Schizophrenia Daily News Blog

Meds and Directions

Most People With Schizophrenia Don't Take Meds as Directed

According to a new study in the April issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry, almost 60 percent of schizophrenia patients don�t take their medications as prescribed. For the study claims and eligibility data were reviewed for 1,619 patients receiving treatment between 1998 and 2000. The average age of participants was 42. Non-adherent patients were two and a half times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric reasons than adherents. Those who were partially adherent were 80 percent more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric reasons. Even hospitalizations for non-psychiatric reasons were higher for non-adherents, this group being 70 percent more likely to be hospitalized than those who stick with their drug schedule. Those who were partially compliant were 30 percent more likely to be hospitalized for non psychiatric treatment.

The gist of the article is that if you want to SUBSTANTIALLY reduce your risk of being hospitalized for psychiatric or non psychiatric reasons, take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.