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200564 https://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.2.N.200564 http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ open access http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0 2025-05 32 pages Wormell, Jaxson Soares, Rebecca Fong, Benjamin Barrett, The Honors College Department of Psychology College of Health Solutions Psychotropic medication noncompliance is an epidemic in mental health care, particularly among individuals with severe psychiatric disorders. Nonadherence to prescribed medication regimens is prevalent in conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders, where symptom severity, cognitive impairments, and side effects often interfere with consistent medication use (Semahegn et al., 2020). Given the chronic nature of these conditions, noncompliance further complicates treatment efforts, reducing the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and increasing long-term healthcare costs. The consequences of medication nonadherence in psychotropic treatments are far-reaching, not only for individual patients but also for the broader healthcare system. Nonadherence is one of the primary drivers of poor clinical outcomes in psychiatric care, leading to higher relapse rates, more frequent psychiatric hospitalizations, and increased emergency room visits. Relapses are particularly damaging, often resulting in the exacerbation of symptoms, prolonged recovery times, and the potential for permanent deterioration in the patient’s overall functioning. Furthermore, nonadherence amplifies the risks of hospitalization, as patients who fail to take their prescribed medications are more likely to experience psychiatric crises that require acute care. These structural challenges lead to a cycle of nonadherence, which results in more severe health disparities. Addressing psychotropic medication noncompliance requires a nuanced understanding of the various systemic, social, individual, and cultural barriers that patients face. This thesis explores the underlying causes of nonadherence across various mental health disorders, examines its broader consequences, and evaluates potential interventions to improve medication compliance. By synthesizing current literature, this research aims to contribute to more effective, patient-centered approaches that enhance adherence and ultimately improve mental health outcomes. Medication Noncompliance Psychiatry Failure to Comply: An Analysis of the Non-Adherence Epidemic of Mental Health Treatments in the United States