Prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome among drug-naive psychotic patients

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome among drug-naive psychotic patients. Patients and methods The sample consisted of two groups: group I had 65 drug-naive patients recruited from psychiatric outpatient clinics of Zagazig University Hospitals and group II had 65 participants selected randomly from among Zagazig University Hospital visitors. Patients were subjected to a semistructured psychiatric interview, using the DSM-IV criteria for diagnosis. Severity of symptoms was rated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Detection of metabolic syndrome was based on the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation. Results The results of the study show that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among drug-naive psychotic patients was 12% (eight patients). There was also significant correlation between sex and marital status and all metabolic syndrome criteria, between education and triglycerides level, and between age and waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein levels. Conclusion The current study concluded that prevalence of metabolic syndrome is higher in drug-naive psychotic patients and psychosis is a risk factor for developing metabolic syndrome among drug-naive psychotic patients.