Drug default among schizophrenic patients

Abstract

This study attempted to isolate the relationship of two variables that operate to influence drug compliance among schizophrenic patients: the patient's attitude toward his disturbance, and the treatment milieu employed during hospitalization. Schizophrenic patients were administered the Rorschach test upon admission to the psychiatric service of a general hospital to determine their perception of their disturbance. Results of this psychological test were used to randomly select 48 patients who were then randomly assigned to two treatment milius: self-medication during hospitalization and as an outpatient, and traditional drug administration during hospitalization and self-medication as an outpatient. Phenothiazine drugs were used, and compliance was determined by urinalysis. Patients who were generally realistic in their perception of their disorder were significantly more compliant during hospitalization and subsequent outpatient treatment. The treatment milieu variable was not a significant influence. Further analysis via a linear regression model confirmed the relationship of several other compliance factors previously reported in the literature. The role of the patient's attitude toward his illness and the importance of personal relationships are considered in terms of the role of the pharmacist in influencing compliance.