Nursing Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Nursing, including details on health care, hospital staff, professional care.

The metabolic syndrome and schizophrenia: the latest evidence and nursing guidelines for management.

Usher K, Foster K, Park T

School of Nursing Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia. kim.usher@jcu.edu.au

The introduction of second-generation antipsychotic drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia has provided significant benefits for clients experiencing this disorder. While they have been found effective in reducing psychotic symptoms, there is evidence that these drugs are also linked with a group of side effects commonly known as the metabolic syndrome. Mental health nurses are well positioned to prevent, detect and/or manage the development of this problematic constellation of symptoms. Guidelines for practice can be useful in prevention and management of the syndrome and enhance nursing care of clients who are taking second-generation antipsychotics.

Published 7 November 2006 in J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs, 13(6): 730-4.
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