Criteria for referral:
1) Children < 8 years old being considered for or taking second generation antipsychotics (SGAs).
SGA medications commonly used are: Risperidone (Risperdal), Quetiapine (Seroquel), Olanzapine (Zyprexa), Ziprasidone (Zeldox), Aripiprazole (Abilify), and Clozapine (Clozaril)
2) Children/youth 9 – 18 years of age being considered for SGAs who have inherent risk factors for developing metabolic complications.
Inherent risk factors include: ethnicity (Hispanic, African, Asian, or Aboriginal), family history of diabetes, or exposure to diabetes while in the uterus, family history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, early heart attacks/strokes.
3) Children/youth 9 – 18 years of age treated with SGAs who develop metabolic complications (excluding type 1 diabetes).
4) Children/youth up to 18 years of age with primary metabolic complications who develop mental health concerns (excluding type 1 diabetes)
Physician Referral Process:
1) Complete a referral form. All referrals to the Provincial Mental Health Metabolic Program must be made in writing by a physician. You can download a referral form or request one by calling 604-875-2010. Completed referral forms should be faxed to 604-875-2099.2) Complete the metabolic assessment, screening & monitoring tool available here.
For more information and handouts for health-care professionals on monitoring for the metabolic effects of atypical antipsychotic medication, see the BCCH Endocrinology & Diabetes Unit's page on Atypical Antipsychotics.