The thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test and the
dexamethasone suppression test (DST) were administered to 21 patients with
schizophreniform disorder at the time of admission for acute illness: 9
showed dysregulation on one or the other test. Seventeen patients followed
for 6 months were divided into two groups: those with persistent
dysfunction and/or psychotic symptoms and those in full remission. Only 1
of 7 patients (14%) with persistent dysfunction in contrast to 7 of 10
patients (70%) in full remission revealed dysregulation on either test.
Neuroendocrine challenges may be useful in the early assessment of
first-break psychotic patients, and neuroendocrine dysregulation may be a
predictor of episodic illness with a better prognosis.Abstract Teaser