The Role of Hormones and Inflammatory Markers in Cognitive Functioning of Schizophrenic Patients.

BACKGROUND: In the literature we can find evidence that immunological processes are involved the alterations of cognition in schizophrenic patients. Another factor, which may have an impact on cognitive domains in this clinical group are hormones.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to explore studies, in which the role of both immunological and endocrine factors on cognitive functions in schizophrenia are analyzed.

METHODS: The search of papers covering this topic in PubMed and Google Scholar was performed.

RESULTS: The studies focusing on this co-relation are not numerous. The role such hormones like cortisol, insulin and sex hormones may be important in the immunomodulatory processes influencing cognition in schizophrenia.

CONCLUSIONS: More studies are necessary to confirm these possible co-relations.