Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
Metabolic syndrome in chronic schizophrenia: Cross-sectional hospital assessment of prolonged risperidone exposure
Yimin Wu1, Jie Wu1, Zuobin Deng1
1Department of Psychiatry, Ganzhou Third People's Hospital, 116 Qinglongshan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China.
Background:
Long-term use of antipsychotics like risperidone raises metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk, with evidence from Chinese populations being limited.
Objectives:
This study compared MetS prevalence and metabolic profiles between chronic schizophrenia patients on long-term risperidone versus olanzapine.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, 80 risperidone-treated patients were compared to 80 olanzapine-treated controls. MetS [IDF (The International Diabetes Federation) criteria], glucose/lipid metabolism and anthropometric measures were assessed. Statistical analyses included t-tests and χ² tests.
Results:
The prevalence of MetS was significantly lower in the risperidone group (30.0%) compared to the olanzapine group (48.8%, p = 0.015). Risperidone patients showed better glycemic control and lipid profiles (p < 0.05), though BMI (body mass index), waist circumference and blood pressure remained elevated compared to olanzapine patients.
Conclusion:
Long-term risperidone therapy is associated with a lower MetS risk than olanzapine. Regular metabolic monitoring and adjunctive interventions are recommended for high-risk patients.
Related Concept Videos
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Schizophrenia
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...
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...

