Predictors of noncompliance in males with first-episode schizophrenia, schizophreniform and schizoaffective disorder.
OBJECTIVE
Many factors influencing compliance in schizophrenia have been reported in the literature. Our aim was to assess predictors of noncompliance in male patients with first-episode schizophrenia, schizophreniform and schizoaffective disorder in a naturalistic setting.


METHODS
Fifty-six male patients, discharged from hospital, were included in a 1-year follow-up study. Psychopathological symptoms were assessed with positive and negative syndrome scale at admission and discharge, while extrapyramidal side effects were recorded weekly during hospitalisation using the Simpson-Angus and Barnes akathisia scales. Socio-demographic and some other variables were also recorded.


RESULTS
Thirty patients (53.6%) dropped out of treatment in the first year and 21 of them relapsed. With the Cox survival analysis three predictors of noncompliance were found: diagnosis of schizophrenia versus the other two diagnoses, positive symptoms at admission, and lack of insight at discharge. Discussion. In spite of a specific methodology and selection of only first-episode male patients, the results are in accordance with the findings of other authors. This confirms the universality of noncompliance in psychotic patients.


CONCLUSIONS
First-episode patients have a high dropout rate. However, in compliant patients, the relapse rate was low, and therefore special attention and compliance-promoting interventions in first-episode patients are needed.
Novak-Grubic
Virginija
V
University Psychiatric Hospital, Studenec 48, SI-1260 Ljubljana-Polje, Slovenia. grubicvg@siol.net
Tavcar
Rok
R
D000328:Adult; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012008:Recurrence; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index