Study of the Association of Metabolic Syndrome with Schizophrenia in North Eastern Part of India

Background: During last several years there has been growing interest in metabolic abnormalities in Schizophrenia. Studies in this context are lacking in this part of India. Aims & Objective: To study the association of metabolic syndrome with schizophrenia in North eastern part of India. Material and Methods: 50 Adult schizophrenic patients diagnosed as per DSM-IV TR Criteria and age and sex matched 50 subjects of control group were included in for prevalence of MetS as per the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Informed consent was obtained. The study was approved by local ethical committee. Results: Maximum numbers of subjects were in the age group 21-30 years and males were more than female in schizophrenia group. 14 (28%) patients in schizophrenia group and 6 (12%) subjects in control group had MetS. The mean Serum triglyceride of schizophrenia (153.41 ± 57.26) was significantly higher (p<0.05). Mean BMI of schizophrenia (22.55 ± 4.19) was higher as compared to control group (22.30 ± 3.35). 38 patients (76%) were taking antipsychotics for more than 6 months of duration, in which 14 patients (28%) were found to be having MetS while 24 patients (48%) had no MetS. 2nd generation antipsychotics were taken by 35 patients (70%) in which 14 patients (28%) were found to have MetS while 21 patient (42%) had no MetS. Conclusion: This study showed that prevalence of MetS, risk factors, was more in schizophrenia than control group and it was present more commonly in patients taking second generation antipsychotics. KEY-WORDS: Schizophrenia; Metabolic Syndrome; North Eastern Part of India