Neuroendocrine dysfunction in psychotic disorders (excluding ACTH)

Neuropeptide and neuroendocrine studies in the two major 'functional' psychotic illnesses have been reviewed. Changes in schizophrenia suggest both central dopamine dysfunction and hypothalamic, and perhaps, limbic pathology. In affective disorders, disruption of rhythmic neuroendocrine control seems to be evident, possibly mediated by either abnormal 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor function, non-specific hypothalamic derangement, or both. It is conceivable that some neuroendocrine changes in depression are trait phenomena which may be markers or mechanisms of vulnerability. The interaction of neuropeptide function and neuroendocrine state in psychotic illness is likely to be the focus of intensive future research.