Psychiatric patients have high rates of cardiovascular disease compared with the general population, but little is known about the prevalence of metabolic syndrome that predisposes them to this condition.

Assess the presence of metabolic syndrome in psychiatric patients on an outpatient basis and compare their rates with those for the general population.

A sample of 80 patients followed for six months in a mental health center of San Sebastian were interviewed and assessed, diagnose metabolic syndrome according to the criteria of the ATP-III guide. The results were compared with those of a representative sample of the general population of that health care settings.

The mean age of patients was 52 years, with 57% of women. The prevalence of current smoking was 36.4% (general population = 32%) of obesity of 41.4% (PG = 16.6%), hypertension 30.8% (PG = 15.3%), diabetes mellitus 12.4% (PG = 6.8%), and dyslipidemia of 30.4% (PG = 11.1%). 41.4% of patients in the study met diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome, while this figure was 24% in the general population and took place at a later age. 60% of patients with metabolic abnormality was not receiving adequate treatment.

The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in psychiatric outpatients is very high and requires the application of treatment protocols to improve their physical health.