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Introduction of a new group of antipsychotic drugs, called atypical because of the proprieties differing them from classical neuroleptics, gave hope for the beginning of a new era in treatment of psychoses, including schizophrenia. Different mechanisms of action not only resulted in a broader spectrum of action and high efficacy but also in a relative lack of extrapiramidal symptoms. However, atypical neuroleptics are not totally free from adverse effects. Symptoms such as sedation, metabolic changes and weight gain, often very quick and severe - present also in the case of classical drugs, but put to the background by extrapiramidal symptoms--have become prominent. Weight gain is important both from the clinical and subjective point of view--as associated with serious somatic consequences and as a source of enormous mental distress. These problems are addressed in this review, with the focus on weight gain associated with the use of specific atypical neuroleptics.

Type

Journal article

Journal

Psychiatr Pol

Publication Date

09/2006

Volume

40

Pages

995 - 1007

Keywords

Antipsychotic Agents, Clinical Trials as Topic, Endocrine System, Humans, Mental Disorders, Obesity, Psychotic Disorders, Regression Analysis, Research Design, Weight Gain