Patients Attitude for Using Antipsychotic Medication in the Norwegian Early Intervention in Psychosis, TIPS 2 Study
Poster A117, Thursday, October 20, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Le Baron
Rafal Yeisen1, inge joa1,2, Jan olav johannessen1,2, jone bjørnestad1, stein oppjordsmoen1,3,4; 1Centre for Clinical Research in Psychosis, Psychiatric Division, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway, 2Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway., 3Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway, 4Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Purpose: Poor drug adherence in patients with psychosis leads to relapse, re-hospitalization, poor outcome and increased consumption of health services. Pharmacoclinical studies have demonstrated that the treatment response decreases with each relapse. It is estimated that 50% of patients suffering from chronic illness are not taking medication as prescribed after six months. The purpose of this study is to investigate which experiential factors that potentially might affect adherence with medication in adults with psychotic disorders. Materials and Methods: In a descriptive qualitative sub-study in the ongoing Norwegian Early Intervention in Psychosis, TIPS 2 study, where twenty first episode patients (7 male, 13 female) participated in semi-structured interviews 2 years after inclusion. They were still using or had used antipsychotics during the last 2 years. Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: The data suggested four main themes, reflecting the patients’ subjective experiences and their impact on the desire to adhere to antipsychotics: 1. Admission as a cumbersome process; 2.Incomplete information; 3. Limited involvement in decision-making; 4. Low motivation to adhere. Conclusion: A number of factors had a positive influence on adherence to antipsychotics. Pleasant admission/ stay experiences, feeling that antipsychotics had therapeutic effects, mild or no side effects, and believing that antipsychotics are necessary and useful, were typical statements.
Topic Area: First Episode Psychosis