Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Neuropsychiatry

Background: It is generally estimated that MetS is especially common in patients with severe mental illness, with a high prevalence ranging from 30% to 60% for schizophrenic and bipolar disorders, which predispose them to further medical complications up to premature death. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with major depressive disorder, schizophrenic patients, and healthy general persons, and to assess the relation between cortisol levels with presence of metabolic syndrome. Subjects and methods: The study was conducted at Kasr Al Aini Hospital and included 120 persons as follows: 40 patients with drug naïve major depression disorder (MDD), 40 patients with drug naïve schizophrenia, and 40 healthy subjects who served as a control group. Full history was taken including psychological assessment tests. Blood pressure and waist circumference were measured and BMI was calculated. Laboratory investigations were done including: FBG, serum TG, serum HDL, and a morning level of serum cortisol

Issued also as CD