Open AccessEarly Combination Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Common Comorbid Mental Disorders
Author(s) -
Rahn Kennedy Bailey,
Daphne Kaye Sharpe,
Marianna Ringel,
Abeer Zeeshan
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
focus/focus (american psychiatric publishing. online)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1541-4108
pISSN - 1541-4094
DOI - 10.1176/appi.focus.20160048
Subject(s) - medicine , diabetes mellitus , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , antipsychotic , type 2 diabetes mellitus , population , comorbidity , psychiatry , mental illness , type 2 diabetes , mental health , intensive care medicine , environmental health , endocrinology
The relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and antipsychotic use by schizophrenia patients is recognized but not well understood. This article reviews the literature regarding metabolic interactions, pathological pathways, and protocols for screening, monitoring, and using combination therapy for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and common comorbid mental health conditions. Because primary care physicians manage patients with both mental and general medical illnesses, such as diabetes, understanding their perspectives on the challenges and facilitators of the care of these patients is critical to improving clinical outcomes. Although the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and antipsychotic use by schizophrenia patients has been recognized, clinical guidelines for their treatment are not recent. Individuals with mental disorders present a vulnerable population with high medical needs that are often mistreated or missed. Given the significant contribution of metabolic syndrome and comorbid diabetes mellitus to morbidity and mortality of such patients, ongoing primary care should be coordinated between general practitioners and mental health professionals to prevent serious complications and adverse medication side effects.