Tuula Heiskanen, MD; Leo Niskanen, MD, PdD; Riitta Lyytikäinen, RN; Pirjo I. Saarinen, MD, PhD; and Jukka Hintikka, MD, PhD
Background: Our aim was to study the frequency
of metabolic syndrome and associated factors in patients with
schizophrenia.
Method: The study group consisted of 35
outpatients with long-term schizophrenia defined by DSM-IV
criteria. Patients were assessed for the presence of metabolic
syndrome, which was defined by the criteria of the National
Cholesterol Education Program. All patients were on antipsychotic
medication. Data were collected from Jan. 1, 2001, to Aug. 30,
2001.
Results: Metabolic syndrome was found in 37% (N
= 13) of the patients, and it was associated inversely with the
total daily dose of, but not with any specific type of,
antipsychotic drug.
Conclusion: The results suggest that metabolic
syndrome is common among patients with schizophrenia, and it may
be far more common than in general populations.
J Clin Psychiatry 2003;64(5):575-579
© Copyright 2003 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.