Moon Township, PA, (November 13, 2009) – Research conducted by faculty members and a recent graduate of the Heritage Valley Family Medicine Residency program was recently published in the September 2009 issue of Postgraduate Medicine, a peer review journal for physicians. The research examines the association between second-generation antipsychotic medications (SGAs) and metabolic syndrome and the implications for primary care. Authors of the article were faculty members Paul F. Bell, PhD (primary investigator) and James P. McKenna, MD (secondary investigator), as well as program graduate Brandon M. Roscoe, MD (secondary investigator). The article offers guidelines for patient monitoring and providing interventions to promote healthy diet and exercise.

The prevalence of mood disorders and availability of medication options has led to the increased treatment of bipolar disorders in the primary care setting. SGAs are used for treating bipolar disorders because of their efficacy and perceived safety relative to first-generation antipsychotic medications. Metabolic syndrome may emerge in patients when treating bipolar disorders with SGAs. Metabolic syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur together and promote the development of coronary artery disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Risk factors include high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance.

The authors conducted a search of the research literature examining the association between different SGAs and metabolic syndrome. The entire report is available at www.postgradmed.com.