a large body of research on compliance with antipsychotic medication has been accumulated. METHOD: The authors provide an overview of meta-analyses. Reviews published since 1990 on effects of interventions aiming at increasing compliance with medication in people suffering from schizophrenia are summarized. RESULTS: We found eight reviews which reported empirical findings on the efficacy and effectiveness of interventions with the goal of improving compliance. Interventions have shown limited (psychoeducation) to moderate (cognitive-behavioral and combined interventions) effects. Other relevant findings are summarized and discussed.