Corticosteroids, immune suppression, and psychosis.
The role of the immune system in psychiatric symptoms has been an area of much interest for many years. This review discusses medications and medical illnesses associated with immune system dysfunction, and their relationship to psychiatric symptoms, particularly psychosis. Medical illnesses including HIV infection, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and Cushing's disease are all associated with psychiatric symptoms. In addition, high dosages of prescription corticosteroids (eg, prednisone and dexamethasone) are associated with mood changes, cognitive deficits, and even psychosis. However, the role of the immune system in mediating the psychiatric disturbances with each of these conditions is not clear. Directions for further research and treatment considerations are discussed.
Perantie
Dana C
DC
Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9070, USA. sherwood.brown@utsouthwestern.edu
Brown
E Sherwood
ES
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020274:Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects*; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000209:etiology*; D013256:Steroids
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D013256:Steroids