Journal of Psychology & Psychotherapy
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0487
+44 1478 350008
ISSN: 2161-0487
+44 1478 350008
Adriana Prifti and Etleva Refatllari
Regional Health Authority, Albania
University Hospital Centre Mother Theresa Tirana, Albania
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Psychol Psychother
Statement of the Problem: Hyperprolactinaemia is a common side-effect of antipsychotic treatment and the clinical conse¬quences associated with this can have a negative impact on patients compliance. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of hyperprolactinemia in patients with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: This was a descriptive study conducted at the Polyclinic of Speciality Nr.3, Tirana, Albania over a period of two years. It included 76 patients, 23 (30.3%) of whom were females and 53 (69.7%) males. Blood collection and examination were performed at laboratory in Polyclinic of Speciality Nr.3, Tirana with Immunoassay autoanalyzer MAGLUM 800 fully-auto cheminiluminescence immunoassay analyzer Baseline fasting serum prolactin levels were taken followed by administr¬ation of haloperidol and olanzapine respectively. A second serum prolactin level was then taken and assessed by the same prolactin measuring kit. Findings: The mean serum prolactin levels of all subjects in the first measurement was M=306.4 (±446.6)μIU/l with a range 42-3104. No significant difference was found by gender (t= 1.01 p=0.6) whereas by type of treatment the level of prolactin was significantly higher among patients treated with haloperidol 746.0 (±864.0) μIU/l compared to other antipsychotics 198.4 (±121.9), (t=2.5 p=0.03). A second measurement of prolactin levels was done two years after the treatment resulting in a significant increase of prolactin levels (M=554.2±548.5) μlU/l with a range 234 �?? 3104 as compared to baseline levels. The rise in serum prolactin levels in second measurement was significantly higher in both, males M=445.6 (±534.3) μIU/l and females M=534.9 (±595.6) μIU/l (p<0.01). The mean level of prolactin among females is significantly higher as compared to males (p<0.01). Conclusion & Significance: Assessment of prolactin levels could be an important biological marker for the severity of psychopathology of schizophrenia. Appropri¬ate investigations and effective management should reduce the burden of adverse effects.
Adriana Prifti is laboratory physician at Polyclincic of Specialities, No.3 Tirana, Albania since the year 2000. She is a PhD candidate.
E-mail: adrianaprifti@gmail.com