Risk factors for medication non-adherence among psychiatric patients with substance misuse histories.

Medication non-adherence among psychiatric patients is known to be associated with poorer treatment outcomes. The study examined a comprehensive set of modifiable risk factors for non-adherence in a theoretical framework among a diverse, high risk sample of psychiatric patients with substance misuse histories (N=299). Medication side effects and excessive alcohol use were related to lower medication adherence and higher motivation for mental health treatment and recovery support were related to greater adherence. The results suggest that a multifaceted model for intervention to increase psychiatric medication adherence should be developed and tested.