Consequences of side effects
The consequences of side effects are not limited to noncompliance
with treatment. They can undermine the person’s
well-being (Sullivan et al. 1992), and heighten concerns about
litigation (Bouman & Pinner 2002). Morrison et al. (2000)
pointed out that even one side effect may seriously damage
interpersonal relationships or reduce the ability to find
employment. Metabolic changes associated with atypical
medications increase the lifelong risk of additional morbidity
and mortality, especially cardiovascular disease and Type 2
diabetes (McEnany 2007), and the need for medical supervision.
Despite this, the greatest concern is that side effects
may be distressing enough to lead service users to discontinue
antipsychotic medication.