Significant weight gain is a major side effect of several newer, widely used antipsychotic medications such as Olanzapine and Clozapine, both atypical antipsychotics used in the treatment of Schizophrenia and other disorders with psychotic features or symptoms. Weight gain presents serious problems for clients and clinicians alike. For patients who present with obesity or co-morbid medical problems (diabetes, CAD), potential weight gain may contraindicate initiation of such medications or require regular medical monitoring for exacerbation of medical problems. Informed consent regarding this side effect may deter a patient from willingness to even try the medication. If a patient does start a medication trial and find it effective, any resulting weight gain can contribute to low self-esteem, increased medical problems, depression, and lower levels of motivation, functioning, and quality of life. Additionally, weight gain may interfere with adherence to current medication needed to treat a serious or chronic psychiatric disorder leading to potential decompensation and in some cases withdrawal syndromes or symptoms. Lastly, a negative experience with one such medication can result in a patient's refusal to try any other similar medications, even those with a better side effect profile. This paper will report preliminary findings on a pilot weight management program provided to adult community mental health clinic patients. It will describe the program's design and present information on its essential components including human, technical, financial, and physical resource requirements, screening and enrollment, nutrition/diet, exercise, monitoring, and evaluation/quality improvement. Data available on findings from similar programs will be presented and compared.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Mental Health Services, Primary Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore;
Department of Community Psychiatry; Walter P. Carter Center Clinics;Fayette Street Adult Mental Health Clinic
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.