Attitudes toward different formulations of psychotropic drugs

Introduction

Attitudes toward psychotropic drug treatment are likely to be a factor in medication adherence and outcome, but preferences regarding different drug formulations have been rarely assessed.

Aim

To explore attitudes toward different drug formulations in a cross-sectional study in psychiatric patients and a comparison group of healthcare professionals.

Methods

Inpatients (n = 59, age 46 ± 14 years, 63% female) and staff members (n = 96, age 40 ± 10 years, 65% female) of a psychiatric department were surveyed using a questionnaire on attitudes toward 18 possible application forms of psychotropic drugs including newer formulations such as fast-dissolving tablets. The questionnaire asked respondents to rate each option on a 6-point scale (1 being most positive), and then state which would be their preferred form of application if (hypothetically) psychopharmacological treatment was required. Attitudes were clustered and differences between patients and healthcare providers, and the influence of gender and age, were analyzed.

Results

The attitudes towards the different drug formulations in patients and staff members were nearly identical. There was a high preference for oral applications, particularly conventional tablets and capsules. Non-invasive parenteral application forms obtained intermediate attitude ratings, whereas injections were rated significantly less favorably. Gender and age had no substantial influence on the results.

Discussion and conclusions

Attitudes toward psychotropic medications may reflect common stereotypes. The strong aversion to injections in both groups may be partly explained by pain avoidance and phobic tendencies. Given that attitudes toward treatment are likely to influence later adherence to medication long before wanted and unwanted drug effects occur, our findings should be taken into account early in the planning of psychotropic treatment. Support and/or education should be given to the patient before the first dose to encourage a positive attitude towards the planned treatment.