Insight and adherence to medication in chronic schizophrenics
Lin, I.F.; Spiga, R.; Fortsch, W.
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 40(10): 430-432
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0160-6689 PMID: 489521 Document Number: 144492
Chronic schizophrenics are well-known for the tendency to not take medication. Clinical observation and studies indicate that insight plays a significant role in medication adherence. This study investigated the roles of insight and perceived benefits from medication by patients. Those patients who had insight, perceived benefits from medication and also perceived a relation between the 2 were more likely to take medication than those who did not have insight nor perceive benefits. A speculative model and possible methods of increasing medication adherence are suggested.