10/11
2012
Seminar

Uncovering the mechanisms underlying adverse endocrine side effects of 2nd generation antipsychotic medications: Diabetes and beyond

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
University of Southern Maine, Portland Campus, Wichamper- Room 133
Off Campus
Karen Houseknecht
Free and open to the public

Atypical (second generation) antipsychotic medications were developed for the treatment of the most severe mental illness, including schizophrenia.  In the last 5-10 years these drugs have been increasingly prescribed "off label" for the treatment of disorders as diverse as ADHD in children and dementia in the elderly.  Clinical data indicate that these drugs are associated with significant weight gain and increased incidence of diabetes, and  most recently, an increase in bone fractures as well.  My collaborative research project research focuses on elucidating the mechanism(s) underlying these endocrine and metabolic side effects with the goals of informing patient care and monitoring and identifying co-therapies to minimize side effects. This research seminar will highlight mechanistic data relating to insulin resistance, diabetes and new data elucidating adverse effects on bone biology.

Address

University of Southern Maine, Portland Campus, Wichamper- Room 133
United States