Rucsandra Dănciulescu Miulescu 1, Mădălina Muşat 1, Suzana Dănoiu 2, Cătălina Poiană 1, C. Dumitrache 1
1 Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest,
2 University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova
Abstract
The metabolic syndrome is comprised of several cardiovascular risk factors such as central obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension and hyperlipidemia, most probably pathogenically correlated. Patients with schizophrenia have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome due to inappropriate physical activity, disorders of food intake or secondary to antipsychotic medication. Due to the increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus in patients with schizophrenia, the American Association of Psychiatry recommends screening and follow-up for metabolic risk factors. Th us the recommendation is to assess fasting glycemia and glycated hemoglobin at 4 months from commencement of a new drug therapy, then annually. BMI has to be monitored every 3 to 6 months. Except for the patients with a BMI below 18.5, every increment of their BMI of 1kg/m2 should be followed by either a change in antipsychotic medication or the admission of the patient in a weight control program.