Schizophrenia is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder and is difficult to treat. DHEA is involved with the manifestation of schizophrenia. Scientific studies show that DHEA supplementation may help improve some of the outcomes of the disorder. However, consult with your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure schizophrenia with DHEA.
Attributes
DHEA is a neurosteroid, or a brain steroid, which is involved with the stress response, according to a study published in 2011 in "Neuroscience." It affects the central nervous system and when imbalanced can lead to neuropsychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia. Therefore, some treatment approaches include the use of DHEA supplements.
Supplementation Outcomes
In a study of 55 patients with schizophrenia published in January 2010 in the "Journal of Psychiatric Research," some were given 200 mg of DHEA for six weeks and some were given placebo. Those receiving placebo were more likely to show signs of schizophrenia-related cognitive dysfunction. Specifically, the placebo group had more problems with attention and visual memory.
Early Stages
There is some evidence that DHEA levels may actually be higher in some individuals in the early stages of the disorder. A study of a group of adolescents published in July 2009 in "European Neuropsychopharmacology" found that DHEA levels correlated with symptoms. Specifically, higher levels of DHEA were associated with more schizophrenia symptoms. This is likely due to a compensatory release of DHEA in the onset of the disorder that diminishes over time, as the researchers explain.
Hypercortisolaemia
Hypercortisolaemia is an attribute of many psychiatric illnesses, including schizophrenia. It is when there is an excess of cortisol, a stress-related hormone, in the brain. DHEA has the ability to regulate levels of cortisol in the brain, according to a study published in February 2007 in "Schizophrenia Research." The researchers found that cortisol levels were found to be elevated between the hours of 1 and 4 p.m.
References
- "Neuroscience"; The Clinical and Therapeutic Potentials of Dehydroepiandrosterone and Pregnenolone in Schizophrenia; M.S. Ritsner; 2011
- "Journal of Psychiatric Research"; Neurocognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia Are Associated With Alterations in Blood Levels of Neurosteroids: A Multiple Regression Analysis of Findings From a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial With DHEA; January 2010
- "European Neuropsychopharmacology"; DHEA and DHEA-S Levels in Hospitalized Adolescents With First-Episode Schizophrenia and Conduct Disorder: A Comparison Study; Rael D. Strous; July 2009
- "Schizophrenia Research"; Plasma Cortisol-Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Ratios in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder; Peter Gallagher; February 2007
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