What issue did Hippocrates note regarding patients taking prescribed drinks circa 5th century B.C.?

Patients often lied about taking unpleasant prescribed drinks

The fundamental challenge of ensuring patients follow medical advice is not a modern invention; it dates back to antiquity. As far back as the 5th century B.C., the renowned physician Hippocrates observed a recurring issue with patient honesty concerning prescribed treatments. Specifically, he noted that patients frequently lied to their physicians about whether they had consumed unpleasant drinks that were part of their treatment plan. This non-disclosure, driven by the unpleasant nature of the prescribed remedy, sometimes led to severe consequences, including death for the patient. This ancient observation remains profoundly relevant, serving as the precursor to the modern adage, 'Drugs don't work in patients who don't take them,' highlighting that non-adherence stems from behavioral factors as well as logistical ones.