The assessment and management of antipsychotic-associated metabolic disturbances from a psychiatric perspective.
OBJECTIVE
To review the available data on the management of antipsychotic-associated metabolic disturbances from a psychiatric perspective.


METHODS
A literature search was initially conducted using the key words followed by a search of relevant articles, including conference abstracts.


RESULTS
The investigation and management of metabolic disturbances in psychiatric patients poses particular problems. Given that this population is at high risk, early identification and prevention are particularly important.


CONCLUSIONS
Strategies for the management of metabolic disturbances in psychiatric patients are primarily based on treatments used in the general population, but their effectiveness in psychiatric populations is anecdotal. In view of the high levels of untreated medical comorbidity in psychiatric patients and the potential exacerbation through antipsychotic use in this high-risk population, specific outcome research in this population is needed. Further, referral for specialist management is recommended.
Chue
Pierre
P
Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton. pchue@ualberta.ca
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents