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Weight gain in first-episode psychosis
Jean Addington1, Chrystal Mansley, Donald Addington
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Onatrio. jean_addington@camh.net
Objective:
To examine the extent of weight gain in the first year of treatment in an early psychosis program.
Method:
Subjects were 114 individuals who had experienced a first episode of psychosis and had completed 1 year in a comprehensive first-episode program. Weight and body mass index were calculated on entry to the program and at 6 and 12 months. Most of the subjects were all being prescribed second-generation antipsychotics.
Results:
Significant increases in mean weight were observed in these young individuals over the course of the first year of treatment.
Conclusions:
If we are to work toward optimum treatment for first-episode subjects then potential weight gain needs to be addressed at the beginning of treatment and monitored during treatment.