Low Adherence Found in First-Episode Psychosis Treatment
Most young adults with a first episode of psychosis do not maintain consistent antipsychotic medication use.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Mental Health
Live Poll
Is the current mental health system doing enough to help young patients stay on prescribed treatments?
A study of 11,889 young people across the United States found that fewer than 20% of patients maintained high adherence to antipsychotic medications during their first year of treatment. This trend often correlates with a shift from routine outpatient care toward more frequent emergency department visits.
Why it matters
Consistent medication use is vital for managing psychotic symptoms and preventing acute crises, yet many young adults struggle with long-term treatment adherence. When care continuity breaks down, patients are more likely to require urgent intervention in emergency settings rather than ongoing support.
This retrospective study analyzed claims for 11,889 individuals aged 15 to 40 years between 2013 and 2021. Results showed only 19.1% of patients met the 0.8 proportion of days covered threshold for antipsychotic adherence over the 365-day period.
The players
Merative MarketScan
A commercial insurance database used by researchers to analyze health outcomes and treatment patterns in the United States.
The details
Researchers measured adherence using administrative claims data to determine the proportion of days covered by medication. Most patients, or 95.4%, were prescribed oral antipsychotics exclusively, while a small fraction used long-acting injectables. Nonadherence often results in a shift toward acute care, as evidenced by an incidence rate ratio of 0.85 for emergency visits among the adherent group compared to those who fell off their treatment plan.
Timeline
January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2021: The period analyzed for administrative insurance claims.
Health Landscape
This study follows the established pattern of longitudinal analyses published by the JAMA Network Open platform regarding psychiatric treatment outcomes. It highlights the gap between current pharmaceutical standards and real-world patient engagement in the management of schizophrenia and mood disorders.
If you or a loved one are starting antipsychotic treatment, it is worth discussing potential barriers to daily medication adherence with your physician. Recognizing that treatment gaps often precede emergency visits can help families prioritize regular outpatient follow-ups.
The takeaway
Maintaining consistent medication use is a significant challenge for young adults, yet it is strongly linked to fewer emergency department visits. If you are struggling with a treatment regimen, consult your doctor about alternative formulations or support structures that might improve long-term adherence.
Further reading
For broader context on managing chronic conditions, explore our Mental Health section.
More information
View the Original peer-reviewed study for full methodology.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Psychiatrictimes.
Live Poll
Is the current mental health system doing enough to help young patients stay on prescribed treatments?
