Clinically significant weight gain has been linked with almost all antipsychotic medications, according to a recent study from the Pharmacy Department of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services and the School of Pharmacy in University College Cork, which found significant gaps between current guidelines and practices and the needs of those taking antipsychotics.

The study, Informing the development of antipsychotic-induced weight gain management guidance: patient experiences and preferences - a qualitative descriptive study, explores how patients with experiences of antipsychotic-induced weight gain perceive and manage this challenging side-effect.

Clinically significant weight gain has been linked to almost all antipsychotic medications, prescribing of which extends to many mental health difficulties beyond psychosis, and is usually seen within weeks of starting treatment. 

A diverse range of people (n = 17) with experiences of mild to severe antipsychotic-induced weight gain and mental health difficulties including schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and major depressive disorder were interviewed regarding:

• Their experiences of managing antipsychotic-induced weight gain
• The acceptability, feasibility, and transferability of current management algorithms and the interventions contained within (both pharmacological and non-pharmacological)
• How patient-centred management practices can be realised within Irish healthcare settings.

The study recommends that current guidelines are expanded to include preventive measures and early interventions tailored to individual patient needs and risks.

The study recommendations also put forward ways in which the four tenets of patient-centred management (proactive, individualised, holistic and collaborative approaches) can be enacted both within guidelines and psychiatric services.

The study was published in the journal BJPsych Open.