Evaluation of compliance with mems in schizophrenic patients and its relationship with clinical and psychopathological variables. Preliminary data

Abstract

Background: Among schizophrenic patients, prevalence of non-compliance is 25-40%, and it is the most important factor for relapse and bad outcome. MEMS provides of a more precise tool for compliance monitoring than other systems. Aims: 1. To evaluate compliance in schizophrenic outpatients and its relationship with clinical and psychopathological variables. 2. To evaluate the degree of agreement between compliance estimated by psychiatrist, family and patients with 'real' compliance. 3. To evaluate psychopathological differences between patients treated with oral antipsychotics (APs) and long-acting injectable (LAI) or depot APs. Methods: Data concerning clinical variables, psychopathology (insight, psychotic, negative and general psychopathology symptoms), and compliance with treatment (information reported by psychiatrist, caregiver and patient) are recorded. In patients treated with LAI/depot APs, reasons for instauration is also recorded. Compliance of oral APs is evaluated through MEMS, with a follow-up period of three months. Statistical analysis will be performed with the appropriate tests (Pearson's correlation coefficient, T-Student tests and ANOVA test). Results: To date, 106 patients have been recruited. 77 patients are treated with oral APs (with or without LAI/depot APs) and 29 are receiving only LAI/depot APs. The reasons of instauration of treatment with LAI/depot APs was confirmed non-compliance (24 pat.), suspected non-compliance (3 pat.) and 'posological comfort' (2 pat.). Conclusion: To date, few studies have investigated compliance in schizophrenic patients through MEMS. Identification of variables related to non-compliance seems very relevant in order to establish preventive strategies.