Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in the Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is one of the most common syndromes that include a set of serious cardiovascular risk factors. MetS is highly prevalent in the high risk population and contributes to reduced lifespan. The primary goal of the study is to assess the prevalence of MetS and its relation to the treatment modalities and the psychiatric diagnosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study for the hospitalized patients in the Mental Health hospital in Taif city, Saudi Arabia that was conducted between Dec 2013 - Nov 2015. We included adult patients who were admitted to the inpatient service. We diagnosed MetS according to the new International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition. RESULTS: A total of 313 patients with mean age 48.4+10.8 years old, the majority were male and single, 68.3% have high school degree or less, mean BMI in the overweight range, and mean waist circumference 96.5+14.0 cm. Compared to these without MetS, those with MetS more likely to have BMI and waist circumference (P <0.001), higher SBP (P 0.028), have diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia (all P <0.001), longer inpatient hospitalization (P 0.0036), report sedentary lifestyle (P 0.733), consume soft drink on a daily basis (P 0.030), and were active smoker (P 0.002). Those with MetS were less likely to be on Haloperidol and valproic acid (P 0.026). CONCLUSION: 39% of the participated hospitalized patients met the criteria for MetS and they tends to have significantly higher adiposity measures, cardiovascular markers, more likely to have comorbid conditions, and be active smokers.