Non-compliance is very common among patients with mental disorders, especially in schizophrenia. Non-compliance increases risk of relapse, hospitalizations, and suicide attempts, which worsens outcome. The aim of this study is to evaluate adherence to a new-onset therapeutic strategy in patients with schizophrenia, and the methods used to evaluate it. Differences between schizophrenia and other mental disorders will be assessed.

Epidemiological study in outpatients diagnosed for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression or personality disorder in which a new therapeutic approach was started (pharmacological or non pharmacological). Retrospective information from the previous three months (sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, treatments, adherence) and prospective data (adherence) for the three months after new therapy start were collected.

Preliminary results from 975 patients with schizophrenia are presented. In 83% of patients with schizophrenia, adherence to pharmacological treatment was assessed through questions to the patient or some relative (caregiver o no direct caregiver), while in 10.5%, 12.6%, 17.3% and 23.7% it was assessed through MARS and DAI scales, MEMS, tablets account, and injections delivery. When patient was asked about his compliance with pharmacological treatment, 48% stated optimal compliance (>80% of doses prescribed), while this percentage is reduced to 44%, 38.5% and 35% when more objective methods were used (tablets account, MARS scale or MEMS, respectively). Compliance rose to 80% in patients treated with long-acting injectable antipsychotics.

Less of 50% of patients with schizophrenia show optimal compliance to oral pharmacological treatment, while this rate is 80% among those treated with long-acting injectable antipsychotics.