The Factors Affecting Concordance with Prescribed Antipsychotic Medications

The Factors Affecting Concordance with Prescribed Antipsychotic Medications

Introduction
The aim of this dissertation is to explore the factors affecting concordance with prescribed antipsychotic medications. The rationale for selecting this topic is derived from personal working experience with mental health service users. Having worked as a nursing assistant for the past eight years on acute admissions wards and as a student nurse for the past three years it was observed that a large proportion of compulsory re-hospitalisation under the Mental Health Act 1983 occurs due to relapse of mental illness as a result of non- concordance with medications, particularly service users with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. This led to believe that concordance with antipsychotic medications plays a crucial role in managing psychosis as it positively contributes towards the effective management of the illness in the community. In support to this view, Gray et al (2002a) assert that prophylactic use of antipsychotic medication reduces the risk of relapse among individuals with schizophrenia and non-concordance with medication has the potential for frequent re-hospitalisations. This has been recognised as the revolving door syndrome. During most mental health placements it was noted that non-concordance with medication has become significant, as this has been identified as a risk factor within the risk assessment checklists. Furthermore, despite the therapeutic effect of antipsychotic medications, some patients are reluctant to accept treatments and some may even wish to completely cease taking medications. Therefore, this empirical knowledge has reinforced the desire to examine the factors associated with non-concordance with antipsychotic medications.
According to Brimblecombe et al (2005) medication is one of the major therapeutic tools available to help people with schizophrenia. There is also growing evidence that schizophrenia can be treated effectively with a range of psychological and social interventions together with antipsychotic...

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