Metabolic screening in primary care for patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and taking antipsychotic medication.

INTRODUCTION Life expectancy in patients with schizophrenia is 15-20 years less than the general population. A dominant cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients is cardiovascular disease. Adverse consequences of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors can be reduced by regular monitoring of metabolic outcomes and intervention if required.