Some of the factors that do relate to noncompliance are severity of pathology, substance abuse, and side effects of medication. Severity of side effects are probably the strongest predictors. People with grandiose delusions may also resist medications because these beliefs produce great self esteem when they are present. The delayed consequences of non-adherence to medication is a problem. The person has difficulty associating lack of medications with the symptoms he or she is experiencing.
People are more compliant when they feel better after taking something.
This is rarely the case in schizophrenia. There are psychological aspects to taking medication that need to be considered. Taking medications may have a negative meaning to some individuals. It may be considered a sign of weak character People more often adhere to their medications if they live with relatives or if they have stable housing. Also important are good patient-physician relationships and clinical settings which are comfortable and inviting.