Differences in the nature of relapse and subsequent inpatient course between medication-compliant and noncompliant schizophrenic patients

Joseph P. McEvoy, Allison C. Howe, Gerard E. Hogarty

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

74 Scopus citations

Abstract

Two subgroups of relapsed and rehospitalized schizophrenic patients were separated on the basis of preadmission compliance or noncompliance with prescribed antipsychotic medications. Noncompliant patients had a gradual onset of episode with prominent psychotic features, required involuntary commitment, and remained in hospital longer. Compliant patients had a rapid onset of symptoms with prominent affective features (anxiety and depression) which were frequently associated with environmental stressors independent of the patient. Compliant patients were usually voluntary admissions and recovered quickly with minimal or no change in their antipsychotic pharmacotherapy. The pathogenesis of relapse among drug-compliant patients remains unknown, but likely includes aspects of environmental stress, an emergent affective syndrome, and, to some less clear extent, akinesia and akathisia. Implications for the inpatient and community treatment of these patients are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)412-416
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Nervous and Mental Disease
Volume172
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1984
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Differences in the nature of relapse and subsequent inpatient course between medication-compliant and noncompliant schizophrenic patients'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this