Metabolic syndrome and obesity in psychosis: the possible mechanisms

V Mondelli, C M Pariante

Research output: Contribution to journalEditorialpeer-review

Abstract

Psychosis is a devastating disorder that affects young people. The psychological sufferance of these individuals is often further complicated by the development of compromised physical health, and especially by an increase in weight, cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome. Considering the dramatic consequences of these health abnormalities, it is surprising that the mechanisms, by which these abnormalities develop, are not completely understood. Indeed, antipsychotic medications have been demonstrated to induce these abnormalities, and recently few studies have also suggested that psychosis itself may lead to development of metabolic syndrome. In this paper, we will review the possible targets by which the antipsychotic treatment induce weight gain and metabolic syndrome, including histaminergic and serotonergic receptors, leptin, glucose transporters and enzymes regulating lipid metabolism. Moreover, we will also discuss the possible mechanisms by which psychosis itself may lead to metabolic abnormalities, including life style, diet, cannabis use, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) hyperactivity, and genetic predisposition
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)59 - 64
Number of pages6
JournalObesity And Metabolism-Milan
Volume4
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 2008

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