Why people do not take their psychotropic drugs as prescribed: results of the 2000 National Psychiatric Morbidity Survey

Abstract

Objective: We examined the prevalence and determinants of the reasons given for non‐adherence to psychiatric medication in a representative community survey. Method: We used data for all participants taking oral psychotropic medication (n = 634) from the 2000 British Survey of National Psychiatric Morbidity. Results: Of participants interviewed, 217 (34.2%) reported incomplete adherence to their psychiatric medication. Reasons given included forgetting, losing, running out (37.4%); thinking medication unnecessary (24.6%); reluctance to take drugs (18.9%) and side‐effects (14.2%). Those giving forgetfulness or side‐effects as reasons were younger. Side‐effects were reported more frequently by people with a lower IQ or with psychosis. Those taking Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors were more likely to forget to take their medication. Conclusion: Two‐fifths of people reported that missing their medication was a decision taken because they did not want it or think it necessary. Side‐effects are a relatively uncommon reason for under‐medication. Our results have implications for interventions to assist adherence.