Side effects of corticosteroid therapy. Psychiatric aspects

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Pharmacology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Corticosteroids are widely used for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.
• However, their use is associated with a range of potential adverse effects, including psychiatric disturbances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existing literature and characterize the nature of mental disturbances induced by corticosteroid therapy.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
• Studies examining corticosteroid-induced mental disturbances were analyzed to identify common characteristics.

Main Results:

• Mental disturbances associated with corticosteroids manifest as euphoria, depression, and psychotic reactions.
• Females appear more susceptible than males.
• Neither dosage nor duration of treatment consistently predicts the onset, duration, severity, or type of disturbance.
• A history of mental illness does not necessarily predispose patients to these effects.
• These disturbances are generally reversible.

Conclusions:

• Corticosteroid-induced mental disturbances are a recognized side effect with specific common presentations.
• Risk factors and predictive elements require further investigation.
• Current understanding does not provide simple models for the mechanisms underlying these psychiatric reactions.