A Longitudinal Comparison of Aripiprazole Vs. HigherMetabolic Risk Antipsychotic Drugs on Adiposity Using MRI

Antipsychotic medication is associated with metabolic abnormalities, including weight gain, an
imbalance between glucose and insulin actions, and higher than normal lipid content. In particular,
adolescent psychiatric patients are at increased risk for Type II Diabetes and cardiovascular disease
when undergoing therapeutic treatment. Current analysis indicates that antipsychotic drugs have
differing effects on body weight gain, fat content and metabolic profiles. Our aim is to conduct the
first-ever study to quantify changes in both whole-body fat, liver-fat accumulation, and metabolic
measurements after the administration of several different antipsychotic drugs in patients with firstepisode
psychosis or bipolar disorder. By utilizing sophisticated imaging techniques, such as magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), wc will gain insight into
antipsychotic drug-induced fat accumulation and distribution. The results of this study will provide
important information about the potential hidden harmful effects associated with several drugs and
identify optimal treatment strategies that may guide future clinical studies with patients.

Faculty Supervisor:

Alasdair Barr

Student:

Partner:

Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada;BC Mental Health and Addiction Services

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: