Objective: Weight gain and metabolic disturbances are growing side effects of a modern antipsychotic therapy. Different programs were developed to reduce them. This article gives an overview of existing and evaluated programs.
Methods: A literature research was made through PubMed. Relevant reviews and intervention studies were identified.
Results: Studies with the main outcome variable of weight reductions are numerous, even randomised controlled trials. Short-term weight loss under antipsychotic treatment is possible, but there is still a lack of long-term studies. Life style interventions, which include e. g. physical exercise, are not that common. Also, interventions such as wellness-activities, which contribute by means of adequate motivation strategies to an enhancement of the general well-being, are still missing. Present results turned out to be positive.
Conclusions: Further programs which exceed weight management are required. There is necessity for more studies with consistent outcome variables and methods, especially long-term programs.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart, New York.