Medication adherence and attitudes in adolescent psychiatry: Key influences

Abstract

Adolescents with mental illnesses often struggle with adhering to prescribed medication regimens. This study investigates how patient perceptions influence medication adherence among adolescents with psychiatric disorders. It also examines the role of patient characteristics and medication-related factors on adherence and attitudes. The Pediatric Medication Adherence Scale (PMAS)- 9 questions and the Pediatric Attitude toward Medication Scale (PAMS)- 18 questions, two reliable self-report scales designed for the adolescent population, were used to assess negative adherence behaviors and patients’ perceptions of medication. Statistical analysis examined correlations between adherence, attitudes, and patient characteristics. The scales were administered to 288 adolescents with psychiatric disorders, and a significant correlation was found between concern scores and attitudes toward medication (r = 0.886, p < .05). Patients receiving monotherapy demonstrated lower concern scores and more positive attitudes (p < .05). Experiencing side effects was significantly linked to reduced medication adherence and more negative attitudes toward treatment. Patients with eating disorders demonstrated more negative attitudes, while those using antidepressant-antipsychotic combinations demonstrated more negative attitudes than those using stimulants. This study emphasizes the necessity of addressing critical factors that influence medication adherence and attitudes toward psychiatric medication among adolescents with psychiatric disorders. In particular, it highlights the importance of considering concern perception, managing side effects, and evaluating polypharmacy to optimize pharmacotherapy in this population.

Plain language summary

Adolescents with mental health conditions often find it challenging to stick to their prescribed medications. This study explores how teenagers' thoughts and feelings about their medications affect their ability to take them as recommended. It also looks at how their personal characteristics and the type of medications they use influence their attitudes and behavior. To better understand this, researchers used two specialized tools designed for teenagers: one to measure how well they follow their medication routine and another to gauge their attitudes toward medications. A total of 288 teenagers with mental health conditions participated in this study. The results showed that teenagers who had more worries about their medications were less likely to follow their treatment and had more negative feelings about taking them. Those taking only one type of medication had fewer worries and more positive attitudes compared to those on multiple medications. Experiencing side effects made it harder for adolescents to stick to their treatment and made them feel less positive about their medications. Additionally, teens with eating disorders or those using a combination of antidepressants and antipsychotics had more negative attitudes compared to those using stimulants. This study highlights the need to address factors like medication concerns, side effects, and the use of multiple medications to improve how adolescents perceive and use their psychiatric treatments. Focusing on these areas can help make their treatment more effective and easier to follow.