'Mind and Body': a lifestyle programme for people on antipsychotic medication.
BACKGROUND
Psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia and their treatments have consequences in terms of lifestyle, diet and weight.


OBJECTIVE
'Mind and Body' is a 10-week programme of weekly sessions aimed to improve the health status of people treated with second generation antipsychotic medications.


METHODS
The programme focuses on a range of lifestyle strategies including diet and exercise and was conducted at a Community Health Centre by professionally qualified staff. Between 2002 and 2006, 50 participants enrolled in, and 30 completed the programme. Measures of body weight, health status (Short Form-36) and blood markets (plasma glucose, haemoglobin A1c and lipid profile) were collected at commencement and completion of the programme. Results A modest improvement was demonstrated in mean values for the majority of measures collected.


CONCLUSIONS
A lifestyle program for people treated with antipsychotic medications is achievable and may be worthwhile although gains may be modest.
Jones
Amanda
A
Barwon Health, Community and Mental Health, Torquay, Victoria, Australia. amandajo@barwonhealth.org.au
Benson
Anthony
A
Griffith
Sarah
S
Berk
Michael
M
Dodd
Seetal
S