Antipsychotic Induced Weight Gain and Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)

About The Course

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Learn how antipsychotic weight gain links to metabolic syndrome (MetS), including the mechanisms behind weight gain on antipsychotics. Explore the risk of metabolic dysfunction for different antipsychotics, and develop strategies for the management of antipsychotic-associated weight gain from a pharmacological and non-pharmacological perspective. The course also examines the relationship between obesity, MetS and Type 2 diabetes, along with diagnostic criteria and algorithms for monitoring these conditions.

Who Is This Course For?
This course is suitable for:

• Psychiatrists
• General Practitioners (GPs)
• Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (MHNPs)
• Psychologists
• Mental health professionals
• Clinicians working in or expanding into psychiatry and mental health care

Accreditation Information:

• Psychiatry Accreditation: This course is available for self-accreditation with the RANZCP and other relevant psychiatric and mental health organisations.
• GP Accreditation: The course is RACGP accredited for general practitioners.

What You'll Learn

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• Consider the role antipsychotics play in the development of metabolic syndrome
• Determine the mechanisms of antipsychotic-associated weight gain
• Explore the complexities of antipsychotics according to their risk of metabolic dysfunction
• Develop strategies for the management of antipsychotic-associated weight gain from a pharmacological and non-pharmacological perspective.
• Discuss the role antipsychotics play in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
• Discuss treatment options in Type 2 DM relevant to psychiatrists.

Course Programme

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6 Units | 17 Modules | 2.5 hours total length

Unit 1. Understanding Antipsychotic Induced Weight Gain and Diabetes, and Diagnosing Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)

• Relationship between obesity, MetS and Type 2 diabetes
• Understanding Antipsychotic Induced Weight Gain
• Weight gain propensity and BMI change diagram
• Understanding Antipsychotic Induced Diabetes
• Highway of Metabolic Dysfunction
• Criteria for MetS diagnosis

Unit 2. Mechanisms of Antipsychotic Induced Weight Gain, Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and Diabetes

• Neurochemical Factors
• Neurotransmitter receptors
• Neurotransmitter systems and metabolic dysfunction
• Psychosocial Factors

Unit 3. Diagnosing Metabolic Syndrome (MetS): Application Through a Case Study

• Application Through a Case Study

Unit 4. Managing Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)

• Overview of Management Strategies
• General algorithm for cardiometabolic monitoring
• Algorithm for managing antipsychotic induced weight gain
• Switching strategy
• Adjunctive behavioral treatments
• Pharmacological Agents: Augmentation Strategies
• Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

Unit 5. Managing Metabolic Syndrome (MetS): Application Through a Case Study

• Application Through a Case Study

Unit 6. Knowledge Check

• Knowledge Check

Course Description

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A Practical Guide to Antipsychotic Weight Gain and Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)

Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are critical public health problems that can result in cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Obesity and MetS are more prevalent in people with a mental illness, especially patients taking antipsychotic medications.

Many of the available antipsychotic drugs are associated with significant weight gain, often early in treatment. As a consequence, individuals with psychotic disorders have high rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Weight gain and metabolic dysfunction due to antipsychotic medication are associated with significant physical and psychological morbidity.

This comprehensive course delves into antipsychotic weight gain and Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), their effective diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Throughout this program, healthcare professionals will gain a profound understanding of how antipsychotics contribute to metabolic syndrome as defined by the ICD-10 classification.

Participants will explore the underlying mechanisms that answer the question: why do antipsychotics cause weight gain? We consider the relationship between obesity, MetS and Type 2 diabetes, and how antipsychotics can induce the development of these conditions. The course also sheds light on weight gain on antipsychotics by offering a detailed analysis of the pharmacological aspects of common antipsychotics.

In the succeeding modules we discuss the highway of metabolic dysfunction, the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome, and the mechanisms of metabolic syndrome with antipsychotics. Participants will learn how to evaluate antipsychotic medications according to their risk of metabolic dysfunction. This knowledge is vital for clinicians to make informed decisions regarding medication management.

An essential part of the curriculum involves developing effective strategies for managing antipsychotic weight gain. These strategies involve both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches such as antipsychotic switching strategies, dietary changes, and augmentation strategies. 

Additionally, the course addresses the critical role of antipsychotics in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which prescribers must consider in the long-term management of patients on antipsychotics. This discussion extends to treatment options in Type 2 Diabetes and GLP-1R analogues, enabling prescribers to integrate diabetes management into their psychiatric care plans effectively.

This course is an invaluable resource for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their understanding and management of antipsychotic-induced weight gain and Metabolic Syndrome, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes in mental health care.

While our Academy members enjoy exclusive access to a range of courses and webinars (including this course) with their annual membership, we’re pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase this course individually!

Please click on the respective links to take advantage of this offer.

For Psychiatrists: Antipsychotic Induced Weight Gain and Metabolic Syndrome for Psychiatrists

For General Practitioners: Antipsychotic Induced Weight Gain and Metabolic Syndrome for General Practitioners (GPs)

Learn how antipsychotic-induced weight gain links to metabolic syndrome (MetS) and manage MetS through pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies.