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. 2013 Aug;3(4):200-18.
doi: 10.1177/2045125312474019.

Medication adherence in schizophrenia: factors influencing adherence and consequences of nonadherence, a systematic literature review

Kyoko Higashi  1 , Goran Medic, Kavi J Littlewood, Teresa Diez, Ola Granström, Marc De Hert
Affiliations

Medication adherence in schizophrenia: factors influencing adherence and consequences of nonadherence, a systematic literature review

Kyoko Higashi et al. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2013 Aug.

Abstract

Background: Nonadherence to medication is a recognized problem and may be the most challenging aspect of treatment.

Methods: We performed a systematic review of factors that influence adherence and the consequences of nonadherence to the patient, healthcare system and society, in patients with schizophrenia. Particular attention was given to the effect of nonadherence on hospitalization rates, as a key driver of increased costs of care. A qualitative systematic literature review was conducted using a broad search strategy using disease and adherence terms. Due to the large number of abstracts identified, article selection was based on studies with larger sample sizes published after 2001. Thirty-seven full papers were included: 15 studies on drivers and 22 on consequences, of which 12 assessed the link between nonadherence and hospitalization.

Results: Key drivers of nonadherence included lack of insight, medication beliefs and substance abuse. Key consequences of nonadherence included greater risk of relapse, hospitalization and suicide. Factors positively related to adherence were a good therapeutic relationship with physician and perception of benefits of medication. The most frequently reported driver and consequence were lack of insight and greater risk of hospitalization respectively.

Conclusions: Improving adherence in schizophrenia may have a considerable positive impact on patients and society. This can be achieved by focusing on the identified multitude of factors driving nonadherence.

Keywords: adherence; antipsychotics; nonadherence; schizophrenia; systematic review.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest statement: Dr De Hert has been a consultant for, received grant/research support and honoraria from, and been on the speakers/advisory boards of Astra Zeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Janssen-Cilag, Lundbeck JA, Pfizer and Sanofi Aventis.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Study selection flow diagram.
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