Comparison of Metabolic Parameters of the Patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Followed by a Community Mental Health Center

Introduction: Deterioration in metabolic parameters is one of the major reasons of cardiovascular system-related morbidity and mortality in psychiatric diseases and is particularly common in chronic diseases such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BD). We aimed to investigate the metabolic characteristics of patients with BD, a group that has received relatively less attention, by comparing them with patients with schizophrenia. Methods: 26 patients with BD and 27 patients with schizophrenia were involved in this study. Clinical and sociodemographic data, BMI, GAF, and CGI scores of the patients were recorded, and fasting blood glucose, HBA1C, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL and HDL values performed during routine examinations in the last month were compared. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, disease duration, mean number of psychotropic drugs, and mean number of antipsychotic drugs (p>0.05). While BMI (p=0.02), Triglyceride (p=0.008), Total cholesterol (p=0.018), and VLDL (p=0.008) values of bipolar disorder patients were significantly higher than schizophrenia patients. In the regression analysis, it was determined that the status of staying in a nursing home was a positive determinant in terms of triglyceride levels. Conclusion: The fact that schizophrenia patients with lower functionality and needing support and care stay in a nursing home can be protective in terms of metabolic risks due to factors such as diet control and regular doctor visits. Bipolar disorder patients followed up in community mental health centers should also be carefully evaluated in terms of metabolic risks, and if necessary, support should be provided to the patients in terms of healthy nutrition and exercise.