Compliance therapy: a randomised controlled trial in schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of "compliance therapy" for improving adherence to prescribed drug treatment among patients with schizophrenia.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
Urban catchment area psychiatric service.


METHODS
94 consecutive admissions of patients with schizophrenia, 56 agreed to participate.


METHODS
Compliance therapy and non-specific counselling, each consisting of 5 sessions lasting 30-60 minutes.


METHODS
Compliance with drug treatment at one year; attitudes to treatment, symptomatology, insight, and quality of life at one year; length of "survival" in the community, bed days, and rehospitalisation rates at two years.


RESULTS
Compliance therapy did not confer a major advantage over non-specific therapy in improving compliance at one year (43% (12/28) v 54% (15/28), difference -11% (95% confidence interval -37% to 15%) or in any of the secondary outcome measures-symptomatology, attitudes to treatment, insight, global assessment of functioning, and quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
Compliance therapy may not be of benefit to patients with schizophrenia. Attitudes to treatment at baseline predicted adherence one year later and may be a clinically useful tool.
O'Donnell
Colin
C
Stanley Research Unit, Department of Adult Psychiatry, Cluain Mhuire Service, Newtownpark Avenue, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
Donohoe
Gary
G
Sharkey
Louise
L
Owens
Nicholas
N
Migone
Maria
M
Harries
Raewynn
R
Kinsella
Anthony
A
Larkin
Conall
C
O'Callaghan
Eadbhard
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011788:Quality of Life; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014504:Urban Health