Effets psychologiques d’une administration de courte durée de prednisolone

Introduction

The aim of the study is to assess the psychological effects of a short-term therapeutical prednisolone intake.

Synthesis

We studied, according to a double-blind, randomized cross-over protocol, the effects of a seven day prednisolone intake (60 mg/day) in 10 healthy male subjects on global health and mood state. No significant change was found between the treatments (prednisolone/placebo) in the 15 variables investigated. However, tendencies appeared revealing an increase of self-esteem, personal accomplishment and athletic identification, as well as a decrease in negative affect for the subjects under treatment.

Conclusion

These results could reveal a psychological impact of glucocorticoid intake and should be confirmed by a further study with athletes submitted to a more intense physical activity.