Antipsychotic‐induced hyperprolactinaemia in patients with schizophrenia: considerations in relation to bone mineral density

Accessible summary Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the world's population and such patients are at risk of a variety of physical health conditions, including diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertensions and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis secondary to antipsychotic medication‐induced hyperprolactinaemia (i.e. raised prolactin levels) has received little attention, when compared with metabolic syndrome for instance. A recent study established that schizophrenia and prolactin‐raising antipsychotic medication are directly associated with hip fractures. This is important and concerning as osteoporotic fractures are associated with much morbidity and mortality. This paper reviews the literature on antipsychotic‐induced hyperprolactinaemia and its subsequent effects on bone mineral density. Abstract Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the world's population. Those with schizophrenia are at elevated risk of a variety of physical health conditions, including diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis secondary to antipsychotic‐induced hyperprolactinaemia (i.e. raised prolactin levels) has received little attention, when compared with reports on metabolic syndrome for instance. A recent study established that schizophrenia and prolactin‐raising antipsychotic medication is directly associated with hip fractures. This is important and concerning as osteoporotic fractures are associated with much morbidity and mortality. This paper reviews the literature on antipsychotic‐induced hyperprolactinaemia and its subsequent effects on bone mineral density.