C. Tridente, M. Casiello, G. Foia, M. Petrosino, B. Speranza, A. Tridente, G. Muscettola - Vol. 11, March 2005, Issue 1
Testo Immagini Bibliografia Summary Indice
Antipsicotici, variazioni ponderali ed
aderenza al trattamento in un campione di pazienti ambulatoriali
Antipsychotic drugs, weight changes and drug adherence in an outpatient
sample
Objectives
The antipsychotic drugs’ effect on the appetite
and body weight is a prominent negative factor during treatment of psychotic
patients. Weight gain, in fact, increases mortality and morbidity risks and
reduces self-esteem, worsens social adaptation and is one of the most common
reasons of noncompliance.
Methods
To investigate relations between body weight and adherence and to evaluate
the role of a correct preventive information about side-effects of neuroleptic
drugs, we examined 76 outpatients in monotherapy with antipsychotic drugs
stabilized since one month. We excluded patients with medical problems or
in treatment with body weight-interfering drugs. We used an ad hoc questionnaire
elaborated on the possible interaction between drugs, body weight changes
and food habits. A comparison between schizophrenic patients in our sample
and the others outpatients was performed.
Results and Conclusions
Results suggest that a correct information facilitates drug adherence
also in patients who gain weight; the latter have a higher risk for Binge
Eating Disorders.