title: Factors influencing the adherence of antipsychotic medication (Aripiprazole) in first-episode psychosis: findings from a grounded theory study.
abstract: Antipsychotic medication is central to the treatment of patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP). Although non-adherence with the antipsychotic medication regime is a common barrier to the effective treatment of FEP, knowledge is limited about how patients make decisions about adhering to antipsychotic treatment. This qualitative study aimed to gain a greater understanding of patients' medication-taking practices, and their subjective experiences with antipsychotic treatment. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients between the ages of 18 and 35 years who were treated with Aripiprazole under an Early Intervention Service in the south of England. A grounded theory approach was used for data collection and analysis. Twelve participants were included in the study. The findings indicated that patients taking antipsychotic medication for treatment of FEP varied their medication-taking practices according to the effects of the illness or antipsychotic treatment on their lives. A conceptual model was developed and this consists of three thematic categories: quality of life, discernment and health status. The three main themes are interrelated with a cyclical outcome. The findings contribute to the understanding of the medication-taking practices of patients with FEP and have implications for prescribing practice and strategies to enhance antipsychotic adherence.
authors.affiliation: South West London and St George's (Mental Health) NHS Trust, London, UK. amy.hon@nhs.net
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000068180:Aripiprazole; D003625:Data Collection; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology*; D009742:Nursing Theory; D010358:Patient Participation; D010879:Piperazines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D015363:Quinolones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D010879:Piperazines; D015363:Quinolones; D000068180:Aripiprazole