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Quantification of the Immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on Dried Blood Spots Using LC-MS/MS
Published on: November 8, 2015
Corticosteroids, immune suppression, and psychosis
Dana C Perantie1, E Sherwood Brown
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9070, USA. sherwood.brown@utsouthwestern.edu
Abstract:
The role of the immune system in psychiatric symptoms has been an area of much interest for many years. This review discusses medications and medical illnesses associated with immune system dysfunction, and their relationship to psychiatric symptoms, particularly psychosis. Medical illnesses including HIV infection, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and Cushing's disease are all associated with psychiatric symptoms. In addition, high dosages of prescription corticosteroids (eg, prednisone and dexamethasone) are associated with mood changes, cognitive deficits, and even psychosis. However, the role of the immune system in mediating the psychiatric disturbances with each of these conditions is not clear. Directions for further research and treatment considerations are discussed.
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