Schizophrenia is a risk factor for which metabolic disturbance?

Schizophrenia is a risk factor for which metabolic disturbance?

• A. Hyperprolactinemia
• B. Aplastic Anemia
• C. Leukopenia
• D. Glucose Intolerance

Answer: (D)

Glucose intolerance is the metabolic disturbance most closely linked to schizophrenia, reflecting an increased risk of insulin resistance and progression toward type 2 diabetes in this population. This risk is amplified by antipsychotic medications, particularly some atypicals, which can promote weight gain, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose handling. While hyperprolactinemia can occur with antipsychotics and hematologic issues like aplastic anemia or leukopenia can arise, they are not the metabolic disturbance typically associated with schizophrenia. Thus glucose intolerance best fits the pattern of metabolic disturbance seen in this context.

Glucose intolerance is the metabolic disturbance most closely linked to schizophrenia, reflecting an increased risk of insulin resistance and progression toward type 2 diabetes in this population. This risk is amplified by antipsychotic medications, particularly some atypicals, which can promote weight gain, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose handling. While hyperprolactinemia can occur with antipsychotics and hematologic issues like aplastic anemia or leukopenia can arise, they are not the metabolic disturbance typically associated with schizophrenia. Thus glucose intolerance best fits the pattern of metabolic disturbance seen in this context.