[Supporting adherence to drug therapy in psychiatry].

Maintenance therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence is an essential part of treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, but poor treatment adherence is common, impairing the treatment outcome. Improvement in the adherence to drug therapy requires a good therapeutic relationship. The patient and her/his family must be provided with information about the illness and its treatment. Drug therapy must be optimized on an individual basis. The use of long-acting antipsychotic injections should be encouraged. Regular contact with patients under long-term treatment must be maintained. The use of experts by experience is an effective supportive measure.