['We examined the prevalence and determinants of the reasons given for non-adherence to psychiatric medication in a representative community survey.', 'We used data for all participants taking oral psychotropic medication (n = 634) from the 2000 British Survey of National Psychiatric Morbidity.', 'Of participants interviewed, 217 (34.2%) reported incomplete adherence to their psychiatric medication. Reasons given included forgetting, losing, running out (37.4%); thinking medication unnecessary (24.6%); reluctance to take drugs (18.9%) and side-effects (14.2%). Those giving forgetfulness or side-effects as reasons were younger. Side-effects were reported more frequently by people with a lower IQ or with psychosis. Those taking Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors were more likely to forget to take their medication.'] Do why people take their psychotropic drugs as prescribed : results of the 2000 National Psychiatric Morbidity Survey?