The purpose of this study was to collect data on compliance with atypical antipsychotic medications compared to typical antipsychotics and conduct a randomized, comparison group (i.e., usual care) study to assess the clinical effectiveness of a Telephone Medication Management (TMM) for veterans with schizophrenia.
Non-compliance with typical neuroleptic drugs is well established as a major factor in relapse. Up to 80% of persons with psychoses do not adequately adhere to their medication treatment program (Corrigan, Liberman, & Engel, 1990) and non-compliance is a major contributing factor in re-hospitalization (Frankle, Breeling, & Goldman).
One hundred forty patients with schizophrenia and schizo-affective disorder were recruited at the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center. Patients were randomized, in equal numbers, to either the TMM condition or non-TMM condition.
TMM was found to increase the effectiveness and compliance of both typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs. Recall memory was observed to be a predictor of non-compliance. Non-compliance was found to be inversely related to efficacy and extrapyramidal symptoms. Compliance with atypical antipsychotic drugs was better than that with typical neuroleptics due to enhanced cognitive abilities, increased efficacy, and decreased side effects.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: (1) List the 5 most important predictors of post-treatment compliance with atypical antipsychotic drugs. (2) Articulate a rationale for the development and utilization of a telephone medication management (TMM) program. (3) Develop a plan for the implementation of a telephone medication management (TMM) program for patients with schizophrenia and schizo-affective disorder
Keywords: Drugs, Mental Disorders
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.