Why do numerous schizophrenic patients discontinue their antipsychotic medication following hospital discharge:
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Answer: B. of the unpleasant side effects.
Explanation
Unpleasant side effects are a primary reason schizophrenic patients discontinue antipsychotics. Adverse reactions like tardive dyskinesia and severe lethargy discourage ongoing medication compliance. Managing medication side effects remains a major challenge in psychiatric outpatient care. Antipsychotic medications block dopamine receptors to reduce psychotic symptoms like hallucinations. First-generation antipsychotics frequently cause debilitating extrapyramidal movement side effects. Medication non-compliance dramatically increases the risk of psychiatric hospital readmission.
Psychiatrists often switch patients to atypical antipsychotics to minimize distressing side effects. Psychoeducation programs help patients understand why maintaining medication compliance is vital. Caregivers monitor medication adherence closely to prevent recurring psychotic symptom episodes. Mental impairment causing forgetfulness is rarely the main driver of deliberate discontinuation. Option C incorrectly generalizes that most schizophrenics never believe they are ill. Option D is incorrect because only side effects are the universally cited primary factor.
- Subject
- Psychology
- Category
- Psychology
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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