Tactics to Improve Adherence in Depressed Primary Care Patients

Follow the case of Mr K, a 28-year-old patient who becomes intentionally nonadherent to his antidepressant due to adverse effects. Mr K’s symptoms at follow-up suggest that the clinician should consider alternative diagnoses besides major depressive disorder. Reassessment may require additional screening tools and collateral information from patients’ family members or friends. Regardless of diagnosis, medication adherence is important. By changing the way that questions are phrased and spending a few extra minutes explaining instructions for successful treatment, clinicians may be able to improve adherence