[Wellness-activities to prevent metabolic syndrome among patients with schizophrenia]

Weight gain and metabolic disturbances are growing side effects of a modern antipsychotic therapy. Different programs were developed to reduce them. This article gives an overview of existing and evaluated programs.

A literature research was made through PubMed. Relevant reviews and intervention studies were identified.

Studies with the main outcome variable of weight reductions are numerous, even randomised controlled trials. Short-term weight loss under antipsychotic treatment is possible, but there is still a lack of long-term studies. Life style interventions, which include e. g. physical exercise, are not that common. Also, interventions such as wellness-activities, which contribute by means of adequate motivation strategies to an enhancement of the general well-being, are still missing. Present results turned out to be positive.

Further programs which exceed weight management are required. There is necessity for more studies with consistent outcome variables and methods, especially long-term programs.