Serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels and suicidal tendency in patients with first-episode schizophrenia: An exploratory study

Abstract

Background: Neuroendocrine hormones play an important role in emotional regulation in normal individuals and those suffering from mental disorders. The objective of the study was to examine levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and the severity of psychopathology and suicidality in patients suffering from first episode schizophrenia (FES). Materials and Methods: In 60 patients of FES, the level of TSH was measured. The level of psychopathology was assessed using the positive and negative symptoms scale for schizophrenia (PANSS) while suicidal tendency was measured using The Scale for Impact of Suicidality-Management, Assessment, and Planning of Care (SIS-MAP). Results: We found that 21% patients were hospitalized with a suicide attempt within preceding 5 days. Mean TSH level was 5.7 mIU/L, which was slightly higher than cut-off point. There was no significant difference in TSH levels between those who had attempted suicide before the admission into the hospital and those who did not. Further, the level of TSH was not found to correlate with total PANSS score, positive symptoms or negative symptoms score but with global psychopathology scale. There was a positive correlation with TSH score and SIS-MAP score. Conclusions: The present study shows the presence of higher level of TSH in FES and an inverse correlation with suicide potential in patients suffering from schizophrenia. Further, it shows the presence of high suicide risk and possibility of hypothyroid state. The study argues more careful screening for suicide in patients with FES among patients who are admitted without and the attempt of suicide.