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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 2/2015

01-02-2015 | Original Paper

Perceived risk of relapse and role of medication: comparison between patients with psychosis and their caregivers

Authors: Kit Wa Sherry Chan, Men Heng Marian Wong, Christy Lai Ming Hui, Edwin Ho Ming Lee, Wing Chung Chang, Eric Yu Hai Chen

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 2/2015

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Abstract

Purpose

Studies have suggested that appraisal of relapse risk and knowledge of medications in relapse prevention may shape one’s reactions towards an illness and treatment, and influence the illness outcome. The aim of this study is to explore patients’ and caregivers’ knowledge of medications, perceived chances of relapse and its predictors, as well as their relations with medication adherence.

Methods

Eighty patient–caregiver dyads participated in the study. Their knowledge about psychosis, specific knowledge about medications and course of illness of their own and their relatives, medication adherence and symptomatology of patients were assessed. Differences in knowledge between patients and caregivers were compared. The link between adherence with perceived relapse risk and consequences of stopping medication were explored. Multinomial regression analyses were performed to examine predictors of perceived relapse risk.

Results

More patients underestimated their chance of relapse and were unaware that stopping medication may lead to relapse. The lack of understanding about the effect of stopping medication of both caregivers and patients was related to poor medication adherence of patients. Patients perceived of having higher chance of relapse had more severe positive symptoms. Positive symptoms of patients and greater knowledge about psychosis of caregivers were related to higher caregivers’ perceived relapse risk of their relative.

Conclusions

This study explored the views of patients and their caregivers on the perceived risk of relapse and role of medication in preventing relapse, and the potential significance. Specific interventions addressing these areas should be considered in developing relapse prevention programs.
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Metadata
Title
Perceived risk of relapse and role of medication: comparison between patients with psychosis and their caregivers
Authors
Kit Wa Sherry Chan
Men Heng Marian Wong
Christy Lai Ming Hui
Edwin Ho Ming Lee
Wing Chung Chang
Eric Yu Hai Chen
Publication date
01-02-2015
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-014-0930-0

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