Low Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in a Group of Patients with Chronic Psychotic Disorders Taking Antipsychotic Polypharmacy in Residential Treatment While Adhering to a Mediterranean Diet

Abstract

The aim of this abbreviated report is to describe the prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome (MS) in a sample group of patients with psychosis in residential treatment in Spain, who have been treated with antipsychotic polypharmacy for 5 years or more. We designed a cross sectional study to describe the prevalence of MS in a population sample of 21 of such patients. Using the criteria recommended by the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education program Expert panel on Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (NCP-ATP III), In this group 19, 04% of these patients met such criteria. The prevalence is much smaller than those reported in other countries, especially the U.S. This is even more remarkable, given the use of antipsychotic polypharmacy in this sample group of patients, which is an additional risk factor for the development of M.S. Residential treatment (a controlled living environment), Mediterranean diet, tobacco restriction and continuous medical supervision may have contributed to these results. We further inquire whether these factors could protect patients against MS.