Gender differences in metabolic monitoring of second-generation antipsychotic prescription.
OBJECTIVE
To explore whether guidelines for metabolic monitoring of patients receiving second-generation antipsychotics (SGAP) are respected in clinical practice, and whether patients' and prescribers' characteristics are associated with adequacy of metabolic monitoring.


METHODS
Survey questionnaires were mailed to all state hospital psychiatrists practising in South-Western France. Psychiatrists were asked to give information on the baseline metabolic screening of the last patient seen with first prescription of a SGAP. Adequacy of metabolic monitoring was assessed according to published guidelines.


RESULTS
No metabolic parameter was assessed before SGAP onset in more than one out of four patients, and fewer than 5% had a complete baseline assessment of metabolic parameters. The number of parameters assessed was markedly lower in women compared to men.


CONCLUSIONS
Efforts should focus on initial training as well as on continuing medical education in order to improve level of awareness about the need for adequate baseline screening monitoring, and about the fact that women treated with SGAP are also at risk of metabolic disturbances.
INSERM U657, Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2, 146 rue Léo Saignat 33076, Bordeaux cedex, France. helene.verdoux@ u-bordeaux2.fr
Hélène
H
Verdoux
Sophie
S
Boulon
Audrey
A
Cougnard
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012727:Sex Characteristics
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents