Dyslipidemia Prevalence of Severe Mentally Ill Patients Who are under Pharmacotherapy Scheme

There is an increased mortality rate associated with severe mental illness due to preventable causes; such as, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and prevalence of obesity associated to the use of pharmacotherapy. Patients prescribed with antipsychotics generally have metabolic abnormalities that lead to lipid imbalanc e, which increases their morbidity and mortality. Little research has been found in relation to this problem, suggestion further research in this area, focusing on the type of disease and the types of prescribed drugs. The aim of this study was to determin e the prevalence of dyslipidemia in a trial with patients with severe mental illness under a drug scheme. Sample for study involved 21 patients, with psychiatric disorders diagnosed; from Supersition Mountain Mental Health Center (SMMHC)”, Arizona, USA. In addition, these patients were receiving psychopharmacological treatment, aged 18, who agreed to participate voluntarily in the study. Evaluations were conducted on samples of lipid profile and glucose, in addition to clinical and anthropometric assessment of analyzed nursing records, plus medical examination of the last annual checks, according to SMMHC protocols. Altered serum cholesterol, HDL, LDL and VLDL to 42% of values were found on the studied population. It is assumed that the consumption of antide pressant drugs induces dyslipidemia, and management recommended a multidisciplinary team including a nutritionist to approve the use of those medications. However, it is recommended that a continuous study involving a larger group of patients is completed in order to ensure validity and reliability of the results.