Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder that has been increasingly associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic diseases, a relationship that may compromise treatment outcomes and quality of life. Understanding this association is essential for improving clinical management and preventive strategies. This study aims to identify the main factors that link schizophrenia and metabolic conditions, as well as to discuss how metabolic alterations may influence the course and treatment of the disorder. To this end, a integrative review was conducted, analyzing national and international scientific publications published between 2017 and 2023. The search was performed in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases, and included one article from The Research, Society and Development Journal. The results indicate that the most relevant factors correlating schizophrenia and metabolic diseases include the prolonged use of antipsychotics, endocrine and/or immunological disorders, genetic predisposition, and unhealthy lifestyle habits common among individuals with schizophrenia. It is observed that the relationship between these conditions is bidirectional: schizophrenia can increase the risk of developing metabolic alterations, and, conversely, the presence of such alterations can worsen symptoms and complicate treatment. This interaction has important clinical implications, reinforcing the need for integrated care approaches that address both mental health and metabolic health in this population.
Souza et al. (Tue,) studied this question.