Predictors of medication non-adherence in Bulgarian outpatients with schizophrenia.

The purpose of this study is to assess the adherence status and to identify the risk factors for medication non-adherence in Bulgarian outpatients with schizophrenia. Variables with possible impact on adherence behaviour were assessed via a set of pre-determined clinical interviews and self-rating scales in a total of 226 patients with schizophrenia. As non-adherent were classified 55.8% of the participants. Differences between adherent and non-adherent patients were identified. A multiple regression analysis revealed three variables predictive for the medication adherence--attitudes toward medication, severity of positive symptoms and the ability to recognize psychotic symptoms. Interventions focusing on the identified predictive variables might be useful when aiming at improvement of medication adherence and outcome in schizophrenia.