Source
Biomedical Sciences, Fernand-Seguin Research Centre, Hôpital Louis-H. Lafontaine, Unit 218, 7401 Hochelaga, Montréal, Québec, Canada H1N 3M5. kathe.villeneuve.hlhl@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
Abstract
Non-compliance with pharmacotherapy among persons suffering from schizophrenia disorders stands at an average rate of 42% and is the subject of numerous studies. However, no studies to date have addressed the specific question of non-compliance with psychosocial treatment. The present study therefore aimed to determine the rate of drop-out from psychosocial treatment and to assess the influence of factors on this rate.
METHOD:
A meta-analysis was conducted based on 74 studies of randomized clinical trials on psychosocial treatment among persons suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorder.
RESULTS:
A drop-out rate of 13% was obtained. Age, gender, duration of illness, duration of treatment, treatment setting and study quality affected drop-out rates.
CONCLUSION:
The 13% rate of drop-out from psychosocial treatment is markedly lower than the drop-out rate from pharmacotherapy studies. This finding supports the feasibility of evidence-based psychosocial treatment - which has, moreover, clearly been shown to be clinically effective - as part of a complete care program for schizophrenia.
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