Clinical course in schizophrenia is often characterized by recurrent relapses, which are associated with adverse outcomes. Immuno-endocrine abnormalities, including inflammation, have been one of the more enduring findings in the field, and several recent findings suggest that relapse in some patients with schizophrenia may be an immuno-endocrine mediated effect. These associations raise the possibility of immune-based treatments for relapse (and/or relapse prevention) in a subset of patients with schizophrenia. This talk will review of studies of immune-endocrine abnormalities in acute psychosis, including patients with first-episode psychosis and/or relapse of chronic schizophrenia. A theoretical framework that attempts to integrate these findings and suggest potential mechanisms whereby immune-endocrine dysfunction might mediate relapse in some patients with schizophrenia will be presented. Limitations of the current literature and suggested future research directions will also be discussed. Brian Miller, Is relapse in schizophrenia an immuno- endocrine mediated effect?
Last date updated on March, 2024