Medication group in a day hospital.

Many psychiatric outpatients need maintenance psychotropic medication, but noncompliance remains a major problem. One-half of psychiatric outpatients do not take their medications as prescribed. Medication compliance can be increased by proper and timely education regarding the psychiatric illness and the need for medication. A medication group in a day hospital setting is described which encourages the patient to take an active role in ensuring his best possible health. The goals of this group are to increase compliance by increasing understanding of psychiatric illness, actions and side effects of medications, how to cope with side effects, and how to avoid drug interactions. Fears and myths regarding use of medication are dealt with. Ongoing and repetitive discussions regarding medication use have been found to be useful and increase compliance.