Schizophrenia is a chronic and deteriorating mental illness. There are growing evidences that the morbidity of metabolic impairments and mortality from cardiovascular disease in schizophrenic patients is higher compared with the general population. These metabolic sequelae may be attributable to certain atypical antipsychotic agents, poor health related behavior/life style and/ or psychotic symptoms. This article describes and summarizes the recommendations for prevention and managements of metabolic impairments in patients with schizophrenia. Identifying high risk patients, promoting health related life style, choice of appropriate antipsychotic regimen with fewer metabolic side effects, education, and monitoring weight, blood pressure and laboratory test regularly during treatment are essential for reducing metabolic burdens in patients with schizophrenia. (Schizophrenia Clinics 2005;8:47-53) |