metabolic syndrome
Cluster of cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, commonly associated with atypical antipsychotics.
Full Definition
Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of interconnected physiological abnormalities including central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension that significantly increases cardiovascular disease risk. In psychopharmacology, certain atypical antipsychotics, particularly clozapine and olanzapine, carry high risk for inducing metabolic syndrome through mechanisms involving histamine, serotonin, and muscarinic receptor antagonism. Regular monitoring of weight, glucose, and lipid parameters is standard practice when prescribing these medications. This condition represents a major long-term health concern in psychiatric populations.
Usage
Usage note: Use consistent diagnostic criteria when reporting prevalence data (WHO, IDF, or NCEP-ATP III).
In Context
- "Baseline metabolic parameters should be assessed before initiating olanzapine therapy." — clinical guideline
- "The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in the clozapine-treated cohort." — epidemiological study