Understanding antipsychotic-induced weight gain and other metabolic issues

Second-generation antipsychotic medications are recommended as first-line treatments for people experiencing psychosis, but many of these drugs are closely associated with metabolic changes that significantly contribute towards poor physical health and increased mortality rates. Current evidence suggests that considerable variations exist among this group of drugs with respect to their independent effects on metabolism—some of these discrepancies probably relate to their differing effects on neurotransmitters. This article explores some of the more commonly accepted hypotheses for the reasons antipsychotics contribute towards metabolic disorders and discusses the potential implications for practice.