A retrospective study of weight changes and the contributing factors in short term adult psychiatric inpatients.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The authors endeavored to determine if there is significant weight gain during acute psychiatric inpatient hospitalization for adults and, if so, what are the contributing factors. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients admitted to the psychiatric inpatient unit of a University Hospital in the year 2001. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. RESULTS: Out of 535 charts reviewed, 96 patients met the inclusion criteria. The group on average gained 3.9 +/- 13.3 lbs. (P = 0.005; 95% CI = 1.2, 6.6). Lower admission body weight was associated with more weight gain. Patients with diagnoses of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia gained more compared to those diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Patients who were prescribed atypical antipsychotics gained more compared to those who were not prescribed such medications. Smokers gained more weight than nonsmokers, and males gained more than females. Weight at the time of the admission (inverse relationship) and Axis I diagnosis were the strongest predictors of weight gain. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that significant numbers of patients are at risk of gaining weight when they are admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit. Patients with lesser degrees of overweight at the time of admission, patients with diagnoses of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and those receiving atypical antipsychotics may be more vulnerable to such effects.