Diagnoses of mental health conditions are often prescribed medication as part of their treatment plan and are key to seeing improvement and lowering the risk of relapse or hospitalization.

“Medication nonadherence” is the term used when patients don’t take their medications as prescribed. It is fairly common and can present a challenge for those with severe mental illness. Here, we explore the reasons for some instances of nonadherence and a few solutions for patients along the road to recovery.

Medication management

Treatment that includes medications can help individuals engage in school and work, build healthy relationships, and be more independent.

However, many patients don’t stick to their medications. The reasons vary and can include negative attitudes toward medication, social stigma, and a poor doctor-patient relationship, notes Dmitry Ostrovsky, MD, an attending psychiatrist at Mount Sinai in New York City.

For example, research shows that people who feel shame over a mental health diagnosis have higher rates of medication nonadherence. In other words, teens who feel embarrassed and ashamed about taking prescribed medication may be more likely to quit.

But no matter the reason for skipping medications, medication nonadherence should be taken seriously. “Psychosis, or moments when a person’s thoughts are disturbed, affects brain health,” Dr. Ostrovsky says. “The longer a patient goes without medication, the more severe the damage to their mental functioning.”

Plus, stopping antipsychotic medications abruptly can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Those symptoms may increase a patient’s risk of disruptive behaviors, Dr. Ostrovsky adds. Common withdrawal symptoms include the following:

• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Nausea

Adhering to prescribed medications is key for improving daily functioning and well-being. Many patients may stop treatment once they start feeling better. However, it’s important for  patients to keep up with their medication and not cut back or quit altogether without consulting their doctor.  

Keep in mind that many medications need to be taken for an extended period of time to prevent the condition from returning.

Improving adherence to mental health medications

Do you or a loved one need support with staying on track? There are many ways to get back on track with medications, including the following:

1. Seek reliable information. It’s important for you to understand why you’re taking a particular medication. Without that clear understanding, you may be less inclined to take it. Or you may be influenced by comments about medication from friends or on social media.

Use reliable information to learn about your medication. Both your doctor and pharmacist are knowledgeable resources who can explain how a medication works, why it’s needed, and what potential side effects exist.

2. Build a strong relationship with your provider. Speaking of doctors and pharmacists, it’s vital that you like and trust the treating provider. “The therapeutic alliance is key for medication adherence and overall treatment outcomes,” Dr. Ostrovsky says. It’s important that you feel heard and confident that any concerns will be taken seriously.

Don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion or another care provider if your current doctor isn’t a good fit.

3. Set clear expectations. If your medication doesn’t bring immediate results, you may think it’s not working. As a result, you may decide it’s not worth taking.

Work with your provider to clarify a predicted timeline of results. Keep this timeline in mind throughout the treatment process. This will help you keep sight of the end goal: the best care and health possible.