A Prospective Study on Drug Compliance of Patients on Antidepressants

Antidepressants are increasingly prescribed by general practitioners and non-psychiatric specialists. More number of patients receiving antidepressants without much awareness about treatment duration. Aim: To study the drug compliance of patients on antidepressant medications. Methodology: The present study was conducted in the department of Psychiatry, Government Thoothukkudi Medical College, Thoothukudi after getting informed consent from 84patients (Male-45; Female-39)with more than 18 years of age on antidepressants with ≥ 2 visits attending psychiatric outpatient department. A questionnaire which assessed the general well being, drug compliance and adverse effects were explained to the patients on Antidepressants and their responses were statistically recorded. Result: Most common reason for non-compliance was found to be forgetfulness (42%).Patients associated with comorbid conditions 10 patients compliant and 8 patients were not. Patients without comorbid conditions 55 were complaint and 10 were non showing. 27 patients who had undergone psychotherapy were compliant whereas 2 were not compliant. Compliance was also affected by duration of drug intake.The patients who had sense of well-being were less compliant when compared to patients who had evidence of distress. Conclusion: Comorbid conditions, Psychotherapy, Educational status and duration of medications affect the compliance of the patients.