INSIGHT AND ADHERENCE TO MEDICATION IN CHRONIC-SCHIZOPHRENICS

Abstract

Chronic schizophrenics are well-known for the tendency not to take medication. Clinical observation and studies indicate that insight plays a significant role in medication adherence. The roles of insight and perceived benefits from medication by patients were studied. 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 or perceive benefits. A speculative model and possible methods of increasing medication adherence are suggested.