Why Schizophrenia Treatment Fails When We Ignore Patient Experience
A recent discussion on schizophrenia treatment has highlighted the challenges of medication adherence and the need for better education. Experts and lived experience show that simply calling nonadherence 'noncompliance' ignores deeper issues like side effects, stigma, and access barriers. The conversation also explores new advances in treatment, including long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs). Up to 70% of people with schizophrenia struggle to take medication as prescribed. Rachel Star Withers, sharing her own experiences, explained how severe side effects led to both intentional and unintentional nonadherence. She described how cognitive symptoms, trauma, and dismissive healthcare providers further complicate treatment. Dr. Alberto Augsten, a German physician specialising in functional and regenerative medicine, joined the discussion. Certified by the Institute for Functional Medicine in 2018, he emphasised that forcing medication can strip people of autonomy, often under the assumption they lack insight. Instead, he argued for education as the key to improving adherence and outcomes. The episode also covered realistic expectations for treatment, including the role of LAIs. These injectables offer a more stable approach but still require trust and understanding between patients and providers. The conversation stressed empathy, evidence, and personal experience as essential for better care. Lack of education about schizophrenia was identified as a major barrier to quality of life. Stigma and misinformation often lead to poor treatment experiences, reinforcing the need for more informed and compassionate approaches. The discussion makes clear that medication adherence in schizophrenia is influenced by many factors beyond simple compliance. Better education, reduced stigma, and access to newer treatments like LAIs could improve outcomes. Recognising individual experiences and autonomy remains central to effective care.
