Medication attitudes and beliefs in patients with psychotic and affective disorders on maintenance treatment

Abstract

Patient attitudes and beliefs regarding the cost-benefits of medications may influence treatment adherence. However, beliefs and attitudes about psychotropic medications have not been well studied across different clinical populations. This study sought to compare medication attitudes, beliefs, and clinical characteristics in patients with psychotic disorders versus those with affective disorders. Clinician-rated and self-report measures were used to assess the drug attitudes, beliefs, and clinical features of outpatients with affective and psychotic disorders on stable medications. There were no significant differences in the overall medication attitudes and beliefs scores between the clinical groups. The affective group, however, were less likely to believe that medications would prevent hospitalisation (p < 0.05) and were less likely to use an aid as a reminder to take their medication (p < 0.05). Medication attitudes and beliefs were found to have significant correlation with reported side effects (p < 0.01) but not with educational level and duration or severity of illness. Patients with psychotic disorders did not show more negative attitudes or beliefs about medication than those with affective disorders. It would be clinically important that equal care is taken to assess perceived drug side effects, and attitudes and beliefs about medications across diagnostic groups.