Medication adherence and attitudes in adolescent psychiatry: Key influences

Adolescents with mental illnesses often struggle with adhering to prescribed medication regimens. This study investigates how patient perceptions influence medication adherence among adolescents with psychiatric disorders. It also examines the role of patient characteristics and medication-related factors on adherence and attitudes. The Pediatric Medication Adherence Scale (PMAS)- 9 questions and the Pediatric Attitude toward Medication Scale (PAMS)- 18 questions, two reliable self-report scales designed for the adolescent population, were used to assess negative adherence behaviors and patients' perceptions of medication. Statistical analysis examined correlations between adherence, attitudes, and patient characteristics. The scales were administered to 288 adolescents with psychiatric disorders, and a significant correlation was found between concern scores and attitudes toward medication (r = 0.886, p < .05). Patients receiving monotherapy demonstrated lower concern scores and more positive attitudes (p < .05). Experiencing side effects was significantly linked to reduced medication adherence and more negative attitudes toward treatment. Patients with eating disorders demonstrated more negative attitudes, while those using antidepressant-antipsychotic combinations demonstrated more negative attitudes than those using stimulants. This study emphasizes the necessity of addressing critical factors that influence medication adherence and attitudes toward psychiatric medication among adolescents with psychiatric disorders. In particular, it highlights the importance of considering concern perception, managing side effects, and evaluating polypharmacy to optimize pharmacotherapy in this population.