METABOLIC EFFECTS OF ANTIPSYCHOTIC TREATMENT IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It is well established that morbidity and mortality of Schizophrenia is signicantly increased due to the metabolic derangements caused by anti-psychotic medications which in turn are potent cardiovascular risk factors. Despite this widespread knowledge of metabolic risks of antipsychotic treatment, the metabolic parameters of the patients are rarely taken into consideration while prescribing antipsychotic medications in India. AIM:To determine the effects of antipsychotic treatment on the metabolic parameters in drug naïve patients of schizophrenia. METHOD: Eighty consecutive drug naive schizophrenia patients were assessed for 05 metabolic parameters which form the criteria of metabolic syndrome (NCEP- ATPIII). These parameters were again assessed after 06 months of treatment in the same set of patients. The data was then analyzed for changes in metabolic parameters in context of treatment with rst and second generation antipsychotics. RESULT: Our study found that there were signicant changes in the metabolic parameters after 06 months of treatment with anti-psychotic medications. CONCLUSION:Antipsychotic medications, both rst and second generation, cause signicant derangements in the metabolic parameters. Thus, metabolic parameters should always be taken into consideration before starting of antipsychotic treatment as well as during follow up.