RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TREATMENT GUIDELINES FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA REGARDING MONITORING OF SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTIPSYCHOTICS: BRIEF REVIEW

The objective of this paper is to review therapeutic ways of management of antipsychotics side effects. In order to obtain this, modern guidelines were investigated, as well as recent articles on this subject. Guidelines recommend that side effects should be monitored regularly, and the side effect profile of the prescribed antipsychotic should be considered. In case of unacceptable side effects, changing to a different antipsychotic is recommended

PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS AND COMORBIDITY: SOMATIC ILLNESS VS. SIDE EFFECT

Background: Schizophrenia often co-occurs with chronic medical illnesses. Beside comorbid somatic illness, somatic symptoms appear as a result of side effects of antipsychotics during treatment of psychotic disorders, which may lead to certain diagnostic problems in deciding regarding the origin of such symptoms (somatic illness vs. side effects). The aim of this article is to review literature regarding comorbidity of psychotic disorders and somatic disorders and to point at possible diagnostic problems in differentiating comorbid somatic illness from side effects of antipsychotics. Content analysis of literature: Literature research included structured searches of Medline and other publications on the subject of comorbidity of psychotic disorders and somatic disorders and possible diagnostic problems in differentiating comorbid somatic illnesses from side effects of antipsychotics. Conclusion: Co-occurrence of schizophrenia and somatic illnesses is frequent. Genetic factors, sedentary life style, poor diet, risk behaviors and smoking are some important factors that contribute to such comorbidity. Side effects of antipsychotics may cause diagnostic problems in deciding regarding the origin of such symptoms (somatic illness vs. side effects) during treatment of psychotic disorders. Bearing in mind frequent comorbidity between of psychotic and somatic disorders, early recognition of such comorbidity is important, as well as the selection of antipsychotics. It is important to recognize psychotic symptoms in patients with somatic illnesses, as well as somatic illness in patients primarily treated because of psychotic disorder

METABOLIC SYNDROME IN PATIENTS WITH PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS: diagnostic issues, comorbidity and side effects of antipsychotics

Background: Metabolic syndrome and other cardiovascular risk factors are highly prevalent in people with schizophrenia. Metabolic syndrome can contribute to significant morbidity and premature mortality and should be accounted for in the treatment of mental disorders. Along with results of numerous investigations regarding metabolic syndrome, different issues have occurred. The aim of this article is to review literature regarding diagnostic and treatment of metabolic syndrome and point at some issues regarding diagnostic and treatment of metabolic syndrome in patients with psychotic disorders and in general population. Content analysis of literature: Literature research included structured searches of Medline and other publications on the subject of metabolic syndrome, particularly diagnostic and treatment of metabolic syndrome in patients with psychotic disorders and in general population. Conclusion: Despite numerous investigations of metabolic syndrome, many issues remain unclear, becoming objectives for future research. The experts disagree in their opinions on particular issues, such as clustering risk factors, importance of particular diagnostic procedures for the early detection and monitoring of metabolic syndrome and the role of antipsychotics in occurrence of metabolic syndrome. There is, however, unique attitude about importance of early detection and treatment of metabolic syndrome as well as necessity of further investigations

Alzheimer’s Dementia: Current Data Review

The review focuses on current data on Alzhemier’s dementia, a clinical syndrom characterised with acquired deterioration of cognitive functioning and emotional capacities, which impaires everyday activity and quality of life. Alzheimer’s dementia is the most common type of dementia in clinical surveys. The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia is primarily based on symptoms and signs and memory impairment is clinically most signifficant. Cholinesterase inhibitors – donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine are considered to be the first line pharmacotherapy for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Currently, no effective pharmacologic interventions have been researched enough to support their use in prevention of Alzheimer’s dementia. Studies suggest that healthy lifestyle, ongoing education, regular physical activity, and cholesterol control, play a role in prevention of Alzheimer’s dementia

DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS AND COMORBIDITY: SOMATIC ILLNESS VS. SIDE EFFECT

Background: The rate of comorbid depression and medical illness varies from 10 to 40%. Patients with depressive disorder compared to general population more often have cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, and some types of tumor. Side effects of mental health medications may appear in a form that is very similar to clinical presentation of somatic illness. Side effects that appear during treatment of depressive disorder, e. g. cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, movement disorders, etc., may provoke certain diagnostic issues regarding origin of such symptoms (somatic illness vs. side effect). The aim of this article is to review literature regarding comorbidity of depressive disorder and somatic illness and to point at possible diagnostic problems in diferentiating comorbid somatic illness and side effects of antidepressants. Content analysis of literature: Literature research included structured searches of Medline and other publications on the subject of comorbidity of depressive disorder and somatic disorders and possible diagnostic problems in differentiating comorbid somatic illnesses from side effects of antidepressants. Conclusion: Comorbidity between depressive disorder and various somatic disorders appears often. Investigations suggest that depressive disorder is underdiagnosed in such cases. Side effects of antidepressants are sometimes very hard to diferentiate from symptoms of somatic illness, which may lead to diagnostic issues. Bearing in mind frequent comorbidity between of depressive and somatic disorders, early recognition of such comorbidity is important, as well as the selection of antidepressant. It is improtant to recognize depressive disorder in patients with somatic illnesses, as well as somatic illness in patients primarily treated because of depressive disorder