Understanding adherence to neuroleptic treatment in schizophreniaí.

Understanding the factors that impede and promote adherence by people with schizophrenia to neuroleptic medication is important for treatment planning and relapse prevention. A total of 184 DSM-IV schizophrenia inpatients were examined with the Rating of Medication Influences (ROMI) scale within a context of inpatient vocational rehabilitation. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the underlying dimensions of compliance behavior. The three-dimensional model of Weiden and his associates was confirmed by this study; specific factors included influence of others, medication affinity, and prevention. Additional analyses examined cognitive variables, symptoms, and course variables as predictors of individual factors. Verbal memory and cognitive flexibility were found to be associated with influence of others. Possible consequences for designing compliance enhancing therapeutic interventions are discussed.