Factors associated with poor medication adherence in patients with Bipolar Disorders

INTRODUCTION: Treatment adherence in patients living with Bipolar Disorders can influence prognosis and quality of life. It is associated with an increased morbidity and healthcare costs. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate treatment adherence in a sample of patients living with Bipolar disorders and to determine factors associated with poor adherence. METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional study where we included bipolar patients being treated in psychiatry department A. We developed a survey containing sociodemographic and clinical features. We used the medical adherence rating scale to evaluate treatment adherence. RESULTS: Our sample consisted of 100 patients with a mean age of 47,5 years old. Sixty seven patients were being treated for bipolar disorder type 1. Medication adherence rate was 64%. Factors associated with poor medication adherence were being single, an early age of onset, comorbid substance abuse disorder, severe treatment side effects and poor insight. CONCLUSIONS: Poor medication adherence is a major issue for people living with Bipolar Disorders. Clinicians should pay more attention to sociodemographic and clinical factors to predict and enhance treatment adherence. DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST: None Declared