Lipid Profile in Persons with Schizophrenia on Antipsychotic Medications in Uyo, South-South Nigeria

Treatment of schizophrenia with antipsychotic medications may be associated with increased risks for metabolic disorders such as weight gain, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of dyslipidaemia in patients with schizophrenia on antipsychotic medications and the risk factors associated with it. Fifty two patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were evaluated for lipid profile abnormalities. Study sample had a mean of 26.42±10.8 years, 62.4% were males. Mean values of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TG) were significantly higher in patients compared to subjects in controls. Dyslipidaemia was present in 26.9% of the total study sample. The risk of hyperlipidaemia is higher with all typical or atypical class of antipsychotic medications. Chances of hyperlipidaemia and weight gain were higher with long duration of antipsychotic medication use. Treatment with antipsychotic medications is associated with significantly increased risk for hyperlipidaemia.