Only One in Five Young Adults Adhere After First Psychosis

This large claims analysis quantifies just how poor antipsychotic adherence is in commercially insured first-episode psychosis and links it to acute care use, giving psychiatric pharmacists concrete targets for early intervention.

antipsychoticslong-acting injectablesfirst-episode psychosisschizophreniamedication adherenceproportion of days coveredhealth care utilizationclaims analysisretrospective cohortpsychiatry Psychiatry / Psychopharmacology

Background Information

First-episode psychosis patients show alarmingly low antipsychotic adherence.

Understanding medication adherence in early psychosis is crucial for improving long-term outcomes and reducing health care burdens. Only 19.1% of individuals adhered to antipsychotics, with better adherence linked to fewer emergency department (ED) visits. Low adherence to antipsychotics among first-episode psychosis patients underscores the need for targeted interventions to enhance medication compliance and improve treatment outcomes. Improving antipsychotic adherence in first-episode psychosis could reduce ED visits and improve overall outcomes.

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Authors: Chi E, Sridhar S, Montesano V, Ramos J, Breitborde NJK, Seiber EE

Citation: Chi E, Sridhar S, Montesano V, et al. Treatment Adherence and Health Care Utilization After a First Episode of Psychosis. JAMA network open. 2026;9(9):e2635805. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.35805

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI · Free Full Text (PMC)

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Executive Summary

Study Design

Patient Population

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes & Safety Profile

Pharmacist Implications

Clinical Pearls

Limitations

Controversies & Evidence Gaps

Cost & Logistics

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