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Accelerated osteoporosis in psychiatric patients: possible pathophysiological processes
1State University of New York at Buffalo, SUNY Clinical Center (BB170) 14215, USA.
Schizophrenia Bulletin
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Osteoporosis, marked by low bone mineral density (BMD), is increasingly seen in mental health patients. Factors like medication side effects and lifestyle choices contribute to accelerated bone loss, which may be preventable.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Osteoporosis is a prevalent condition characterized by decreased bone mineral density (BMD).
- Recent studies indicate a higher prevalence of decreased BMD in individuals with mental disorders like schizophrenia and major depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the contributing factors to accelerated BMD decrease in patients with mental disorders.
- To identify potential interventions for preventing or delaying osteoporosis in these patient populations.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature linking mental disorders with bone metabolism.
- Analysis of factors contributing to decreased BMD, including hormonal changes, lifestyle factors, and inflammatory markers.
Main Results:
- Accelerated BMD decrease in patients with mental disorders is associated with drug-induced hormonal changes (estrogen, testosterone), polydipsia, low calcium intake, smoking, alcoholism, elevated interleukins, hyperprolactinemia, and hypercortisolemia.
- These factors collectively impact bone health in susceptible individuals.
Conclusions:
- The accelerated decrease in bone mineral density observed in patients with mental disorders is multifactorial.
- Interventions targeting hormonal balance, lifestyle modifications, and inflammation may help prevent or delay osteoporosis in these patients.