Schizophrenia And Medication Adherence And Health Care...

Schizophrenia and Medication Adherence James D. Eaton Durham Technical Community College Abstract P- schizophrenic patients in the community prescribed antipsychotics I- assertive community treatment teams (ACT team) C- standard treatments with simple follow up appointments in outpatient clinics O- patients with ACT teams adhere to medications and have a reduction in hospitalizations Schizophrenia and Medication Adherence Introduction For most individuals with schizophrenia, a thorough treatment plan is vital to assist with medication adherence, reduce hospitalization and to provide improvement in quality of life. Typically a prescription for antipsychotics is necessary not only to reduce positive†¦show more content†¦Along with the symptoms of schizophrenia, these individuals are often homeless and lack support from family and friends (Townsend, 2012, p. 513-525). When this combination of mental and social disturbances is exacerbated, involuntary hospitalization is often required. During hospitalization the goal is to stabilize the patient, often with antipsychotics and at times with the refusal of the patient. Even though the patients’ symptoms with antipsychotics may decrease, the patient has not been autonomous in this decision (Vuckovich, 2010, p 80). Vuckovich explains that this lack of autonomy can cause the patient to simply agree with taking medications in order to be discharged but this simple compliance during hospitalization does not lead to adherence outside of the hospital (2010, p 81). Upon discharge, individuals can be placed with a variety of resources from group homes to placement in state psychiatric hospitals. Unfortunately many of these state facilities are no longer in service and it is likely that these individuals will not want to live in a group home setting. For individuals in the community, ACT teams can provide similar treatment models seen in the hospital setting but with the advantage of increased autonomy necessary for