Sammanfattning
A 42-year-old man was found unconscious in his prison cell. Investigations revealed non-recognized diabetes mellitus, possibly secondary to use of prescribed antipsychotic drugs. Second generation antipsychotics are associated with metabolic changes such as weight gain, hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia. Severe side effects may also occur; e.g. diabetic ketoacidosis in people without acknowledged diabetes (as presented in this case report).
Providing adequate healthcare to people with psychotic disorders may be a demanding task. When these patients develop somatic conditions, a multidisciplinary approach is required. Personnel from many specialities may become involved, and they are not all familiar with drugs commonly used to treat psychiatric disorders or how to deal with their side effects.
Several guidelines addressing these problems have been issued during the last years. Norwegian guidelines should aid clinicians in decision-making when confronted with these dilemmas.