Medication Adherence

Abstract

<p>The modern era of psychopharmacology began in the 1950s with the discovery of the antipsychotic drug chlorpromazine (Thorazine). Since then, many drugs have been developed, investigated, and marketed for the treatment of all forms of mental illness. Although medications are not completely effective for all patients, most individuals will generally derive some satisfactory benefit from an appropriately prescribed medication. However, even the best medications do not work in patients who do not take them. Although not taking medication reliably is well recognized as a common problem, surprisingly, patients and their prescribers can grossly overestimate medication adherence. For this reason, the concept of medication adherence is a more practically important pharmacotherapy issue than is expert knowledge in clinical psychopharmacology. In this article, the importance of medication adherence, the factors associated with poor adherence, and some approaches for improving adherence is discussed. </p><h4>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</h4> <p>Robert H. Howland, MD, is Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.</p> <p>Address correspondence to Robert H. Howland, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; e-mail: <a href="mailto:HowlandRH@upmc.edu">HowlandRH@upmc.edu</a>.</p> <p>Dr. Howland has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.</p> <h4>EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES</h4> <ol><li> Review why medication adherence is important.</li> <li>Describe some of the factors associated with poor medication adherence.</li> <li>Discuss some approaches to improving medication adherence.</li> </ol>