Compliance--a joint effort of the patient and his doctor.

Non-compliance is the reason why in 25-50% of cases treatment of seizures is only partially successful. We have tried to throw some light on the reasons for noncompliance in the behaviour of the doctor as well as the patient. It is not possible simply to prescribe compliance - even though the result is a decrease in attacks; reliability must be learnt. Responsible patients and compassionate doctors are a pre-condition for reliability. Both doctor and patient are committed to treating and healing. This can only be achieved by mutual trust and understanding. A doctor who can make clear to his patient that he is dependent on the patient's co-operation will be more successful than a doctor who does not. Self-help groups can help the patient to recognise his difficulties and take responsibility for himself by coming to terms with his illness. Self-help groups cannot produce compliance; compliance is a result of group work. The doctor - patient relationship has been the subject of much thought, discussion and theorizing recently. In all of this compliance is the key factor.