The effects of an educational intervention on antipsychotic-induced weight gain.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of an educational intervention on antipsychotic-induced weight gain among patients with schizophrenia.


METHODS
Quasi-experimental. Seventy patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder entered this 6-month study condicted in the United States. All participants began receiving olanzapine treatment when they entered the study. The patients were then randomly assigned to an intervention group or a standard care group. Over the next 4-months, the intervention group participated in weekly psychoeducation classes focused on nutrition, exercise, and living a healthy lifestyle. Patients were followed for an additional 2 months to assess weight change.


RESULTS
A statistically significant difference in weight change between the two groups was observed post-treatment and at endpoint. At endpoint, the mean weight change of the intervention group was -.06 pounds, while the mean weight change in the standard care group was 9.57 pounds. In both groups, men gained significantly more weight than did women.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that a structured educational intervention might have a positive effect on antipsychotic-induced weight gain among patients with schizophrenia.
Littrell
Kimberly H
KH
Promedica Research Center, 3562 Habersham at Northlake, J-200, Tucker, GA 30084, USA. khlittrell@aol.com
Hilligoss
Nicole M
NM
Kirshner
Carol D
CD
Petty
Richard G
RG
Johnson
Craig G
CG
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education; D009765:Obesity / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D000077152:Olanzapine; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010890:Pirenzepine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D010890:Pirenzepine; D000077152:Olanzapine