Anti-psychotic drugs for treating serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, are effective and often life-saving, but come with unwelcome side effects. They dramatically increase weight as well as the incidence of metabolic disorders such as raised blood fats and type 2 diabetes, say Sydney-based specialists.
In fact, there are measurable effects within 3 to 6 months of starting treatment. The rapid decline in physical health is so clinically significant, and of such concern, that the specialists have put together a physical health protection algorithm, which they say should run in tandem with mental health treatment. It includes regular and specified measurement of tangibles – weight, waistline and blood chemistry – as well as counselling about lifestyle and diet.
The new ‘treatment algorithm’ was adopted by NSW Health in June 2010, and is also being adopted in the UK by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal College of General Practitioners. With the backing of the University of NSW, these clinical researchers have established an International working party on Physical Health in Youth with Psychosis (iphYs), launched in Sydney last month.
A/Prof Katherine Samaras, Clinical Researcher, Garvan Institute of Medical Research
Dr Jackie Curtis, endocrinologist, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney
Early Intervention in Psychiatry; http://www.garvan.org.au/news-events/news/fighting-illnesses-that-accompany-the-latest-anti-psychotic-drugs.html