Addressing olanzapine-induced diabetic ketoacidosis in a major depressive disorder case

Abstract

This case study highlights a critical incidence of olanzapine-induced diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a 36-year-old female patient treated for major depressive disorder with psychotic features. The patient developed severe DKA after the initiation of olanzapine, despite initially normal metabolic parameters and a low starting dose. This report underscores the acute metabolic derangement facilitated by olanza- pine, necessitating a comprehensive and urgent medical approach. The clinical intervention involved discontinuing olanzapine and initiating a multidisciplinary treatment strategy, which included medical management of DKA and psychiatric adjustments using alternatives with a lower metabolic risk. This case emphasizes the necessity for regular metabolic monitoring and the potential need for tailored psychiatric medication strategies to prevent severe side effects, highlighting the unpredictability of antipsychotic- induced metabolic disturbances and advocating for a holistic, patient-centered approach in psychiatric care.