Bone mineral density in schizophrenia patients on antipsychotics

Objective: We aimed to study the bone mineral density in schizophrenia patients, who have been treated with antipsychotic medications. Method: The study population consisted of 30 schizophrenic female patients who have been taking antipsychotic drugs at least for one year or longer and 40 healthy individuals. The patients were diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM-IV criteria. Psychopathological status and severity of disease in each patient were evaluated with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scales. All subjects completed a questionnaire for demographical characteristics and underwent routine laboratory tests to determinate alkaline phosphatase, parathormon, and prolactine levels. Bone mineral density was measured using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) at two different regions, lumbal spine and femoral neck. Results: There were no significant differences between patients and controls in respect to age, height, weight, and smoking habits (p >0.05). Prolactine levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls (p <0.001). Bone mineral densities were lower in both regions in patients group than in controls (p <0.001). Conclusion: Schizophrenia usually occurs in young adults and requires constant medication treatment throughout life and antipsychotic drugs may contribute to reduction in bone mineral density. It is known that osteoporosis can cause significant complications such as severe pain, vertebral deformities, fractures, or even death. The patients with schizophrenia should be assessed for osteoporosis and fracture risks, and should be treated if needed.