Metabolic Profile and Dietary Pattern of Patients with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a chronic disease that affects thoughts, perceptions, emotions and behaviors, and causes significant deterioration in the functioning of the individual. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) plays a role in decreased survival rate of schizophrenia patients when compared to the general population. The prevalence of MetS in schizophrenia patients increases in Turkey and the world. The metabolic syndrome aetiology is multi-factorial in schizophrenia patients. These factors may involve antipsychotic treatment, high levels of stress and unhealthy lifestyle, such as poor diet. The aims of this review are to clarify metabolic profile, the factors that effect it and relationship between these factors and nutritional status of schizophrenia patients. Patients with schizophrenia have a poor diet, mainly characterized by a high intake of saturated fat and a low consumption of fibre and fruit. Such diet is more likely to increase the risk to develop metabolic abnormalities. Data about possible causes of poor diet in schizophrenia are still few and inconsistent. In conclusion, to control metabolic abnormalities in schizophrenia patients, the assessment of nutritional status and food consumption and determination of underlying factors that cause inadequate dietary pattern and the development of nutritional intervention for this direction is essential.