Severe psychosis and the adrenal androgens.
Past literature suggests a link between certain psychotic states and adrenal androgen production, including Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). A group of severely psychotic androgenized females, refractory to substantial amounts of neuroleptics, has been identified for whom endocrine testing revealed abnormally high levels of DHEA. A similar group has been identified among the severely psychotic male population. Improvement in psychosis appears to occur as DHEA returns to its normal range using standard low dose Dexamethasone suppression.
Howard
J S
JS
Dept. of Health, Fresno, CA 93775.
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000097:blood; D003907:Dexamethasone; D004412:Dysmenorrhea / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D011859:Radiography
D000728:Androgens; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone; D003907:Dexamethasone; D011388:Prolactin