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Perceived risk of relapse and role of medication: comparison between patients with psychosis and their caregivers

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Abstract

Purpose

Studies have suggested that appraisal of relapse risk and knowledge of medications in relapse prevention may shape one’s reactions towards an illness and treatment, and influence the illness outcome. The aim of this study is to explore patients’ and caregivers’ knowledge of medications, perceived chances of relapse and its predictors, as well as their relations with medication adherence.

Methods

Eighty patient–caregiver dyads participated in the study. Their knowledge about psychosis, specific knowledge about medications and course of illness of their own and their relatives, medication adherence and symptomatology of patients were assessed. Differences in knowledge between patients and caregivers were compared. The link between adherence with perceived relapse risk and consequences of stopping medication were explored. Multinomial regression analyses were performed to examine predictors of perceived relapse risk.

Results

More patients underestimated their chance of relapse and were unaware that stopping medication may lead to relapse. The lack of understanding about the effect of stopping medication of both caregivers and patients was related to poor medication adherence of patients. Patients perceived of having higher chance of relapse had more severe positive symptoms. Positive symptoms of patients and greater knowledge about psychosis of caregivers were related to higher caregivers’ perceived relapse risk of their relative.

Conclusions

This study explored the views of patients and their caregivers on the perceived risk of relapse and role of medication in preventing relapse, and the potential significance. Specific interventions addressing these areas should be considered in developing relapse prevention programs.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful for the support and invaluable advice provided by Professor Peter Jones of the Department of Psychiatry, the University of Cambridge for the modification of the questionnaire of KASI. The study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Hong Kong. Informed consent has been obtained from all the participants of this study and patient anonymity has been preserved based on the required standards. This study was not supported by specific research grant.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Room 219, New Clinical Building, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong, China

    Kit Wa Sherry Chan, Men Heng Marian Wong, Christy Lai Ming Hui, Edwin Ho Ming Lee, Wing Chung Chang & Eric Yu Hai Chen

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  1. Kit Wa Sherry Chan
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  2. Men Heng Marian Wong
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Correspondence to Kit Wa Sherry Chan.

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Chan, K.W.S., Wong, M.H.M., Hui, C.L.M. et al. Perceived risk of relapse and role of medication: comparison between patients with psychosis and their caregivers. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 50, 307–315 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-014-0930-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-014-0930-0

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