Springer Adherence to Antipsychotics in Schizophrenia

Poor adherence to therapy is one of the main obstacles to treatment effectiveness in schizophrenia. It is the main determinant of relapse, hospitalization, symptom persistence, and poor psychosocial functioning and outcome. Adherence to treatment is affected by various factors related to the disease characteristics, to the patient him- or herself, to the treatment, and to the therapeutic relationship. Some of these factors are modifiable, and both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies have been developed for this purpose. This book addresses the different aspects of adherence to treatment in schizophrenia and related disorders in a systematic but easy-to-use manual format. Chapters focus on a full range of issues, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies to enhance adherence and continuity of care, relevant psychological factors, the importance of the patient-doctor relationship, and the need for an alliance with other care-givers. Adherence to Antipsychotics in Schizophrenia will be an invaluable asset for all who are involved in the care of patients with schizophrenia. Review “Adherence to Antipsychotics in Schizophrenia the issue of treatment adherence is addressed from a series of viewpoints, with all of them converging in a valiant attempt to provide a systematic overview of the aforementioned theme, and in doing so becoming the central achievement and this book’s greatest value. … this book to be a praiseworthy resource and of great help to all the professionals in the field of mental health treating and caring for those suffering from schizophrenia.” (Vjekoslav Peitl, Alcoholism and Psychiatry Research, Vol. 51 (2), 2015) “This book reviews aspects influencing patients’ adherence to antipsychotic medications for the treatment of schizophrenia. … The audience includes individuals who are involved in the care of patients with schizophrenia, including psychiatrists. … anyone who cares for people suffering from schizophrenia could benefit from this book … . This book is very helpful, particularly on the nonpharmacological interventions that any providers can easily use to help their patients improve their adherence to antipsychotic medications and thus have better treatment outcomes.” (Aaron Plattner, Doody’s Book Reviews, May, 2014) About the Author Emilio Sacchetti is full professor of Psychiatry at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of Brescia University, Director of the School of Psychiatry and President of the Course of Study in Psychiatric Rehabilitation Techniques Degree of the same University. He is also Scientific Director of Center EULO for the Study and Research of Behavioral and Degenerative Disorders. Antonio Vita is associate professor of Psychiatry at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of Brescia University. Alberto Siracusano is the Director of the Unit of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology of the University Hospital Tor Vergata in Rome Wolfgang Fleischhacker is Director Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria