The term "atypical antipsychotic" refers to newer antipsychotics that confer less risk of extrapyramidal side effects than traditional antipsychotics. Although newer atypical antipsychotics are associated with fewer neurologic side effects, they had a higher risk of metabolic side effects such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and weight gain. This effect is independent from the development of diabetes; the exact mechanism by which atypical agents might cause diabetes is unknown. Few drugs such as aripiprazole, sertindole, amisulpride and ziprasidone were found to have promising effect in lowering metabolic syndrome.