Fit Happens: Longitudinal Impact of an Intensive Metabolic Monitoring Program in a First-Episode Psychosis Clinic
Poster A1, Monday, October%208, 11:30%20am%20-%201:00%20pm, Essex%20Ballroom
Michael Francis1,2, Mohammed Ali2, Kristen Ratliff1, Linda Boxdorfer1, Andrew Visco2, Jennifer Vohs2, Bethany Leonhardt1,2, Ashley Overley1, Megan Gaunnac2, Nikki Mehdiyoun2, Emily Liffick1, Alan Breier1,2; 1Prevention and Recovery Center for Early Psychosis, Eskenazi Health-Midtown Community Mental Health Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, 2Indiana University Psychotic Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, IU School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Background: One of the largest drivers of poor health outcomes in those with schizophrenia is metabolic syndrome, which includes phenomena such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. Due to factors such as sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and medication side effects, individuals with schizophrenia are at high risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Methods: The study took place at the Prevention and Recovery Center (PARC) for early psychosis, the state of Indiana’s first and only center dedicated to treating individuals with first-episode psychosis (FEP). Between 12/19/2014 and 08/31/2017, 171 individuals with FEP were enrolled in Fit Happens, a longitudinal metabolic monitoring and treatment program. Patients underwent baseline metabolic screening including weight, waist circumference, lipid panel, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), and blood pressure. From that point on, patients participated in metabolic monitoring and treatment according to the Fit Happens protocol. Results: Patients enrolled in Fit Happens demonstrated longitudinal stability in some metabolic parameters, including blood pressure and hemoglobin A1c. However, there was a progressive increase in weight, body mass index, and waist circumference. Conclusion: Results indicate that the Fit Happens program may be effective for addressing some metabolic issues associated with the early phase of psychosis, though not all. Additional research is needed to study effective interventions for metabolic dysfunction in FEP populations. An overview of the Fit Happens program will be offered and observations for future directions discussed.
Topic Area: Comorbid Conditions