Parameswaran S., Chang C., Mangurian C.

Abstract 

Premature mortality for people with serious mental illness (SMI) is impacted by under-treatment of cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic effects of antipsychotic medications (Daumit et al., 2008; Nasrallah et al., 2006). National guidelines recommend screening and monitoring for metabolic risk factors in patients receiving antipsychotic medications (Association et al., 2004; Parks et al., 2008). However, prior studies demonstrate rates of screening between 10–43% (Buckley et al., 2005; Morrato et al., 2010; Newcomer et al., 2004).

Our study fielded a survey (available upon request) aimed to understand psychiatrists’ beliefs about their roles in, and the barriers to, the screening, monitoring and treatment of metabolic risk factors in patients receiving antipsychotic medications, and the characteristics of psychiatrists or their practices influencing differing attitudes. Items characterizing psychiatrists and their practices were adapted from prior national surveys (Arbuckle et al., 2008; Kreyenbuhl et al., 2007; Olfson et al., 2006). Questions were developed based on previously hypothesized roles and barriers (Buckley et al., 2005; Morrato et al., 2010; Newcomer et al., 2004) and discussions with expert researchers. Five-point Likert scales were used to assess agreement with statements about psychiatrists’ roles in the screening and treatment of metabolic risk factors, and whether 26 barriers were significant in their practices.

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