The Role of Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Fighting Non-adherence to Medical Advice Maintained by Fear of Drug Side-effects in a Man with Cholesterol, Obesity and Hypertension Problems

The case study describes a man with cholesterol, obesity and hypertension problems. His walking and dieting schemes alone were unable to reduce his excessive weight and bad cholesterol. He initially rejected the doctor’s advice to take cholesterol medication on suspicion it was harmful. Literature indicates that fear of medicine side-effects is one of the major reasons many patients do not adhere to drug therapy. Following an eclectic counseling program, the participant successfully disputed and eradicated his irrational and illogical fears of cholesterol medication and used it. In addition, the enlistment of his family members in the treatment program as onlookers further helped him to comply with the drug, exercise and diet regimens. Bad cholesterol was lowered and obesity downgraded to overweight. Maintenance of these gains during the follow-up phase suggested an increase in his self-efficacy for self-care. He was still vulnerable and at risk of developing heart disease and stroke.