Clinical Features of Schizophrenia in a Woman with Hyperandrogenism

Lili C. Kopala, Richard Lewine, Kim P. Good, Margo Fluker, Jeffrey S. Martzke, Jocelyn S. Lapointe, William G. Honer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Ample evidence supports sex differences in the clinical features of schizophrenia. In this regard, estrogen may contribute to later onset and less severe course of illness in women. Direct investigation of hormonal status in schizophrenia is extremely difficult. The present report documents the clinical features of schizophrenia in a young woman with long-standing hyperandrogenism related to polycystic ovarian disease. We postulate that hyperandrogenism contributed to a relatively early onset, olfactory dysfunction, and other clinical features of schizophrenia more commonly associated with men. Additionally, acute estrogen depletion following cessation of oral contraceptives may have precipitated psychosis, while recommencement of oral contraceptives could have contributed to subsequent improvement in symptoms.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)56-60
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience
Volume22
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 1997

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Biological Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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