Management of constipation in patients with schizophrenia—a case study and review of literature

Abstract Background Schizophrenia is a disorder that affects about 1% of the US population, with an extensive impact on patients’ health and their risk later developing comorbidities from treatment. While literature side effect profile antipsychotics abundant, there are few studies identification anticholinergic effects gut motility prophylaxis development. The aim this review to consider antipsychotic-associated constipation in patients schizophrenia discuss management antipsychotic-induced as documented literature. Main body We present case conducted assessing prevalence issue population. search was done Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PubMed databases. Key word searches included concurrent antipsychotic use, effects, factors causing schizophrenia, social disparities involved constipation, colorectal cancer screenings. findings high complication rates may be explained by clozapine-specific negative habits, disease, treatment-related metabolic disorders. Co-existing symptoms could also associated outcomes found have adverse consequences progression. Comorbidities diabetes cardiovascular complications contributed hypomotility. Caregiver burden factor delayed recognition effect. Routine surveillance for optimization medications facilitates early constipation. Conclusion Overall, insufficient trial-based evidence compare effectiveness safety common pharmacological interventions such lactulose, polyethylene glycol, stool softeners, lubricant laxatives.