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Alterations in DHEA metabolism in schizophrenia: two-month case-control study
Michael Ritsner1, Anatoli Gibel, Edward Ram
1Acute Department & Clinical Psychobiology Laboratory, Sha'ar Menashe Mental Health Center, Mobile Post Hefer, Hadera, Israel. ritsner@shaar-menashe.org
Summary
Schizophrenia patients show altered serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione levels compared to controls, linked to distress and symptom severity. These hormonal changes may indicate impaired stress responses in schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Psychiatric Disorders
Background:
- Schizophrenia is associated with complex neurobiological changes.
- Hormonal imbalances, particularly in androgens and their metabolites, are increasingly recognized in psychiatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEAS, androstenedione, testosterone, and progesterone in schizophrenia patients versus healthy controls.
- To examine the relationship between these hormones, psychopathology, emotional distress, and antipsychotic treatment.
Main Methods:
- Repeated serum hormone measurements over 8 weeks in 21 male schizophrenia patients and 14 healthy controls.
- Analysis of hormone concentrations and molar ratios at four distinct time points.
Main Results:
- Schizophrenia patients exhibited increased DHEA and androstenedione, decreased DHEAS, and normal testosterone/progesterone compared to controls.
- Elevated androstenedione/DHEAS and reduced DHEAS/DHEA and testosterone/androstenedione molar ratios were observed in patients.
- Hormonal alterations correlated with emotional distress, anxiety, mood, positive symptoms, and prolactin levels, but not with antipsychotic treatment or side effects.
Conclusions:
- Altered DHEA metabolism in schizophrenia is linked to distress, symptom severity, and prolactin levels.
- These hormonal changes may serve as a marker for impaired stress responses in schizophrenia.
- Findings highlight the need to consider hormonal fluctuations when interpreting DHEA studies in schizophrenia.