Factors related to drug compliance and attrition in neurotic outpatients treated with anxiolytics.
Forty-six outpatients with anxiety-tension states took part in a study on the effects of anxiolytic drugs. At the first interview ratings were performed and the patients answered a questionnaire as to their experience of the consultation (n = 42). Based on follow-up examinations after 2, 4 and 8 weeks, three groups were formed: completers, who did not experience side-effects to be of such intensity that they changed the recommended dose (n = 15); deviators, who due to side-effects changed the recommended dose temporarily or permanently (n = 20); and attritors (n = 7). One to two years after the end of the drug study a personality inventory was sent out by post. It was returned by 35 patients. 1) Completers, deviators and attritors were similar with regard to age, education and social class. 2) They were also similar with regard to initial distress level. 3) Completers had the highest scores on scales measuring the personality traits defence of status and guilt-feelings and on the factor inex neurotic self-assertiveness, while attritors had the lowest scores. 4) Completers, deviators and attritors were similar with regard to experience of the first consultation. 5) Patients with a more favourable experience of the first consultation reported taking lower doses of the drugs.
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004316:Doxepin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012737:Sex Factors; D012923:Social Class
D004316:Doxepin; D003975:Diazepam