Stress in schizophrenia: an integrative view

Abstract

Stress and the development of a (schizophrenic) psychosis are inextricably related. The process by which stress actually affects psychosis is far less clear. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, and in particular the release of corticosteroids, has been attributed an essential role. However, schizophrenia is a disorder in which many functions are distorted. Dysfunctions can be found in behavior, cognition, coping, physiology, pituitary-adrenal and immune functioning. In this short paper, these functions are discussed as to how they contribute to the way stress is appraised and processed. Schizophrenic patients are impaired in their biological response to stress by showing a blunted cortisol response to psychosocial stress. It is hypothesized that this reflects rather cognitive dysfunction, based on biological dysfunctions in those brain structures that are responsible for these processes, i.e. the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system. Considering the blunted cortisol response as a maladaptive stress response, its consequences are commented on with an emphasis on the immune system. Finally, the role of neuroleptics, and in particular the atypical ones, is discussed for their beneficial effect, beyond their fear-and anxiety-reducing properties, in restoring some of the cognitive dysfunctions schizophrenic patients display. By doing so, they may improve perception of the environment, enhance adjustment and thus a proper stress response. Integration of these processes in stress research described, may provide new vistas of the stress concept in schizophrenia.