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BMC Psychiatry

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Open Access 01-12-2008 | Research article

Non-adherence to antipsychotic medication, relapse and rehospitalisation in recent-onset schizophrenia

Authors: Gunnar Morken, Jan H Widen, Rolf W Grawe

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2008

Abstract

Background

The aims of this study were to describe outcome with respect to persistent psychotic symptoms, relapse of positive symptoms, hospital admissions, and application of treatment by coercion among patients with recent onset schizophrenia being adherent and non-adherent to anti-psychotic medication.

Materials and methods

The study included 50 patients with recent onset schizophrenia, schizoaffective or schizophreniform disorders. The patients were clinically stable at study entry and had less than 2 years duration of psychotic symptoms. Good adherence to antipsychotic medication was defined as less than one month without medication. Outcomes for poor and good adherence were compared over a 24-month follow-up period.

Results

The Odds Ratio (OR) of having a psychotic relapse was 10.27 and the OR of being admitted to hospital was 4.00 among non-adherent patients. Use of depot-antipsychotics were associated with relapses (OR = 6.44).

Conclusion

Non-adherence was associated with relapse, hospital admission and having persistent psychotic symptoms. Interventions to increase adherence are needed.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials NCT00184509. Key words: Adherence, schizophrenia, antipsychotic medication, admittances, relapse.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-244X/8/32/prepub

Title: Non-adherence to antipsychotic medication, relapse and rehospitalisation in recent-onset schizophrenia
Authors: Gunnar Morken
Jan H Widen
Rolf W Grawe
Publication date: 01-12-2008
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-8-32

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Non-adherence to antipsychotic medication, relapse and rehospitalisation in recent-onset schizophrenia

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

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