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Adverse effects of atypical antipsychotic agents and their effects on quality of life

Beth M Dubisar1, Steven C Stoner, James Reynolds

  • 1Northwest Missouri Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center, St Joseph Missouri 64506, USA.

Pharmacotherapy
|August 12, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Metabolic disturbances associated with atypical antipsychotic medications significantly reduce patient quality of life. Despite this, patients generally report high satisfaction, though psychiatrists

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology
  • Metabolic Medicine

Background:

  • Atypical antipsychotic agents are frequently associated with metabolic disturbances, including weight gain, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia.
  • These metabolic changes can potentially impact the overall well-being and quality of life for patients undergoing psychiatric treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of axis III metabolic disturbances, linked to atypical antipsychotic use, on patients' perceived quality of life.
  • To compare the quality of life in patients who developed metabolic disorders with those who did not.
  • To compare patient-reported quality of life assessments with those made by their treating psychiatrists.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of questionnaire results from 33 patients at a long-term care psychiatric facility.
  • Patients completed the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q).
  • Psychiatrists completed the Physical Health-Activities section of the Q-LES-Q based on their patient assessments.

Main Results:

  • Fifteen patients had diagnosed axis III metabolic disturbances.
  • Patients with metabolic disturbances reported a mean overall life satisfaction score of 3.6 (fair to good), compared to 4.538 (good to very good) for those without.
  • Psychiatrists' assessments of patients' quality of life were consistently less positive than patients' self-assessments, irrespective of metabolic status.

Conclusions:

  • While patients on atypical antipsychotics generally perceive a high quality of life, the presence of associated metabolic disturbances significantly detracts from this.
  • Metabolic complications represent a critical factor influencing the subjective well-being of patients treated with atypical antipsychotic medications.

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