Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Association With Clinical Correlates and Caregiver Burden in Patients With Bipolar Disorder at a Tertiary Hospital.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities, including obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is recognized to be high among patients with bipolar disorder. This study is relevant given the limited number of Indian studies exploring the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its association with clinical correlates in bipolar patients. This research aims to inform clinicians about the need for timely interventions in diagnosing and managing metabolic syndrome in this population, which may contribute to significant morbidity and poor clinical outcomes.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the inpatient and outpatient units of the psychiatry department involving 83 subjects diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Informed consent was obtained, and sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)-Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria were used to diagnose metabolic syndrome. The Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) were applied to assess the severity of manic and depressive episodes, respectively. The Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) was used to assess suicidal risk, and the Burden Assessment Schedule (BAS) was utilized to evaluate caregiver burden. Statistical significance was tested using the independent-sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables, along with the chi-square test for categorical variables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Metabolic syndrome was noted in 49 (59%) patients with bipolar disorder. Subjects with metabolic syndrome exhibited more severe manic episodes, had a higher number of lifetime episodes, were more likely to have a history of suicide attempts, and showed increased suicidal risk. Patients on polypharmacy were at higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Caregivers of patients with metabolic syndrome reported greater caregiver burden compared to those without the condition.

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with bipolar disorder. Metabolic syndrome is associated with adverse prognostic factors, including a higher number of lifetime episodes, greater severity of manic episodes, and increased suicidality. This underscores the necessity for routine monitoring of blood and anthropometric parameters.