Symptomatology and cognitive impairment associate independently with post-dexamethasone cortisol concentrations in unmedicated schizophrenic patients.
Serum cortisol concentrations were measured after dexamethasone administration (1 mg) in 21 neuroleptic-free schizophrenic inpatients. Patients were assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and a battery of cognitive tests. A significant correlation was found between negative symptoms and both 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM post-dexamethasone cortisol concentration (PDC). Cognitive impairment on several measures was also correlated with 8 AM PDC, but in an independent manner. Although positive and negative symptoms were unrelated, exploratory analysis revealed a significant inverse correlation between a positive symptom grouping and both 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM PDC.
Newcomer
J W
JW
Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Faustman
W O
WO
Whiteford
H A
HA
Moses
J A
JA
Csernansky
J G
JG
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003907:Dexamethasone; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D013997:Time Factors
D003907:Dexamethasone; D006854:Hydrocortisone