Metabolic Syndrome in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

In adults, metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as a constellation of at least 3 of 5 cardiometabolic risk factors: central obesity, hyperglycemia, elevated blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In pediatric populations, MetS remains a controversial topic due to lack of clear consensus regarding the definition, clinical utility, and lack of standardized guidelines. Despite these controversies, pediatric MetS is receiving increasing clinical and research attention due to the growing obesity epidemic and a substantial increase in the use of second-generation antipsychotics in recent years. Clinicians should be familiar with prevention, early identification, and management of obesity and metabolic derangements while working with youth with psychiatric disorders.