RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Medication adherence failure in schizophrenia: a forensic review of rates, reasons, treatments, and prospects
JF Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online
JO J Am Acad Psychiatry Law
FD American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
SP 426
OP 444
VO 27
IS 3
A1 JL Young
A1 RT Spitz
A1 M Hillbrand
A1 G Daneri
YR 1999
UL http://jaapl.org/content/27/3/426.abstract
AB Forensic patients with schizophrenia who fail to adhere to prescribed antipsychotic medication risk recidivism, which continues to be a serious concern. It affects all stages of trial proceedings and impacts on the treaters' liability. Although much remains unchanged since the authors reviewed the subject in 1986, significant advances have occurred. A patient's insight can be assessed with greater precision. Risks posed by past noncompliance, substance abuse, and a dysphoric response to medication are more clearly documented. Clinical and laboratory methods for assessing compliance have improved. Major advances in the effective amelioration of adverse effects can be applied to promote adherence. New augmentation strategies enable adequate treatment at lower doses. The development of atypical antipsychotic agents makes compliance easier to achieve and maintain. Other advances apply to the containment of relapse when it does occur. This review organizes the literature documenting these trends for use in both treatment and consultation.