PREVALENCE OF METABOLIC SYNDROME IN FIRST EPISODE DRUG NAÏVE SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It is well established that schizophrenia is associated with higher morbidity and mortality due to the nature of illness itself and cardiovascular risk factors. Among cardiovascular risk factors metabolic syndrome has been discussed extensively in psychiatric literature. However most of the studies focused on the recent pharmacological interventions are possible etiological factors of metabolic syndrome. In our study we are trying to nd out any association of metabolic syndrome with schizophrenia in drug naïve patients. METHOD: Eighty consecutive drug naïve rst episode patients with schizophrenia presenting at a tertiary care hospital in Western India were studied. They were assessed for prevalence of metabolic syndrome as per the criteria set by the NCEP (ATPIII) in Adults. RESULT: A high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in drug naïve rst episode patients with schizophrenia was found as compared to that in general population. CONCLUSION: There should be mandatory screening for the possibility of hyperlipidemia, high glucose levels and metabolic syndrome in drug naïve rst episode patients with schizophrenia before prescribing antipsychotic drugs