Study of concentration of cortisol in hair in first episode of psychosis

Abstract

Chronic stress is able to activate hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to both increases and reduction in cortisol levels. Abnormalities in cortisol levels can produce brain damage, contributing with genesis and course of several diseases, including psychotic disorders. There is evidence of the association between HPA dysfunction and schizophrenia, but the role of abnormalities in cortisol levels in development of the first psychotic episode was not systematically evaluated. Objective: Evaluate a possible association between cortisol levels in the hair and clinical characteristics (severity, positive and negative symptoms) and the prognosis (response to treatment and evolution to remission)in longitudinal follow up after a first episode of psychosis. Methods: A group of 50 patients in first episode of psychosis will be compared with a group of 50 healthy volunteers. The concentration of cortisol in hair will be determined in all individuals and the two groups will be compared. Psychiatric evaluation will be conducted using PANSS, CGI-S, Calgary Depression Scale, module of drugs of ASI, WHOQOL BREF, e GAF. Expected Results: We expect to find differences between two groups (first episode of psychosis and healthy controls). Expected Results: We expect to find differences between two groups (first episode of psychosis and healthy volunteers). This study introduces a recent technology in Brazil that allows to determine systemic cortisol in the months that precede first episode of psychosis. (AU)