[The physiopathology of weight regulation during treatment with psychotropic drugs]

Perinatal MK-801 treatment affects age-related changes in locomotor activity from childhood to later adulthood in rats

Neuronal degeneration underlying the pathology of schizophrenia is already present during childhood. However, most of these studies were done in adult humans or animals. The present study therefore investigated age-related changes of behavior in an innovative version of the Open Field Maze following perinatal chronic administration of the noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist MK-801. The waxing and waning pattern of locomotor activity during aging with a peak around the age of 90 days was profoundly attenuated by MK-801. MK-801 further reduced locomotion and body weight in mature rats. However, it increased explorative behavior in immature rats. Therefore, the chronic perinatal administration of MK-801 seems to be a model to investigate the pathological mechanisms of psychomotor retardation and body weight dysregulation in schizophrenia.

The assessment and management of antipsychotic-associated metabolic disturbances from a psychiatric perspective

OBJECTIVE

To review the available data on the management of antipsychotic-associated metabolic disturbances from a psychiatric perspective.

METHOD

A literature search was initially conducted using the key words followed by a search of relevant articles, including conference abstracts.

RESULTS

The investigation and management of metabolic disturbances in psychiatric patients poses particular problems. Given that this population is at high risk, early identification and prevention are particularly important.

CONCLUSION

Strategies for the management of metabolic disturbances in psychiatric patients are primarily based on treatments used in the general population, but their effectiveness in psychiatric populations is anecdotal. In view of the high levels of untreated medical comorbidity in psychiatric patients and the potential exacerbation through antipsychotic use in this high-risk population, specific outcome research in this population is needed. Further, referral for specialist management is recommended.