Metabolic syndrome in patients with psychotic disorders: diagnostic issues, comorbidity and side effects of...

Metabolic syndrome and other cardiovascular risk factors are highly prevalent in people with schizophrenia. Metabolic syndrome can contribute to significant morbidity and premature mortality and should be accounted for in the treatment of mental disorders. Along with results of numerous investigations regarding metabolic syndrome, different issues have occurred. The aim of this article is to review literature regarding diagnostic and treatment of metabolic syndrome and point at some issues regarding diagnostic and treatment of metabolic syndrome in patients with psychotic disorders and in general population.

Literature research included structured searches of Medline and other publications on the subject of metabolic syndrome, particularly diagnostic and treatment of metabolic syndrome in patients with psychotic disorders and in general population.

Despite numerous investigations of metabolic syndrome, many issues remain unclear, becoming objectives for future research. The experts disagree in their opinions on particular issues, such as clustering risk factors, importance of particular diagnostic procedures for the early detection and monitoring of metabolic syndrome and the role of antipsychotics in occurrence of metabolic syndrome. There is, however, unique attitude about importance of early detection and treatment of metabolic syndrome as well as necessity of further investigations.