Can a digital medicine system improve adherence to antipsychotic treatment?

Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci. 2018 Jun;27(3):227-229. doi: 10.1017/S2045796018000082. Epub 2018 Mar 12.

Abstract

A substantial proportion of people with mental health conditions do not adhere to prescribed pharmacological treatments. Poor adherence is probably one of the most critical elements contributing to relapse in people with schizophrenia and other severe mental disorders. In order to tackle this global issue, in November 2017 the Food and Drug Administration approved a tablet formulation of the atypical antipsychotic aripiprazole embedded with a novel digital adherence-assessment device. In this commentary, we critically appraised the potential beneficial and harmful consequences of this new digital formulation of aripiprazole, and we highlighted expected implications for clinical practice.

Keywords: Antipsychotics; evidence-based psychiatry; pharmacological marketing; psychosis.

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Aripiprazole / therapeutic use*
  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Humans
  • Medication Adherence*
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology
  • Telemedicine*
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Aripiprazole