A. Rossi, P. Stratta, L. Arduini - Vol. 8, December 2002,
Issue 4
Testo Immagini
Bibliografia Summary Indice
La compliance al trattamento farmacologico
con antipsicotici
Compliance with antipsychotic medication
Compliance is a multidimensional and complex phenomenon; the lack of adherence
(non-compliance) to antipsychotic medications represents one of the most important
factors limiting efficacy in treating mental disorders. Major factors influencing
compliance may be subdivided in three groups: patient-related, treatment-related
and related to the disorder. The several studies that investigated this issue
showed treatment-related factors to be the most important, in particular when
antipsychotic treatments are involved. Moreover, the literature on this topic,
using validated instruments (either interviews or self-reports), consistently
showed that, at least for a subgroup of patients, the experience of a negative
(dysphoric) subjective response to typical antipsychotics influenced both treatment
outcome and compliance. On the other hand, atypical antipsychotics seemed to
offer a better tolerability profile (i.e. positive subjective response and/or
quality of life) thus leading, at least theoretically, to greater treatment
adherence. However, despite efforts to increase compliance, it remains as a
problem of major clinical significance. Clinicians must not underestimate it
in order to optimize treatment of patients on antipsychotic medication.
