ABSTRACT
In this research psychic and somatic symptoms related to disturbances of hypothalamus-hypophysis-peripheral regulation which may occur in the schizophrenic process were analysed. Authors discussed the problem of relations between hypothalamus neuroregulation and pathogenesis of endocrine disturbances which suggest the organic cause of obesity, hirsutism and secondary amenorrhea among women diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Actual antipsychotic pharmacological treatment, including some side-effects: the metabolic (obesity) and the endocrine (hyperprolactinemia) ones were considered. The authors conclude that endocrine disorders which are connected with hypothalamus disfunction (sleeping, eating and reproductive functions) may reach the psychotic symptoms and treating them influences at the same time some endocrine changes. The estimation of PRL release in a test of stimulation with metoclopramide can be a sensitive (though not specific) test of dopaminergic activity in tuberous--infundibulum pathway and may be used to control the treatment.
Subject(s)
Endocrine System Diseases/physiopathology , Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/physiopathology , Schizophrenia, Paranoid/diagnosis , Schizophrenia, Paranoid/physiopathology , Adult , Antipsychotic Agents/adverse effects , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Obesity/etiology , Schizophrenic Psychology , Time FactorsABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of psychotherapy in patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia in a day hospital. The presented model is based on the combination of group psychotherapy, individual psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy with respect to the individual needs of a patient. Psychotherapy was more effective in patients with a lower educational level and those married. We found that the effectiveness of psychotherapy depended on a psychopathological status of a patient.
