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Exploring the connection between several neurosteroid hormones and first-episode psychosis and schizophrenia: A literature review
1
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
Corresponding author
Alicja Gładysz
Katedra Psychiatrii, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu, Wybrzeże L. Pasteura 10, 50-367 Wrocław
Katedra Psychiatrii, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu, Wybrzeże L. Pasteura 10, 50-367 Wrocław
Ann. Acad. Med. Siles. 2025;79:393-403
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
First-episode psychosis (FEP) and first-episode schizophrenia (FES) are serious psychiatric conditions. Neurosteroids, known to modulate central nervous system function, may play a role in the pathophysiology of these disorders. This review aims to evaluate current evidence on the relationship between these disorders and levels of several neurosteroid hormones. A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on original articles, reviews, and meta-analyses published between 2016 and 2025. Keywords relevant to neurosteroids and FEP and FES were employed. Findings regarding neurosteroid levels in FEP and FES are inconsistent. Several studies indicate reduced testosterone levels in affected individuals compared to healthy controls. Similar reductions in estrogen and progesterone have been observed, often correlating with increased symptom severity. In contrast, dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate show an opposite pattern, though research remains limited. These discrepancies highlight the need for further investigation into the role of individual neurosteroids in early psychotic disorders. Current evidence does not allow for definitive conclusions; however, emerging findings suggest that neurosteroid levels may be significantly altered in FEP or FES patients compared to healthy controls. Moreover, they may contribute to the clinical presentation of these disorders. Neurosteroids have potential as biomarkers for early psychosis, and advancing knowledge in this domain may offer novel diagnostic or therapeutic insight.
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