The neuropsychiatric complications of corticosteroid therapy.

A variety of neuropsychiatric complications can result from the treatment with corticosteroids. Toxic effects that are usually observed result from continued use of large dosages or withdrawal of therapy. In some circumstances, low dosages of corticosteroids can produce neuropsychiatric dysfunction. Awareness of the side effects of corticosteroids should help the physician in the management of patients receiving steroid therapy. Knowledge and recognition of the adverse neuropsychiatric effects of steroids should enable the physician to promptly intervene when adverse reactions develop.