Reviews of the association between psychotic disorder, the metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and antipsychotic drugs, conclude that there is a need for active, routine physical health screening of patients’ prescribed antipsychotic drugs.

To evaluate local practice of recognition of metabolic syndrome.

case notes review of 20 cases recently admitted to an in-patient psychiatric unit and comparison with national studies.

The results clearly show that routine screening for metabolic syndrome is not being carried out as recommended in national guidelines. Results were particularly poor at screening for and recording cholesterol and glucose measurements. Blood pressure is routinely checked for patients rather than as a specific screening for metabolic syndrome which explains whilst why a greater number of patients had BP checks. Cholesterol was again more likely to be checked in older patients as a risk stratification for cardiovascular disease as opposed to Metabolic syndrome.

Routine BP, glucose, a measure of obesity and cholesterol to be taken at baseline for all inpatients, especially if antipsychotic medication is likely to be started. In-patient teams to liaise with patients GP on discharge to ensure routine monitoring in the community for all patients on antipsychotic medication.