Attitudes toward antipsychotic medications as a useful feature in exploring medication non-adherence in schizophrenia

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the interest in the attitudes toward antipsychotic medication in exploring medication non-adherence. MethodsSchizophrenic patients (N=120) completed the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire and measures of medication adherence, and clinical outcomes. Comparison between four attitudinal groups and logistic regressions were performed. ResultsHigh level of adherence varied significantly between attitudinal groups (Accepting, 70%; Indifferent, 63%; Ambivalent, 50%; Sceptical, 14%; p<0.001). Poor insight and psychic side effects were the most significant predictors of negative beliefs. ConclusionThe attitudinal groups approach could facilitate the identification of patients with non-adherence and determine individual targets of interventions to improve negative beliefs.