Correlation Between the Different Types of Antipsychotics and Serum Cortisol, Dehidroepiandrosterone Sulfat and their Ratio in Schizophrenia

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p> <jats:bold>Background</jats:bold>: Evidence for disturbances in HPA activation and abnormal HPA regulatory mechanisms in schizophrenia is accumulating.</jats:p> <jats:p> <jats:bold>Aim</jats:bold>: To compare serum levels of cortisol, DHEA-S and their ratio between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls and among patients before and after treatment with different types of antipsychotics.</jats:p> <jats:p> <jats:bold>Material and methods</jats:bold>: In this clinical prospective study, 60 patients with schizophrenia and 40 healthy age and sex matched control subjects were included. All patients experienced an acute exacerbation of the illness (PANSS: P1 and P3 ≥ 4). Clinical evaluation of patients was performed using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale. A questionnaire for socio-demographic and clinical data collection was used. Serum levels of cortisol, DHEA-S and their ratio were measured at baseline in all participants and after 3 and 6 weeks, respectively, of the antipsychotic treatment with different types of antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia.</jats:p> <jats:p> <jats:bold>Results</jats:bold>: Patients with schizophrenia had significantly higher serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels in comparison to the control group. There was no significant difference in serum levels of cortisol, DHEA-S and their ratio between patients treated with different types of antipsychotics (typical/atypical). Serum levels of the analyzed hormones significantly reduce during the 6-week period of examination in both subgroups treated with different types of antipsychotics.</jats:p> <jats:p> <jats:bold>Conclusion</jats:bold>: Elevated serum cortisol and DHEA-S in schizophrenic patients might be associated with their role in the pathophysiology of the disorder. There is no significant difference in serum levels of cortisol, DHEA-S and their ratio among the patients treated with different types of antipsychotics.</jats:p>