Cardiometabolic Disorders in Persons Living with Schizophrenia

doi:10.1017/9781009587747.016

Chapter 15 - Cardiometabolic Disorders in Persons Living with Schizophrenia

The Right to Equality

from Part I - Neuroscience

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 29 April 2026

Roger S. McIntyre ,

Liyang Yin and

Christine E. Dri

Edited by

Katherine Warburton and

Stephen M. Stahl

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Katherine Warburton: Affiliation:
California Department of State Hospitals, University of California, Davis, USA
Stephen M. Stahl: Affiliation:
University of California, Riverside, USA

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Summary

This chapter explores the historical evolution of the nomenclature of schizophrenia and the shift towards understanding it as a multi-systemic disease state with significant physical health implications. It highlights the elevated prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders in individuals with schizophrenia, including obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and liver diseases. These conditions not only contribute to overall illness burden and morbidity but also exacerbate the underlying brain disturbance in schizophrenia. The chapter emphasizes the need for integrated care that prioritizes both mental and physical health to address the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes faced by individuals with schizophrenia. It calls for frameworks of care and prevention, supported by adequate funding and access to high-quality care, to address the treatable and preventable cardiometabolic disorders that significantly impact the quality and duration of life for those living with schizophrenia.

Keywords

Schizophrenia Cardiometabolic disorders Obesity Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)Metabolic syndrome Metabolic liver disease Cardiovascular disease Premature mortality Health inequality Integrated care Social determinants of health Neuroinflammation Psychotropic medication effects Preventable comorbidities Parity in healthcare

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Ethical and Clinical Complexities in the Treatment of Schizophrenia
Liberty or Life
, pp. 123 - 128

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009587747.016 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2026

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