Advances in implementation strategies for treatment adherence in schizophrenia: a narrative review

Schizophrenia is a chronic, relapsing mental illness where poor treatment adherence is a core challenge, significantly contributing to relapse and poor prognosis. Despite the efficacy of current pharmacotherapy, non-adherence rates are high. This review synthesizes the latest research on intervention strategies for improving treatment adherence in schizophrenia, exploring the effectiveness, limitations, and future directions of various approaches. We delve into behavioral and psychological interventions (including patient education, CBT, and motivational interviewing), pharmacological strategies (such as long-acting injectables), digital health technologies (like mobile apps, telemedicine, and wearable devices), and comprehensive, multidisciplinary care models. While each strategy demonstrates potential, they face challenges including a lack of standardized assessment tools, resource limitations, and the need for long-term efficacy data. Current research indicates a shift towards integrated and personalized interventions. We conclude that future efforts should focus on combining these diverse strategies into a holistic, patient-centered model, leveraging emerging technologies like AI and big data to provide more effective and sustainable support.