The Role of Antipsychotic Medications on Metabolic and Hematological Parameters.

BACKGROUND

Psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and drug-induced psychosis, are associated with significant biochemical and hematological alterations. Antipsychotic medications, particularly second-generation antipsychotics, have been implicated in metabolic disturbances, hormonal imbalances, and hematological changes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of psychiatric disorders and antipsychotic medications on metabolic and hematological parameters, identifying potential risks associated with long-term treatment.

METHODS

A prospective hospital-based study was conducted on 80 psychiatric patients and 15 healthy controls. Biochemical markers, such as fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and prolactin, were assessed. Hematological parameters, including hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, and serum albumin, were analyzed. Statistical comparisons were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, United States), with significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Psychiatric patients showed higher levels of HbA1c, CRP, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and prolactin compared to controls. Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) were more strongly associated with metabolic dysregulation than first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs). Hematological alterations included lower hemoglobin and higher platelet count in psychiatric patients.

CONCLUSION

Psychiatric disorders and antipsychotic therapy are associated with significant metabolic and hematological changes, requiring regular monitoring and preventive strategies.