Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
Lifestyles and cardiovascular risk in individuals with functional psychoses
Paolo Fusar-Poli1, Luca De Marco, Francesca Cavallin
1Department of Psychobehavioural Health Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. p.fusar@libero.it
Purpose:
This study aims to examine known determinants of cardiovascular risk in Italian patients with functional psychoses.
Design And Methods:
A cross-sectional study design was used to examine cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle behaviors of 123 individuals with functional psychosis and compare clinically relevant data with those of the general Italian population.
Findings:
A significant proportion of patients manifested frank hypertension (6.9%), hypercholesterolemia (20.5%), diabetes (6.5%), or a body mass index of more than 30 (20.3%). Many also smoked (63.0%) or ingested alcohol every day (26.0%), did not eat fruits or vegetables (8.0%), or did not exercise on a daily basis (34.0%).
Practice Implications:
Patients with psychosis manifest significant rates of potentially reversible risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Mental health nurses should advocate for and implement well-resourced counseling programs to reduce the prevalence of smoking and metabolic syndrome in mental health populations.
Related Concept Videos
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy

