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Abstract

Background. Second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are used widely for the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Despite the efficacy of these compounds, they have been associated with a number of adverse events such as weight gain and type II diabetes. Methods. In this study we have performed an interim analysis of a four-month long clinical trial to evaluate the effects of SGA drugs on weight gain in patients with first episode psychosis. A completer’s analysis was performed approximately mid-way through the trial. Anthropometric measures were collected at baseline and again at four months. Physical activity and eating patterns were measured through the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) and three factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ). Secondary outcomes that were investigated include the effects on psychopathology using the positive and negative syndromes scale (PANSS) and the Calgary depression scale (CDS), effects on global functioning through the social and occupational functioning scale (SOFAS), quality of life as assessed by the short-form 36 (SF-36). Adherence to medication was assessed through the medication adherence rating scale (MARS). A simple t-test (p=