Metabolic Syndrome in Schizophrenia Patients on Antipsychotics: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia patients on antipsychotics tend to have high prevalence of metabolic syndrome which is of a major health concern. And it may affect drug compliance and cause negative impact on course and outcome of the illness.

Aim: To know the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia patients on antipsychotics and its association with various clinical parameters.

Materials and Methods: Study sample included schizophrenia patients on antipsychotics at least for a period of 1year and various parameters like blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and waist circumference were measured. Adult treatment panel III a guidelines was used for diagnosing metabolic syndrome. ICD-10 Diagnostic Criteria for Research (DCR-10) was taken to diagnose Schizophrenia.

Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the study group was found to be 11.66%. In the study group metabolic syndrome was more common among those using olanzapine (18.7%) and the mean duration of illness was more in persons with metabolic syndrome (3.76 ± 3.58) years compared in those without metabolic syndrome (3.14 ± 1.06) years. The mean duration of treatment in study population was more in persons with metabolic syndrome (3.01 ± 1.04) years.

Conclusion: This study has found that metabolic syndrome was more in people using olanzapine and its prevalence increases with the duration of illness and duration of treatment.