Serum cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate levels in schizophrenic patients and their first-degree relatives

Aims: Alterations in cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA‐S) levels are thought to play a role in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of serum cortisol and DHEA‐S in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Methods: Sixty schizophrenic patients, 70 healthy first‐degree relatives, and 60 healthy volunteers were included. Sociodemographic characteristics, data regarding disease duration and severity, as well as ongoing and previous drug use were recorded. Serum cortisol and DHEA‐S levels were measured. Results: Serum cortisol and DHEA‐S levels were significantly higher in the schizophrenia group compared with the first‐degree relatives and controls (P < 0.05). Serum cortisol levels in the first‐degree relatives were significantly higher than in the healthy controls (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the first‐degree relatives and healthycontrols in terms of DHEA‐S levels and between the three groups in terms of serum cortisol/DHEA‐S ratios. Conclusions: Elevated serum cortisol levels in schizophrenic patients might be associated with the role of cortisol in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Also, the elevation of serum cortisol levels in first‐degree relatives compared to controls suggests that similar pathophysiological processes might have a role in individuals without any disease symptoms, but with a genetic predisposition for schizophrenia. Elevated serum DHEA‐S levels might be the result of a compensatory response to elevated cortisol levels. Serum cortisol and DHEA‐S levels may be used as a biological marker for the diagnosis of schizophrenia; however, further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to support this finding.