Empirical Studies of Ml in
Schizophrenia
There is some empirical evidence that
Ml can effectively increase insight and
treatment compliance in schizophrenia.
In a randomized controlled trial using a
compliance therapy very similar to Ml,
4" psychotic inpatients showed significant
improvements (Kemp et al., 1996).
On average the intervention consisted of
five sessions, twice a week with individual
sessions including discussion of
medication's benefits and disadvantages,
developing discrepancy between a person's
actions and heiiefs and supporting
self-efficacy Compliance was measured
on a seven-point scale from complete refusal
to active participation in treatment.
Insight was rated hy an expanded version
ofthe Schedule for Assessment of
Insight (David. 1990). Participants ofthe
compliance therapy group were significantly
more compliant and showed
more insight than the control group.
These differences remained significant
over 18-month-follow-up (Kemp et al.,
1998). In addition, the therapy group
had a significantly longer time to readmission.
In another clinical trial. .MI was applied
among 121 psychiatric inpatients to increase
outpatient treatment adherence
after discharge (Swanson et al., 1999).
Participants received either standard
treatment or standard treatment plus
Ml, Individuals in the therapy group
were significantly more likely to attend
their first outpatient appointment after
discharge. However, only a few participants
were diagnosed with schizophrenia