Metabolic syndrome in chronic schizophrenia: Cross-sectional hospital assessment of prolonged risperidone exposure

Background: Long-term use of antipsychotics like risperidone raises metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk, with evidence from Chinese populations being limited. Objectives: This study compared MetS prevalence and metabolic profiles between chronic schizophrenia patients on long-term risperidone versus olanzapine. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 80 risperidone-treated patients were compared to 80 olanzapine-treated controls. MetS [IDF (The International Diabetes Federation) criteria], glucose/lipid metabolism and anthropometric measures were assessed. Statistical analyses included t-tests and ?² tests. Results: The prevalence of MetS was significantly lower in the risperidone group (30.0%) compared to the olanzapine group (48.8%, p = 0.015). Risperidone patients showed better glycemic control and lipid profiles (p < 0.05), though BMI (body mass index), waist circumference and blood pressure remained elevated compared to olanzapine patients. Conclusion: Long-term risperidone therapy is associated with a lower MetS risk than olanzapine. Regular metabolic monitoring and adjunctive interventions are recommended for high-risk patients.