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The metabolic syndrome and schizophrenia: the latest evidence and nursing guidelines for management
Author(s) -
USHER K.,
FOSTER K.,
PARK T.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.69
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1365-2850
pISSN - 1351-0126
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2850.2006.01026.x
Subject(s) - schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , antipsychotic , metabolic syndrome , medicine , psychiatry , mental health , medline , nursing , nursing practice , intensive care medicine , political science , law , obesity
The introduction of second‐generation antipsychotic drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia has provided significant benefits for clients experiencing this disorder. While they have been found effective in reducing psychotic symptoms, there is evidence that these drugs are also linked with a group of side effects commonly known as the metabolic syndrome. Mental health nurses are well positioned to prevent, detect and/or manage the development of this problematic constellation of symptoms. Guidelines for practice can be useful in prevention and management of the syndrome and enhance nursing care of clients who are taking second‐generation antipsychotics.