BEERSE, Belgium, November 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- New research showing that psychiatrists believe more than half (53 per cent) of patients with schizophrenia are non- or partially adherent to medication was presented today at the International Early Psychosis Association (IEPA) Congress, Amsterdam (1). The research, conducted by Janssen, relates to approximately 4.45 million schizophrenia patients in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)(2).

Schizophrenia is a devastating mental illness for both the patient and their family and friends, as it seriously impairs a person's ability to think clearly, relate to others and to function properly in society. While there is no cure, many people with the illness respond well to antipsychotic drugs.

Patients who are non-adherent to medication are almost five times more likely to relapse than those patients who are adherent(3). Frequent relapses and hospitalisation can increase a person's isolation and make it even more difficult for them to find and keep a job (4,5,6,7,8). It can also lead to an increased tendency for violent acts such as suicide and homicide, particularly when substance abuse is also an issue (9,10).

The ADHES research was taken from a large survey of over 4,500 psychiatrists in 36 countries in the EMEA region(1).

To access the full press release, view a short presentation on the implications of non-adherence for patients with schizophrenia, including quotes from esteemed psychiatrists, read a backgrounder on schizophrenia and its treatment options and for the results of the ADHES survey, please access the link below:

http://www.brainshark.com/JanssenADHES/SurveyResults

References:

1. Emsley et al. Poster presented at the IEPA, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2010.

2. Based on WHO estimated population sizes in the global burden of disease: 2004 update (p. 32).

3. Kane, J. M. CNS Spectrums. 2007: 12 (10 Suppl 17), 21-26.

4. Thornicroft G, Brohan E, Rose D, et al for the INDIGO Study Group. Lancet .2009;373(9661):408-15.

5. Marwaha S, Johnson S, Bebbington P, et al. Br J Psychiatry. 2007;191:30-7.

6. Marwaha S, Johnson S. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2004;39(5):337-49.

7. Nithsdale V, Davies J, Croucher P. J Occup Rehabil. 2008;18(2):175-82.

8. Rosenheck R, Leslie D, Keefe R, et al; CATIE Study Investigators Group. Am J Psychiatry. 2006;163(3):411-417.

9. Swartz MS, Swanson JW, Hiday VA, et al. Am J Psychiatry. 1998a;155(2):226-31.

10. Swartz MS, Swanson JW, Hiday VA, et al. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 1998b;33(Suppl 1):S75-80.

SOURCE: Janssen

CONTACT: Contacts: Sue Silk, Director, Communications & Public AffairsEMEA, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Services, Tel: +44-1494-553-955,E-mail: ssilk@its.jnj.com; Clare Moggridge, Senior Account Executive,Resoute Communications, Tel: +44-207-357-8187, E-mail:clare.moggridge@resolutecommunications.com