BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:After the introduction of the so-called "atypical antipsychotics" in the clinical experience hyperglycemia as well as increased triglyceride and cholesterol serum levels were reported in patients treated with some of these agents. In this article, the recently published population-based studies are reviewed. RESULTS:According to the available data, the risk to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus or hyperlipidemia in patients treated with clozapine and olanzapine is increased. The underlying pathomechanism still remains widely unclear. Since overweight is a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus, the weight-inducing effect of atypical antipsychotics may play an important role. CONCLUSION:Since metabolic disorders often lead to severe diseases, these side effects of antipsychotics should be paid more attention.