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Published: 2026-05-25
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.52163/yhc.v67i5.5172
Issue
Vol. 67 No. 5
Section
Articles
How to Cite
Hiến, N. T., Hợp, N. T., Vân, N. T. Ái, Phi, N. V., & Anh, N. T. (2026). THE EFFECT OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS ON WEIGHT IN ELDERLY INPATIENTS AT NATIONAL GERIATRIC HOSPITAL. Vietnam Journal of Community Medicine, 67(5). https://doi.org/10.52163/yhc.v67i5.5172

THE EFFECT OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS ON WEIGHT IN ELDERLY INPATIENTS AT NATIONAL GERIATRIC HOSPITAL

Nguyen Trong Hien1, Nguyen Thi Hop1, Nguyen Thi Ai Van2, Nguyen Van Phi1,3, Nguyen Tuan Anh4
1 Department of Mental Health, China Geriatric Hospital.
2 Institute of Mental Health, Bach Mai Hospital.
3 Department of Psychiatry, Hanoi Medical University.
4 Intensive Care Department, Central Geriatric Hospita

Main Article Content

Abstract

Background: Psychotropic drugs, including antipsychotics and antidepressants, have been found to have a significant weight-gaining effect.


Objectives: To evaluate the impact of several psychotropic drugs on the weight of elderly patients with mental disorders inpatients at the Department of Mental Health, National Geriatric Hospital.


Method: A descriptive, prospective study was conducted, including 31 inpatients at the Department of Mental Health, National Geriatric Hospital from April 2019 to January 2020. Anthropometric measurements were taken at admission, after 1 week, after 2 weeks, after 3 weeks, and after 4 weeks.


Results: The most frequently used drugs included antidepressants such as mirtazapine (51.6%) and paroxetine (22.6%). Antipsychotic drugs such as sulpiride (38.7%), quetiapine (25.8%), olanzapine (22.6%), and risperidone (16.1%) were used. The majority of patients gained less than 7% of their body weight after treatment; no patients gained more than 7% of their body weight during treatment. After two weeks, the patients' weight increased significantly, with an average increase of 0.97 kg (SD=0.8; p=0.001). Follow-up after 2 weeks showed a significant reduction in the number and proportion of patients experiencing appetite problems.


Conclusion: Elderly patients using antipsychotic drugs showed significant improvement in appetite and weight gain.

Article Details

Keywords

elderly, psychotropic drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics, weight-gain.

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