Although metabolic abnormalities have been found to be common in schizophrenia, research shows low treatment
rates for these conditions. Nasrallah et al.’s (2006) findings revealed that the rates of non-treatment ranged from
30.2% for diabetes, 62.4% for hypertension and 88% for dyslipidaemia. These findings also suggest the need for
routine health monitoring for schizophrenia, particularly as some physical conditions may be an adverse effect of
medication. MHN baseline assessment should include personal or family history of metabolic abnormalities, as well
as the documentation of weight, height and BMI (Usher et al. 2006).