Changes in neuroendocrine and metabolic hormones induced by atypical antipsychotics in normal-weight patients with schizophrenia.

Context: Atypical antipsychotics (SGA) have the propensity to induce weight gain.

Objective: The aim was to evaluate early changes in hormones involved in neuroendocrine regulations (serum cortisol, growth hormone and prolactin) and positive energy balance (serum insulin, leptin and ghrelin) during SGA treatment in normal-weight patients with schizophrenia with the purpose of exploring the possibility to combat weight gain early through manipulation of circulating hormone levels.

Design: We conducted a randomized, partly cross-sectional and partly longitudinal, prospective study.