Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a combination of medical problems that can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes in some people. People with MS can have some or all of the following:
* High blood glucose
* High blood pressure
* Abdominal obesity
* Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
* High levels of triglycerides
Some studies have shown that people with certain disorders have a greater risk for developing MS. This may be because of a combination of factors, including but not limited to the type of medications used, age, and whether or not someone smokes. This study will also aim to learn more about a naturally-occurring stress hormone called cortisol that is made in the body.
In order to measure these factors, the following things will occur:
* administer a number of questionnaires
* gather information from medical history
* gather information about current psychiatric mood
* draw blood and collect a urine sample
To study the amount of cortisol in the body, a dexamethasone suppression test (DST) will be given. This test involves taking a single 1mg pill of dexamethasone, a steroid, and numerous blood draws. Like any drug, it has some risks, however it is unlikely any side effects will occur because of the low dose administered.
