[Gilbert's syndrome and schizophrenia]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gastroenterology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Gilbert's syndrome is a common, benign condition characterized by unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.
• Elevated bilirubin levels in Gilbert's syndrome can be exacerbated by stress and fasting.

Observation:

• A case study involving a 38-year-old female inpatient with acute schizophrenic symptoms revealed elevated plasma bilirubin levels (2.7 mg/dl).
• This patient's hyperbilirubinemia exacerbation and remission closely correlated with the fluctuations in her schizophrenic psychosis.

Findings:

• Treatment with risperidone for schizophrenia improved psychotic symptoms without adverse hepatic effects.
• Concurrently, a decrease in plasma bilirubin concentration was observed, suggesting a link between schizophrenia management and bilirubin levels.

Implications:

• This case highlights a potential relationship between schizophrenia and hyperbilirubinemia, warranting further investigation.
• The findings suggest that managing psychiatric symptoms may positively influence bilirubin levels in patients with Gilbert's syndrome and schizophrenia.