Association among serum cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate levels and psychiatric symptoms in men with chronic schizophrenia

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine possible associations of serum levels of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) with psychiatric symptoms in men with chronic schizophrenia.

Methods: This retrospective study involved 162 men with schizophrenia and 138 age-matched healthy controls, for whom data were collected on demographic characteristics, age at disease onset, disease duration, positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) scores, and history of atypical antipsychotic treatment. Serum levels of cortisol and DHEA-S were calculated, as well as the ratios of the two levels. Possible correlations were explored between these levels and psychiatric symptoms before and after antipsychotic treatment.

Results: Serum levels of cortisol and DHEA-S levels as well as the ratios of cortisol to DHEA-S levels were higher in patients than in controls (p < 0.01). Among patients, serum levels of cortisol and DHEA-S were significantly lower after treatment than before (p < 0.01), although the ratios of cortisol to DHEA-S levels remained similar. Serum levels of cortisol, DHEA-S and the ratios of the two levels were positively correlated with the negative symptoms score on the PANSS.

Conclusions: The pathophysiology of schizophrenia may involve in the spread levels of cortisol and DHEA-S. These levels may serve as biomarkers for diagnosing schizophrenia and monitoring treatment efficacy.