Elsevier

Seizure

Volume 15, Issue 7, October 2006, Pages 504-508
Seizure

Adherence to treatment in patients with epilepsy: Associations with seizure control and illness beliefs

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2006.06.003Get rights and content
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Summary

Objective

This study investigated non-adherence to antiepileptic drug treatment amongst patients with epilepsy in secondary care. The associations between adherence and seizure control, perceptions of illness and medication, anxiety and depression were also examined.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of fifty-four patients with epilepsy were recruited from a hospital epilepsy clinic.

Results

Fifty-nine percent were estimated to be non-adherent to medication. There was a negative correlation between adherence and frequency of seizures. Patients with poorly controlled epilepsy were more anxious, and expected a longer duration of their epilepsy.

Conclusion

Assessment of adherence should be a routine part of management of epilepsy. Further recognition and support should be given to patients who have poor seizure control since they are more likely to be more anxious and have unhelpful illness and treatment beliefs.

Keywords

Epilepsy
Adherence
Compliance
Treatment
Attitudes

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