Metabolic Syndrome and Psychiatric Illness: Interactions, Pathophysiology, Assessment and Treatment - Softcover

Mendelson, Scott D

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0123742404 ISBN 13: 9780123742407

Publisher: Academic Press, 2007

Synopsis

Metabolic syndrome is a set of risk factors that includes: abdominal obesity, a decreased ability to process glucose (insulin resistance), dyslipidemia (unhealthy lipid levels), and hypertension. Patients who have this syndrome have been shown to be at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and/or type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is a common condition that goes by many names (dysmetabolic syndrome, syndrome X, insulin resistance syndrome, obesity syndrome, and Reaven's syndrome).

This is the first book to fully explain the relationships between psychiatric illness, Metabolic Syndrome, diet, sleep, exercise, medications, and lifestyle choices. Metabolic Syndrome is a major risk factor in Major Depression, Alzheimer's Disease, Sleep Disorders, Sexual Dysfunction, Fibromyalgia, and several other illnesses of psychiatric significance. Conversely, some psychiatric illnesses tend to predispose patients to Metabolic Syndrome. Of further interest is the fact that some of the medications used in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses have been found to cause or exacerbate Metabolic Syndrome.

The author here provides basic information about what genetic predispositions, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices make Metabolic Syndrome more likely to occur. Among the contributing factors that are discussed are genetics, habitual intake of high glycemic index carbohydrates, fructose, saturated fats, trans fatty acids, vitamins, micronutrients, obesity, smoking, and lack of exercise.

The author describes the actual mechanisms by which Metabolic Syndrome progresses and causes damage in the body, including the action of insulin and the pathophysiology of insulin resistance. Details are provided on what occurs in the liver, pancreas, muscle, fat cells, and immune system as Metabolic Syndrome progresses. New findings are presented on fat cells, including the fact that they are beginning to be considered as endocrine cells. There is a substantive discussion of leptin, which is one of the important adipocytokines. Also carbohydrate, 'bad fats', inflammation, oxidative damage, over-stimulation of the 'fight or flight' system, and high levels of the stress hormone cortisol can actually cause the manifestations of Metabolic Syndrome. These explanations set the stage for an explanation of the inter-relationships between Metabolic Syndrome, psychiatric illness, dementia and effects of not only diet and life choices, but also the effects of psychiatric medications.

Finally, there is an important and unique section on the relationship between Metabolic Syndrome and various psychiatric illnesses, and how they exacerbate each other. The significance of Metabolic Syndrome in Major Depression, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Schizophrenia, fibromyalgia and Polycystic Ovary Disease is vast and it is important to realise the effects of psychiatric medications on Metabolic Syndrome. The author discusses antidepressants, mood stabilizers and the new atypical antipsychotics. There are dramatic differences among medications in the way they affect Metabolic Syndrome and pharmaceutical companies will want to promote patient awareness with this book.

• Provides an understanding of Metabolic Syndrome and how this syndrome is a major risk factor in depression, Alzheimer's Disease, Sleep Disorders, Sexual Dysfunction, and other illnesses of psychiatric significance
• Places specific emphasis on the connection of Metabolic Syndrome with Psychiatric illnesses, and how these conditions exacerbate each other
• Discusses the actual mechanisms by which Metabolic Syndrome progresses and causes damage to the body
• Explores the relationship between Major Depression, Heart Disease and Metabolic Syndrome
• Includes supplementary section which discusses and critiques many current dietary supplements that are thought to be helpful for Metabolic Syndrome
• Discusses the roles of diet, genetics and supplements in managing Metabolic Syndrome

About this title

Review

"Obesity and diabetes are a huge problem in our society along with depressive illness and anxiety disorders. Metabolic Syndrome and Psychiatric Illness provides a lucid explanation of the emerging story linking psychiatric illnesses to metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity. Mendelson shows a deep and scholarly knowledge of his topic, and an ability to explain science in a lucid and highly readable manner. He also offers excellent advice on how to deal with Metabolic Syndrome through behavioral as well as medical treatments." --Bruce McEwen, Ph.D, Alfred E. Mirsky Professor, Head of the Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York

"This book is magnificent. The Metabolic Syndrome, important throughout medicine, is notably relevant for psychiatry. Mendelson, a psychiatrist with a Ph.D. in neuroendocrine research, is ideally suited for the challenge of explicating the linkages. The book ranges broadly, from the fascinating story of how Jerry Reaven uncovered the syndrome, through the molecular underpinnings to clinical ramifications for depression and other psychiatric disorders. Mendelson’s writing is lucid, engaging and carries the reader forward like a fine novelist. A must read for physicians of all specialties." --Solomon H. Snyder, M.D., Distinguished Service Professor of Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Psychiatry, Director of the Department of Neuroscience,Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland

" This book is a very timely contribution to the field of psychiatry given the intense interest and controversy surrounding metabolic disorders as co-existing medical conditions with psychotic and mood disorders, as well as iatrogenic consequences of certain psychopharmacological treatments. It contains a wealth of research-based, practical, clinical information about the metabolic syndrome and its relevance to many psychiatric disorders and psychotropic agents. It is the most comprehensive and well-referenced guide about this topic I have read. Despite my familiarity with this area of research, I learned many important new facts from reading this well-written book. I recommend it as a unique resource not only for physicians but for all mental health professionals." --Henry A. Nasrallah, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology and Neuroscience Director of the Schizophrenia Research Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio

Edition details

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0123742404
• ISBN 13: 9780123742407
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224