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No Correlation between Neuroleptic-induced Increase of β-Endorphin Serum Level and Therapeutic Efficacy in Schizophrenia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

D. Naber*
Affiliation:
Psychiatric Hospital, University of Munich, Nussbaumstr, 7, 8000 Munich 2, West-Germany
N. Nedopil
Affiliation:
Psychiatric Hospital, University of Munich
E. Eben
Affiliation:
Psychiatric Hospital, University of Munich
*
Correspondence.

Summary

In 23 acute, unmedicated, schizophrenic patients, psychotic behaviour and β-endorphin serum level were measured before and during four weeks of neuroleptic therapy. Prior to drug treatment, β-endorphin level of all patients was within the normal range. Neuroleptic therapy induced marked elevations of β-endorphin in eight subjects; statistical analysis revealed a slight but significant increase for the whole group. This endocrine effect was not correlated with therapeutic efficacy of neuroleptic treatment.

Type
Papers
Copyright
Copyright © 1984 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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