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Psychological Predictors of Insight and Compliance in Psychotic Patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Róisín Kemp*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry and the Institute of Psychiatry, London
Anthony David
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry and the Institute of Psychiatry, London
*
Dr R. Kemp, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry and the Institute of Psychiatry, 103 Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ

Abstract

Background

A possible neuropsychological basis for poor insight in psychosis has been proposed Consistent supporting evidence for this is lacking.

Method

Seventy-four consecutive acutely psychotic in-patients who were recruited for a randomised controlled trial of compliance therapy were given a battery of neuropsychological tests, along with a comprehensive clinical assessment before and after the intervention.

Results

Performance on neuropsychological tests improved during the patients' admission and treatment in hospital as did symptoms and levels of insight Cognitive function showed no relationship to insight and compliance initially, and very little after the intervention. Factors related to insight and compliance prior to discharge included: diagnosis, attitudes to medication, side-effects, being a detained patient and whether or not compliance therapy was given.

Conclusions

Clinical variables and attitudes to treatment appear to be more relevant to compliance and the development of insight in acute psychosis than neuropsychological impairment.

Type
Papers
Copyright
Copyright © 1996 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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