The influence of application of neuroleptics orally or parenterally on body mass index in patients with schizophrenia

Introduction: In the treatment of schizophrenia, neuroleptics play a significant role. Their use in a long period of time can lead to obesity. Aim: The objective was to compare the body mass index (BMI) in two groups of schizophrenic patients; a group treated with depot preparations neuroleptics and a group on oral neuroleptics. Patients and Methods: The study included 64 patients 18 to 65 years of age, who were divided into two groups: a group of patients treated with depot neuroleptics (fluphenazine, haloperidol, risperidone), and the control group, patients on depot neuroleptics, as per os therapy (fluphenazine, haloperidol, risperidone,). The following was analyzed: medical history, socio-demographic data, blood pressure, body weight, body height, BMI. Results: The average age of the respondents was 44.19 ± 7.785 (experimental group: 43.31 ± 6.879 and 45.06 ± control 8617). T-test for independent samples were compared to the results of body weight (kg), body height (cm), the experimental and control groups, and it was observed that there were no statistically significant disparities. There were no statistically significant differences of BMI between the groups Hi = 0000, p<0.05. Conclusion: On the basis of the research it can be concluded that there is no statistically significant difference in BMI in patients suffering from schizophrenia, regardless of whether they are treated with depot neuroleptics or per os neuroleptic therapy.