Role of medication adherence in the relationship between neuroticism and functioning in patients with bipolar disorder

Authors : Hasan Bakay, Mukaddes Funda Şahin

Pages : 1123-1134

Doi:10.17826/cumj.1795623

View : 77 | Download : 170

Publication Date : 2025-12-22

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: This study examined the relationship between neuroticism, medication adherence, and functioning in Bipolar disorder (BD) patients. Furthermore, the role of medication adherence as a mediator between neuroticism and functioning was investigated. Materials and Methods: The study included 71 patients with BD and 44 healthy controls. All participants were assessed using the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI), Brief Functional Assessment Scale (FAST), and Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS). Anxiety and depression levels were assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety (HAM-A) and Depression (HAM-D) Rating Scales. Results: Patients with bipolar disorder showed higher neuroticism scores compared with healthy controls (mean 2.61 vs. 1.66) and poorer functioning (FAST: 13.70 vs. 7.74). Within the patient group, neuroticism was moderately associated with worse functioning (r = .43) and lower medication adherence (r = –.28). Medication adherence showed a strong association with better functioning (r = –.50). In the mediation analysis, higher neuroticism predicted lower adherence (standardized β = –0.29), and lower adherence predicted poorer functioning (β = –0.35), indicating a significant indirect pathway from neuroticism to functional impairment through medication adherence. Conclusion: Neuroticism negatively affects the functioning of patients with BD through poor medication adherence. Thus, personality traits should be considered when planning treatments aimed at improving functioning in patients with BD. Interventions aimed at increasing medication adherence in patients with high levels of neuroticism may lead to better functioning-related outcomes.
Keywords : Bipolar bozukluk, ilaç uyumu, işlevsellik, kişilik, nevrotiklik

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL