Effects of pharmacological therapy on anthropometric and biochemical status of male and female institutionalized psychiatric patients.

Abstract

The pathophysiological condition and potential drug interactions may influence nutritional status. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine, separately in male and female schizophrenic subjects, the influence of neuroleptic treatment on different indices of nutritional status. The survey was conducted at a 750-bed mental hospital in 311 custodial care patients, where anthropometric and hematological estimations were measured. In the present study, prevalence of obesity, (assessed by weight-for-height) increased by 10% in males and 18% in females on neuroleptic medication as compared to psychotropic-free schizophrenic subjects. Those taking neuroleptic medication also had larger fat and protein body compartments. Statistical differences between the groups (controls vs neuroleptics) were found for triceps skinfold and arm-muscle circumference as indices of body composition, being more marked in female patients. Neuroleptic administration was associated with changes in iron status, plasma protein, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides in males, while only plasma protein levels were affected in the female schizophrenic group under antipsychotic therapy. This study provides further evidence of adverse consequences of neuroleptic drugs on anthropometric and biochemical markers of nutritional status, and also shows differences between male and female patients in their response to psychotropic medications.