ADRENAL CORTICAL FUNCTION IN CHRONIC SCHIZOPHRENIA (STRESS, ADRENALINE-TEST, ACTH-TEST)

Abstract

The adrenal cortical response of schizophrenics was compared with normal subjects by studying the 17-ketosteroid uric acid, Na and K excretion and eosinophil and lymphocyte counts following mild (epinephrine) and severe (pyrogen fever) stress and ACTH. The 17KS excretion was not definitely altered in schizophrenics; 5 of 11 schizophrenics had normal eosinophil responsiveness, and 6 were not responsive. The effects of ACTH were variable, with 2 unresponsive and 1 poorly responsive schizophrenic patient out of 10. In some cases of schizophrenia adrenal responsiveness is reduced, but this may not be a primary change, and may be a result of the chronic stress of the mental disturbance.