Effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone in chronic schizophrenic patients.

The effects of oral and intravenous thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) were studied in 11 male, chronic schizophrenic inpatients in an open trial and a double-blind, crossover design. The general beneficial effects of TRH as assessed on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale were not obtained, although improvement of contact, apathy and emotional rapport was observed in a few patients. Serum prolactin, L-triiodothyronine and thyroxine were assayed throughout the study. Since the effects of TRH on behavior were not related to changes in these endocrine factors, the mechanism of action might be independent of its original functions on the pituitary-thyroid axis.