New research suggests that weight gained in the first 12 weeks of antipsychotic treatment is the biggest driver of long-term obesity in psychosis.
[read the full story...]Can we predict and prevent weight gain in early psychosis?
No Responses »
Metformin reduces weight gain in young people taking antipsychotics
Large pragmatic trial found metformin plus lifestyle intervention reduced weight gain in young people with bipolar disorder taking antipsychotics. Effect significant but modest at 6 and 24 months.
[read the full story...]Do antipsychotics slow down thinking? New evidence from healthy volunteers
New research reveals how antipsychotic medications affect working memory speed in healthy adults, providing crucial insights into the cognitive side effects of these widely prescribed drugs.
[read the full story...]Rapid weight gain after SMI diagnosis, but why so few referrals for support?
A 15-year analysis of UK primary care records showed steep and sustained weight gain after an SMI diagnosis, especially among younger adults and people prescribed antipsychotic medication. Yet very few received referrals for weight-management support, raising important questions about practice and policy.
[read the full story...]Should you start metformin whenever you start antipsychotics?
Guidelines say metformin can help prevent weight gain from antipsychotics like olanzapine, but this large UK study shows it’s rarely prescribed. What’s stopping us?
[read the full story...]Weighing the risks: new review ranks antidepressants by their physical health side effects
Antidepressants can help millions of people recover from depression and anxiety, but how do they affect physical health? Out today, a review in The Lancet compared 30 antidepressants to see which ones are most (and least) likely to increase our risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes etc.
[read the full story...]Clozapine and infection risk: new evidence from Hong Kong’s 20-year cohort study
Clozapine is described as the gold standard treatment for schizophrenia but a new cohort study suggests it is associated with an increased risk of infections, particularly in older patients, further solidifying the case for holistic care.
[read the full story...]When helping hurts: potential harms from CBT and mindfulness in schools
With classroom mental health programmes on the rise, this review raises an important question: are we doing more harm than good? The evidence suggests universal interventions may not be right for everyone.
[read the full story...]Physical health side effects of psychotropic medication: holistic prevention and management
From weight gain to heart rhythm changes, sexual dysfunction to sleep problems — the physical side effects of psychiatric drugs are vast, complex, and often overlooked. This blog distils key insights from a new Lancet Commission published today; to help clinicians and patients make safer, more informed prescribing decisions.
[read the full story...]Anticholinergics are associated with worse cognition: it’s time to take a serious look at our prescribing
Eleanor Dawkins explores a new review and meta-analysis suggesting that cognitive impairment is linked with anticholinergic medication in psychosis, providing grounds for more careful monitoring and review of medications.
[read the full story...]