Evaluating Adverse Drug Reactions, Their Reporting Rates and Their Impact on Attitudes Toward Pharmacotherapy Among Female Patients with Schizophrenia: Insights and Implications from a Cross-Sectional Study.

Background/objectives: Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder usually managed with antipsychotics, which can cause adverse drug reactions (ADRs) that may impact patients' attitudes toward their treatment, as well as treatment adherence. This study aimed to assess the influence of ADRs and other factors on treatment attitudes among female patients with schizophrenia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Vrapče Psychiatry Clinic with 109 female schizophrenia patients. The DAI-10 (Drug Attitude Inventory) questionnaire was used to assess attitudes toward treatment. Data on their demographic details, pharmacotherapy, ADR occurrence and ADR reporting rates were collected. Multiple regression analyses were used to identify predictors of DAI-10 scores.

Results: Patients using more medications and those experiencing ADRs had lower DAI-10 scores, indicating less favorable attitudes (F (2, 106) = 7.364, = 0.001, R = 0.105). ADRs, primarily extrapyramidal symptoms and weight gain, were reported by 43.1% of patients; however, only one patient formally reported them. First-generation antipsychotics were associated with a higher prevalence of ADRs (χ = 4.969, df = 1, = 0.022).

Conclusion: Negative experiences with ADRs significantly impact patients' attitudes and adherence. Low ADR reporting rates highlight the need for better pharmacovigilance education. Enhancing patient awareness may foster more positive attitudes and adherence, potentially improving patient outcomes.