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Precursors of compliance with lithium treatment in affective disorders

Department of Psychiatry, University of Aberdeen

Donald M. Sharp, PhD

Institute of Rehabilitation, University of Hull, 215 Anlaby Road, Hull HU3 2PB

AIMS AND METHOD

Objective and subjective lithium compliance was investigated in 30 out-patients attending at an affective disorders clinic. Possible precursors of compliance levels were investigated; namely lithium knowledge and attitudes, patient satisfaction and dosage of lithium administered.

RESULTS

All patients were defined as currently compliant. Patients with a previous history of non-compliance were exclusively diagnosed with manic depression. Patient satisfaction, lithium knowledge and attitudes were not good predictors of lithium compliance.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Compliance with lithium can remain excellent in the presence of moderate lithium knowledge and poor attitudes. Poor attitude towards lithium worsens with years on medication, despite high levels of compliance. Clinicians should be aware that larger prescribed dosages of lithium may be associated with poorer compliance.

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