[Effects of interventions to improve compliance with antipsychotic medication in people suffering from schizophrenia-results of recent reviews].
BACKGROUND
Non-compliance (or non-adherence) with antipsychotic pharmacotherapy occurs frequently. In addition, there is overwhelming evidence that it constitutes a major risk factor for psychotic relapse. Compliance substantially affects course and treatment of schizophrenia. During the last decades, a large body of research on compliance with antipsychotic medication has been accumulated.


METHODS
The authors provide an overview of meta-analyses. Reviews published since 1990 on effects of interventions aiming at increasing compliance with medication in people suffering from schizophrenia are summarized.


RESULTS
We found eight reviews which reported empirical findings on the efficacy and effectiveness of interventions with the goal of improving compliance. Interventions have shown limited (psychoeducation) to moderate (cognitive-behavioral and combined interventions) effects. Other relevant findings are summarized and discussed.
Puschner
Bernd
B
Universität Ulm, Abteilung Psychiatrie II, Bezirkskrankenhaus Günzburg. bernd.puschner@bkh-guenzburg.de
Born
Anja
A
Giessler
Anne
A
Helm
Hedda
H
Becker
Thomas
T
Angermeyer
Matthias C
MC
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents