This Post is not Funny

Sajatovic Martha, M.D. Davies Marilyn, R.N., Ph.D. Hrouda Debra R., M.S.S.A., L.I.S.W., 2004, Enhancement of Treatment Adherence among Patients with Bipolar disorder, Psychiatric Services Volume 55 Issue 3, pp. 264-269

     This study explores the noncompliance of bipolar patients with their medication. Because this is a scientific research article, it is very straightforward, basing its writing primarily on science rather than philosophy. Its outline is also very clear: conflict, research, results, and finally, the possible solutions.

     According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, about one third of patients take under 30% of their medication. The article makes a point that researching this is a matter of urgency because nonadherence is a frequent cause of relapse and suicide. Hypomanic denial, psychosis, age, etc. can lead to noncompliance.

     This study is transparent with its research methods, making sure its reader understands how the results are retrieved. It is also easy to understand, even for a nonmedical student. There is an organized list of how adherence is measured (self-report, physician report, visit frequencies, etc.). It also points out some flaws in the methods, implying that some studies do not always lead to clear conclusions.

     Based on the results, they selected the methods that produced the best adherence. This includes group therapy and interventions alongside family, friends, and partners. In its conclusion, they acknowledge that this issue is still needs more research. However, it also ends on a positive note: there is sufficient research on adherence to schizophrenia medication that can be used to better understand adherence amongst bipolar patients.

     This article can be used for papers researching: mental disorder medication, bipolar, effective therapy, and adherence to medication.