Modal subcomponents of metabolic syndrome in patients with bipolar disorder

The metabolic syndrome is a growing global public health problem.

To evaluate the prevalence rate and modal subcomponents of the metabolic syndrome in subjects treated at the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Medical Center Bipolar Clinic.

In this cross-sectional design study, using the National Cholesterol Education Program definition, metabolic syndrome prevalence rates were calculated.

48/98 (49%) of subjects met criteria for metabolic syndrome. There was no difference in prevalence rate by gender or race. Almost 70% of the cohort met criteria for metabolic syndrome by the components of reduced HDL and increased waist circumference. Treatment with carbamazepine at study entry was associated with a lower prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome.

This study is limited by its small size and non-structured assessment of Axis I diagnosis. Nonetheless, bipolar patients in this select cohort have high rates of metabolic syndrome; given this cardiovascular risk, close clinical monitoring for these parameters is recommended. While not controlling for genetics, environmental influences, and/or medical factors such as additional comorbidity and treatment duration, psychotropic drug use may confer differential risk for developing the metabolic syndrome.