Metabolic Differences of Antipsychotics Among the Races

As the United States population continues to grow and diversify, physicians must be equipped to treat patients of different races and ethnicities. Current data suggest that certain ethnic minority groups may be predisposed to a variety of clinical conditions, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, as physicians begin to turn more frequently to atypical antipsychotics in psychiatric illness, they face a growing concern regarding the development of metabolic side effects, especially in a US population that is gradually becoming more obese from a demographic standpoint. In addition, certain ethnic groups may be more susceptible to these metabolic effects. The metabolic side effects induced by the atypical antipsychotics vary greatly, with the newer agents generally displaying fewer and less severe side effects, indicating that the particular agent chosen is of critical importance. A risk/benefit assessment, taking into consideration any genetic predisposition, preexisting risk factors, and the side-effect profile of the specific agent, is paramount to the successful management of these patients. The ultimate goal is careful consideration of possible metabolic side effects in patients taking atypical antipsychotics, in order to avoid serious consequences. CNS Spectr. 2005; 10(3 Suppl 2):13-20