Impact of depressive symptoms on medication adherence in older adults with chronic neurological diseases.

Using a symptom-driven approach, we aimed to understand which depressive symptoms contribute to higher levels of nonadherence. Our results refine previous hypotheses about motivation and control beliefs by suggesting that it is not merely a lack of beliefs in the efficacy of medication that connects depressive symptoms and nonadherence, but rather an overall lack of interest in improving one's health due to feelings of worthlessness and suicidal tendencies. This lack of interest is further substantiated by already sparse resources caused by changes in concentration and fatigue. In order to improve health outcomes and reduce nonadherence, these associations between depressive symptoms must be further understood and targeted in tailored interventions.