treatment adherence
The degree to which a patient and family follow prescribed treatment recommendations, including medication regimens, therapy attendance, and behavioral interventions.
Full Definition
Treatment adherence in child and adolescent psychiatry refers to the extent to which young patients and their families comply with prescribed treatment plans, including taking medications as directed, attending therapy sessions consistently, implementing behavioral strategies at home, and following through with recommended lifestyle modifications. Poor adherence is common in pediatric mental health due to factors such as developmental limitations, family dysfunction, medication side effects, stigma, and competing priorities. Monitoring and improving adherence often requires collaborative approaches involving motivational interviewing, psychoeducation, addressing barriers, and adapting treatment plans to enhance feasibility and acceptability.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'adherence' over 'compliance' to emphasize collaborative rather than paternalistic approach.
In Context
- "Treatment adherence improved significantly after implementing a medication reminder system and family psychoeducation." — progress note
- "The team addressed barriers to treatment adherence including transportation issues and conflicting work schedules." — case management note