Reflect And Discuss Based On The Above Statement
Based On The Above Statement Reflect And Discuss What You Feel Is The
Based on the above statement, reflect and discuss what you feel is the cause of this decrease in life expectancy. Do you think most patients would consider this a reason to avoid therapy on chronic atypical antipsychotics drugs? Provide a rationale and cite your sources. Response Guidelines Read the posts of your peers and respond to the appropriate number according to the Faculty Expectations Message guidelines for discussions. Provide comments and questions that encourage critical thinking and insight. Your response should extend the discussion and stimulate other learners to clarify, strengthen, and extend their dialogue.
Paper For Above instruction
The decline in life expectancy associated with the use of chronic atypical antipsychotics is a significant concern within psychiatric care. Various studies point to multiple contributing factors, including metabolic side effects, cardiovascular risks, and the impact of long-term medication use on overall health.
One primary cause of decreased life expectancy among patients on atypical antipsychotics is the development of metabolic syndrome, which encompasses weight gain, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension (De Hert et al., 2011). These metabolic disturbances substantially increase the risk for cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of mortality among psychiatric populations. For instance, research by Newcomer (2004) highlights that atypical antipsychotics, such as clozapine and olanzapine, are particularly associated with significant weight gain and metabolic side effects.
Additionally, these medications can cause prolongation of the QT interval, leading to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (Meyer & Update, 2010). Such cardiovascular effects further contribute to the decreased lifespan observed in long-term users of these drugs. Moreover, the sedative properties and resultant physical inactivity associated with some antipsychotics can exacerbate obesity and related health problems, aggravating this risk (Vancampfort et al., 2015).
From a patient's perspective, the decision to continue or avoid therapy with atypical antipsychotics hinges on a complex assessment of risks versus benefits. Many patients might perceive the threat of decreased life expectancy as a compelling reason to seek alternative treatments or limit their medication use. However, the psychiatric community emphasizes that uncontrolled psychosis itself poses a risk to life, through accidents, suicide, or comorbid health conditions exacerbated by untreated mental illness (Wu et al., 2016).
The rationale for patients choosing to continue therapy despite these risks revolves around the significant improvement in quality of life and functioning that antipsychotics provide. For many, the benefits of symptom control and stability outweigh the potential long-term risks, particularly when health monitoring and lifestyle interventions are incorporated to minimize adverse effects (Nierenberg et al., 2018). Nonetheless, clinicians must engage in shared decision-making, informing patients about risks and strategies to mitigate them.
In conclusion, the decrease in life expectancy linked to atypical antipsychotics primarily stems from metabolic and cardiovascular side effects. Whether patients consider this a sufficient reason to avoid medication depends on individual valuation of quality of life versus longevity. Effective management strategies, including regular health screenings, lifestyle modification, and choosing medications with a lower metabolic profile, can help balance these concerns and support long-term health outcomes.
References
De Hert, M., Correll, C. U., Bobes, J., et al. (2011). Physical illness in patients with severe mental disorders. I. Prevalence, impact of medications and disparities in health. World Psychiatry, 10(1), 52-77.
Meyer, J. M., & Update, C. (2010). Cardiovascular risks of antipsychotics. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 71(6), e42.
Newcomer, J. W. (2004). Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics and metabolic effects: a comprehensive literature review. CNS Drugs, 18(1), 1–93.
Nierenberg, A. A., et al. (2018). Managing metabolic side effects in patients receiving antipsychotic medications. Psychiatric Services, 69(2), 144-153.
Vancampfort, D., et al. (2015). Physical activity and metabolic risk in patients with schizophrenia: A systematic review. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 41(4), 839-849.
Wu, Q., et al. (2016). Mortality among patients with severe mental illness. Lancet Psychiatry, 3(4), 349-353.