What are atypical antipsychotics?
Atypical antipsychotic medications are sometimes used to treat mood disorders and are often used in combination with other medications; most commonly mood stabilizers and anti-depressants. Atypical antipsychotic medications include zyprexa, risperdal, abilify, geodon, seroquel, and clorazil.
Back to Top ^
Will my child gain weight from these medications?
Certain medications, while providing needed clinical improvement, may increase the risk of weight gain or other metabolic changes. In order to avoid or minimize this, you and your child will need to work closely with a trained dietitian. Simple but significant changes in diet can prevent the weight gain, and in many cases can encourage patient adherence to a treatment plan. Patient adherence increases mood stabilization and reduces the risk of hospitalization.
Back to Top ^
Why does my child need to see a dietitian? Can we see any dietitian?
It is essential that you and your child meet with a dietitian to limit the risk of weight gain, metabolic syndrome, dsylipidemia, hypertension, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and early death. Few dietitians are familiar with appropriate protocol for managing antipsychotic medications. Columbia Associates has worked closely with MinDshape to develop and implement the most sophisticated protocols. Meeting with one of MinDshape's registered dietitians at the start of treatment gives all patients the tools to take charge, to prevent weight gain, and to avoid the feeling of helplessness when having to choose between feeling good emotionally and being healthy physically.
Back to Top ^
What lab work should my child be getting and how often?
CBC, CMP, Lipid Profile, Hgb Alc, and TSH will be done initially and then at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and yearly as a routine. If your child is at high risk or has abnormal values, more frequent monitoring may be indicated. These are FASTING blood tests, so they need to be done first thing in the morning after taking in no calories for at least 8 hours. Blood may be drawn at an outpatient laboratory of your choice or at your primary doctor's office if you prefer. The results will be sent directly to us by the lab. The doctor of the dietitian will go over the results of the lab work at your next visit.
Back to Top ^
What will happen when we meet with the dietitian?
You should be prepared to provide the dietitian with a detailed family and personal history including that of diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, or cardiovascular illness. During your appointment the dietitian will go over the risk factors and develop a personalized nutrition plan designed to prevent or minimize side effects.
Back to Top ^
How can I schedule an appointment to meet with the dietitian?
Scheduling an appointment with a MinDshape dietitian is easy. You can set up an appointment with the front desk staff by calling 703-841-1293 at your earliest convenience It is important not to delay this visit so that we can go over with you the important preventive dietary measure you can take.
Back to Top ^
