The impact of side effects on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients' adherence to prescribed medical therapy

Abstract Purpose Our study aims to investigate how antipsychotic drugs' side effects impact schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients and how this affects their adherence to prescribed medical therapy. Design and Methods The study sample consists of 47 bipolar disorder and 45 schizophrenic patients. Data were collected using the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) and Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side Effect Rating Scale (LUNSERS). Findings The mean total LUNSERS scores showed that bipolar disorder patients had more significant side effects compared with schizophrenic patients ( P < .05). There was a moderate negative correlation between the mean MARS scores and mean LUNSERS scores of bipolar disorder patients ( P < .05). Practice Implications Nursing care actions and strategies should be planned and implemented to promote adherence to treatment.