Pharmacological treatment and adherence one week prior to acute psychiatric admissions

Abstract

Background and aims: To describe use of and adherence to psychotropic medication 1 week prior to acute admission to a psychiatric inpatient department. Methods: All acute inpatient admissions to a department serving a catchment area were included. Results and conclusions: Of the 227 admissions, 158 were prescribed psychotropic medication and 129 of the 158 had taken at least 75% of the prescribed dose. Among 59 patients with affective disorders, 23 were not prescribed medication prior to admission and two refused medication, while the rest were adherent. Conclusion: The high adherence to medication 1 week prior to admission might be related to increased experience of serious symptoms. Lack of opportunity to receive pharmacological treatment is a major problem.

• Acute admissions
• Adherence
• Affective disorders.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.