BackgroundDepressive illness is a public health issue of major significance. Lifetime prevalence is estimated at about 15%. Despite proven efficacy of antidepressant medicines, the effectiveness of antidepressants is reduced by patient non-adherence. Several factors can contribute to antidepressant non adherence. There is evidence to support the hypothesis that patient satisfaction will result in improved adherence and improved clinical outcomes.

Purpose To assess the relationship between medicines adherence and treatment satisfaction with antidepressants in depressed patients.

Materials and methods Non-experimental, cross-sectional survey of all patients attending Al Amal psychiatric 500-bed hospital (Riyadh – Saudi Arabia) in September 2013. Medicines adherence was assessed using the 8-item Morisky Medicines Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Treatment satisfaction was assessed using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medicines (TSQM 1.4) Severity of depression were assessed using the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRs).

Results A sample of 200 patients using antidepressants was studied. 111 patients (55%) were male and 45% female. Based on MMAS-8, 37.8% had a low adherence rate, 32.2% had a medium adherence rate and 30% had a high rate of adherence. Severity of depression was correlated with adherence score. However, variables like use of monotherapy or age and sex were not significantly associated with higher adherence. The satisfaction means with regard to effectiveness, side effects, convenience and global satisfaction were low scores. There was a significant difference in the means of all satisfaction axes (effectiveness, convenience, side effects and global satisfaction) P < 0.01, among persons with different levels of adherence.

Conclusions Non adherence to antidepressants was common and was associated with low treatment satisfaction scores and increased severity of depression symptom scores.

No conflict of interest.