Comparison of Metabolic Parameters of the Patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Followed by a Community Mental Health Center

Abstract

09.01.2023
 Abstract
 Introduction: Deterioration in metabolic parameters is one of the major reasons of cardiovascular system-related morbidity
 and mortality in psychiatric diseases and is particularly common in chronic diseases such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
 (BD). We aimed to investigate the metabolic characteristics of patients with BD, a group that has received relatively less
 attention, by comparing them with patients with schizophrenia.
 Methods: 26 patients with BD and 27 patients with schizophrenia were involved in this study. Clinical and sociodemographic
 data, BMI, GAF, and CGI scores of the patients were recorded, and fasting blood glucose, HBA1C, total cholesterol, triglyceride,
 LDL, VLDL and HDL values performed during routine examinations in the last month were compared.
 Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, disease duration, mean number
 of psychotropic drugs, and mean number of antipsychotic drugs (p>0.05). While BMI (p=0.02), Triglyceride (p=0.008), Total
 cholesterol (p=0.018), and VLDL (p=0.008) values of bipolar disorder patients were significantly higher than schizophrenia
 patients. In the regression analysis, it was determined that the status of staying in a nursing home was a positive determinant
 in terms of triglyceride levels.
 Conclusion: The fact that schizophrenia patients with lower functionality and needing support and care stay in a nursing home
 can be protective in terms of metabolic risks due to factors such as diet control and regular doctor visits. Bipolar disorder
 patients followed up in community mental health centers should also be carefully evaluated in terms of metabolic risks, and if
 necessary, support should be provided to the patients in terms of healthy nutrition and exercise.