Ingenuity Health Research Shows Medication Nonadherence a Barrier to Long-Term Health and Public Safety

BALTIMORE, Nov. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameritox's Ingenuity Health, a leading provider of monitoring solutions to behavioral health clinicians, today released clinical research showing that one out of four samples collected from patients with serious mental illness (SMI) did not contain the prescribed antipsychotic medication. Coupled with nearly 40 percent of samples testing positive for illicit drugs or non-prescribed medications, the study illustrates the pervasiveness of medication nonadherence among those with SMI, and highlights the potential barriers to long-term health and public safety.

Overall, 34.1 percent of samples tested positive for illicit drugs/non-prescribed meds, including cocaine, marijuana (THC) or non-prescribed prescription painkillers. In addition to a higher incidence of drug abuse, independent research shows that hospital stays and incarceration are far more frequent among those with SMI who are nonadherent to their medication.

"Medication nonadherence is the single greatest roadblock to improved health and higher quality of life for those with serious mental illness, and our research shows nonadherence is far too common," said Mike DeGeorge, Director of Medical Affairs for Ingenuity Health and Ameritox.

The study makes the case for medication monitoring among those with SMI to help identify nonadherence and its consequences. "Nonadherence can be avoided with the help of monitoring – the ability to gain real insight into whether our patients are taking their medications correctly is a game-changer," said Dr. Robert Millet, of Carolina Behavioral Care, one of the authors of the study.

The study, conducted using samples from those with SMI taken over a period of more than a year, is Ingenuity Health's most extensive analysis based on patient samples collected using urine drug testing.

The methodology and results of the study are contained in the medical poster: "Mental Health Population Study - A Retrospective Review of Antipsychotic Medications and Other Substances Detected in Urine," which is available upon request, and summarized in an infographic "Why Monitor?" which can be accessed at: http://www.ingenuityhealth.com/why-medication-monitoring/statistics-on-medication-nonadherence-among-the-mentally-ill/

The poster was presented on November 1 at the American Psychiatric Association 66th Institute on Psychiatric Services.

About Ingenuity Health
As a service of Ameritox^SM, the nation's leader in medication monitoring solutions, Ingenuity Health utilizes urine drug monitoring to provide highly reliable data and analysis that helps doctors and behavioral health specialists better treat patients diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI).

Visit the Ingenuity Health website at: www.ingenuityhealth.com
Follow Ingenuity Health on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ingenuityhealth

About Ameritox, Ltd.
Ameritox, Ltd. helped pioneer the prescription drug monitoring necessary to address the national epidemic of prescription drug misuse, abuse, and diversion. As the nation's trusted leader in Pain Medication Monitoring Solutions^SM, Ameritox provides medical professionals with health care solutions that can help improve patient care and prevent tragedy. Headquartered in Baltimore, Md., Ameritox has 800 employees nationwide and laboratory facilities in Greensboro, N.C.

Visit the Ameritox website at: www.ameritox.com
Follow Ameritox on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ameritox
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