Patient attitudes toward weight gain with medications.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine patient attitudes toward weight gain with medications under 4 conditions-medical vs psychiatric and life-threatening vs non-life-threatening.


METHODS
In a suburban primary care practice, 241 patients completed surveys that explored the 4 study conditions and the amount of weight, from 0 to 20 or more pounds, willing to be gained on medication.


RESULTS
Participants were willing to gain an average of 5.51 lb for a non-life-threatening medical condition, 5.37 lb for a non-life-threatening psychiatric condition, 13.30 lb for a life-threatening medical condition, and 12.70 lb for a life-threatening psychiatric condition. Participants were willing to gain significantly more weight with a medical vs psychiatric condition and with a life-threatening vs non-life-threatening condition. There were no significant gender differences in responses.


CONCLUSIONS
There appear to be distinct patterns of acceptability of weight gain with medications. This information may enhance prescribers' ability to strategize medication compliance among patients.
Sansone
Randy A
RA
Department of Psychiatry, Wright State University School of Medicine in Dayton, OH, USA. Randy.sansone@kmcnetwork.org
Sansone
Lori A
LA
Gaither
George A
GA
Morris
Jennifer L
JL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects*
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs