Abstract
Mounting evidence has shown that the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is substantially overlapping in the diagnostic subgroups of psychiatric disorders. While it is widely acknowledged that patients receiving antipsychotic medications are at higher risk of MetS than antipsychotic-naive ones, the association between antidepressants and MetS is still debated. The goal of our mini review was to analyse the relationship among depressive symptoms, antidepressant use and the occurrence of MetS. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we searched MEDLINE, reference lists and journals, using the following search string: (((“Mental Disorders”[Mesh]) AND “Metabolic Syndrome”[Mesh]) AND “Antidepressive Agents”[Mesh]), and retrieved 36 records. Two reviewers independently assessed records and the mini review eventually included the data extracted from 8 studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the selected studies. Overall, the results of the mini review seem to support the association among depressive symptoms, antidepressants therapy and MetS. Except for H1-R high-affinity ones, the relationship between antidepressants and MetS still needs to be clarified. Considering the widespread prescription of antidepressants, both on behalf of psychiatrists and primary care physicians, further research on this topic is recommended.
Highlights
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes, hyperinsulinemia, elevated triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations (1, 2)
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition, MetS is characterized by central adiposity plus two or more of the following four factors (4): (1) raised concentration of triglycerides: ≥150 mg/dl (1.7 mmol/l) or specific treatment for this lipid abnormality; (2) reduced concentration of HDL cholesterol: 40 mg/dl (1.03 mmol/l) in men and 50 mg/dl (1.29 mmol/l) in women, or specific treatment for this lipid abnormality; (3) raised blood pressure: systolic blood pressure ≥130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mmHg or treatment of previously diagnosed hypertension; and (4) raised fasting plasma glucose concentration ≥100 mg/dl (5.6 mmol/l) or Metabolic Syndrome and Antidepressants previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes
Due to the absence of reliable and detailed trial data reported in the studies included in the review, it could be difficult to tease out effects of depression from those of the medications used
Summary
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes, hyperinsulinemia, elevated triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations (1, 2). According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition, MetS is characterized by central adiposity plus two or more of the following four factors (4): (1) raised concentration of triglycerides: ≥150 mg/dl (1.7 mmol/l) or specific treatment for this lipid abnormality; (2) reduced concentration of HDL cholesterol: 40 mg/dl (1.03 mmol/l) in men and 50 mg/dl (1.29 mmol/l) in women, or specific treatment for this lipid abnormality; (3) raised blood pressure: systolic blood pressure ≥130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mmHg or treatment of previously diagnosed hypertension; and (4) raised fasting plasma glucose concentration ≥100 mg/dl (5.6 mmol/l) or Metabolic Syndrome and Antidepressants previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Albeit the pathophysiology of SGAs-induced metabolic alterations is not yet fully elucidated, increased food intake, weight gain, hyperglycemia, lipid accumulation in adipose cells and liver are hallmarks of this problem (19)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call