About 60% of the excess mortality observed in patients with severe mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD), is due to physical comorbidities, predominantly cardiovascular diseases. Weight gain and the metabolic syndrome are undesired effects of psychiatric medication, which ultimately can limit the use of a drug. Frequently, the decision whether to continue or switch a drug is not easy to make, and carefully weighing off the benefits and potential problems should be part of an informed treatment strategy.
Keywords: obesity, metabolic syndrome, medication, psychiatry
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Psychiatric Medication – Weight Gain and the Metabolic Syndrome (1) Ch Jonathan Haverkampf
