The Metabolic Syndrome Is Associated with Self-Reported Physical Complaints in Patients with Bipolar Disorder

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with bipolar disorder is 35 to 40%. It is, however, not established yet whether MetS influences participation in physical activity, walking capacity and global functioning.

Sixty-five patients (36 ♀) received a full-fasting laboratory screening, performed a walk test including self-report of pre- and post-test pain, and completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self Report (QIDS-SR16).

Patients with (n=24) and without (n=41) MetS did not significantly differ in age, gender, psychotropic medication doses, physical activity, smoking behaviour and global functioning. In contrast, patients with MetS had a significantly (a) longer illness duration, (b) higher BMI, and (c) lower walking capacity. Moreover, patients with MetS scored significantly higher on the QIDS. Patients with MetS reported more pain before and after the walking test and more dyspnea following 6 minutes of walking, indicating the physical health challenges facing people with bipolar disorder and MetS seeking to engage in physical activity.

The current data give further credence to the importance of interventions promoting the walking capacity in people with bipolar disorder, in particular in these patients at a high risk for cardiovascular diseases.