Adherence to medication is often poor in patients with schizophrenia and is a common cause of relapse.

This survey was conducted to assess various factors thought to affect patient adherence to psychotropic medications. Patients were also specifically asked whether they would accept a depot injection if indicated.

A total of 108 outpatients completed the survey over a period of three months. The most common diagnoses were schizophrenia, bipolar affective illnesses and depressive illnesses.

The survey tool comprised two questions. Firstly, “What makes you stick to the medication?” There were seven options and patients could choose as many as applicable. The options were Obedience, Effectiveness, Tolerability, Remission, Relapse Prevention, Insight and Concordance. The second question asked if they would accept a depot injection if it was indicated.

The two most frequently cited reasons for taking medication were Effectiveness (43.5%) and Obedience (35%). All five other reasons were cited by less than 10% of patients, with Tolerability being the lowest (0.93%).

Of the 58 people who participated in the second question, 72.4% agreed to accept the depot injection if indicated. Male patients were more likely to accept depot medication than female patients (75% vs. 69%).

This survey suggests that despite patient choice being promoted by user groups and government policy, many patients are still motivated to heed their doctor's advice. This may be particularly relevant when prescribing depot medications as shown by the number of patients willing to accept injections.