The Frequency of Metabolic Syndrome among Female Patients Admitted in Psychiatry Ward

IntroductionIn recent years the metabolic syndrome has been highly common among psychiatric patients. Since many factors including genetic factors contribute to the prevalence of this syndrome, it seems necessary to look for metabolic syndrome among Iranian psychiatric patients. Materials and MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed on 130 female patients admitted to psychiatric ward of Mashhad 22 Bahman hospital since March 2009 until December 2009 to find whether they had metabolic syndrome. Questionnaires were completed for patients. Pregnant women and those who had had a delivery during the last 6 months were excluded. Data were analyzed through statistical tests such as t-test and chi square and SPSS software version 17. P-value less than 0.05 was regarded as meaningful result.ResultsIn this study the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was, according to criteria of NCEP (ATP III), 39.8%, which is deemed as significantly more than expectable range for healthy Iranian population. Older age, higher waist circumference, BMI and weight, persistence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, low educational level and marriage status were proven to be associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome.(p-value<0.05) There were no meaningful relation between metabolic syndrome, duration of administration and type of drugs, and mental disorder. (p-value>0.05)ConclusionIn the present study, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was examined. And it was proved that the rate of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is more than what is typically found in similar studies among Iranian psychiatric population. no relationship was detected between metabolic syndrome and any specific drug, however, more extensive studies are suggested.