Metabolic syndrome in bipolar disorder: findings from the Bipolar Disorder Center for Pennsylvanians

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with bipolar disorder is alarmingly high, as it is for the general population. The prevalence of obesity is even higher than the already very high prevalence that has been estimated for the US general population. Our findings are a reason for concern, considering the difficulty in implementing prevention and treatment programs in the bipolar population. We strongly support the development and testing of interventions specifically designed for preventing and treating the metabolic syndrome and its components in patients with bipolar disorder.