Effects of neuroleptic treatment on cortisol and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyl glycol levels in blood.

Plasma cortisol and serum 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyl glycol (MHPG) were determined before and after 5-6 weeks of neuroleptic treatment in patients with schizophrenia. Following drug treatment both plasma cortisol and serum MHPG levels in patients decreased and plasma cortisol levels were also lower than in unmedicated healthy controls. Indications of a relationship between the reduction of cortisol and MHPG levels were found. The data show that neuroleptic drug treatment inhibits cortisol secretion. It is speculated that this inhibition could be related to reduced noradrenergic activity.