Psychological factors involved in psychopharmacological medication adherence in mental health patients: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Psychopharmacological medication adherence is essential for psychiatric patients' treatment and well-being.

Objective: This review aimed to identify psychological factors related to health control that have been linked to psychopharmacological medication adherence in psychiatric patients.

Methods: A literature search was performed through the databases Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published before October 15th, 2019. Articles published in peer-reviewed journals that analyzed the psychological factors of health belief and health control involved in psychopharmacological medication adherence in a psychiatric population were included.

Results: The search identified 124 potentially relevant papers, 29 of which met the eligibility criteria. The final sample was 222 adolescents, most with a diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and 6139 adults diagnosed especially with schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, or depressive disorder. Results suggested that medication adherence is associated with health beliefs and psychological variables, such as self-efficacy and locus of control. Family support was also positively related to medication adherence.

Conclusion: Psychopharmacological medication adherence requires a consideration of multicausality, which depends on sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors.

Practice implications: These findings should be considered in the development and implementation of psychological interventions focused on self-control and family support.

Keywords: Adolescents; Adults; Health beliefs; Medication adherence; Personality; Psychiatric patients.