Metabolic side effects of new generation antipsychotics

With the introduction of atypical antipsychotics, a promising new erain the treatment of schizophrenia and psychotic disorders has begun.These drugs effect a broader range of schizophrenicpsychopathology by improving depressive symptomatology andcognitive functions. These drugs are also better tolerated andconsiderably improve the quality of life and treatment compliance ofthe patients. On the other hand, these new drugs are associated withother potentially important side effects. Three main entities amongthese side effects that may cause important complications inlong-term treatment are reviewed: diabetes mellitus, lipid profilealterations and weight gai