Meta-analysis of rates of drop-out from psychosocial treatment among persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorder

Abstract

Non-compliance with pharmacotherapy among persons suffering from schizophrenia disorders stands at an average rate of 42% and is the subject of numerous studies. However, no studies to date have addressed the specific question of non-compliance with psychosocial treatment. The present study therefore aimed to determine the rate of drop-out from psychosocial treatment and to assess the influence of factors on this rate.

Method: A meta-analysis was conducted based on 74 studies of randomized clinical trials on psychosocial treatment among persons suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorder.

Results: A drop-out rate of 13% was obtained. Age, gender, duration of illness, duration of treatment, treatment setting and study quality affected drop-out rates.

Conclusion: The 13% rate of drop-out from psychosocial treatment is markedly lower than the drop-out rate from pharmacotherapy studies. This finding supports the feasibility of evidence-based psychosocial treatment - which has, moreover, clearly been shown to be clinically effective - as part of a complete care program for schizophrenia.