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01-11-2014 | Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders (SJ Siegel, Section Editor)

The Role of Cortisol in First Episode of Psychosis: A Systematic Review

Authors: Evangelos Karanikas, Diomidis Antoniadis, George D. Garyfallos

Published in: Current Psychiatry Reports | Issue 11/2014

Abstract

The stress diathesis hypothesis is currently one of the prevailing models of etiology of psychotic disorders. Cortisol is the most researched stress hormone; yet its role in first episode psychosis (FEP) was only recently investigated. The aim of the present study is to systematically review the evidence on the potential role of cortisol in FEP. Higher cortisol levels in blood samples have been consistently replicated, whereas saliva studies measuring baseline cortisol levels have exhibited divergent results. Moreover, longitudinal studies have revealed a cortisol upregulation in FEP with a subsequent decrease induced by antipsychotic treatment. The evidence suggests a role for cortisol in psychosis, although the association of cortisol with psychopathological symptoms is currently non-specific. Future research should focus on more pure diagnostic entities, clearly defined stages of the disorder and refined methods of hormonal measurement.

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Title: The Role of Cortisol in First Episode of Psychosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Evangelos Karanikas
Diomidis Antoniadis
George D. Garyfallos
Publication date: 01-11-2014
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Current Psychiatry Reports / Issue 11/2014
Print ISSN: 1523-3812
Electronic ISSN: 1535-1645
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-014-0503-7

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The Role of Cortisol in First Episode of Psychosis: A Systematic Review

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