Side effects, mistrust, stigma, forgetfulness and lack of insight have all been studied as reasons that up to 75% of people with a schizophrenia diagnosis discontinue antipsychotic medication. Researchers in Germany, Switzerland and the U.K. explore the possibility that this choice may also be motivated by a preference for experiences that medication may eliminate. Psychosis is perceived by some as having benefits, the researchers say, while negative symptoms are perceived as debilitating. The researchers suggest finding treatments that are sensitive to the positive gains of positive symptoms for some, but ameliorate negative symptoms as desired. The study will be published in an upcoming issue of Schizophrenia Bulletin.
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