Abstract

Objective: Non-adherence with medication is very common in patients with Bipolar Disorder (BD) and is the most frequent cause of recurrence. The aim of this study was to assess treatment adherence and related demographic and clinical factors in patients with bipolar disorder.
Method: A total of 107 inpatients who had been followed between the years of 2006-2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were recalled and the treatment adherence of 85 bipolar patients in euthymic period were evaluated with Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. The Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) Axis II (SCID-II) was used to determine the comorbidity of personality disorders. Well, moderately, and poorly adherent patients were compared with respect to clinical and socio-demographic variables and functionality scores.
Results: The rate of moderately and poorly adherent patients was 70.6% of the sample. Married patients and patients with social support were more adherent. The rate of previous suicide attempt was higher in well adherers. Comorbidity with personality disorders, alcohol and substance use, and the type of treatment were not associated with adherence.
Conclusions: The results of this study have shown that being single and lacking social support were the factors that have the most significant effect on treatment adherence. Good adherers may have a better outcome, so patients with BD especially who do not have efficient social support should be monitored for treatment adherence closely.

Key words: Adherence, bipolar disorder, Morisky Scale