Hyperprolactinemia Phenomenon in Neurotic and Personality Disorders and Changes in Prolactin Level After the Psychotherapy

Abstract

Introduction

Hyperprolactinemia is a common endocrinological disorder. Some data suggest that psychological factors (e.g. personality traits) may play a role in hyperprolactinemia genesis.

Objectives

Increased prolactin level (PRL) is described as clinical observations in some patients, usually with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. In the international literature there is lack of broader description and information of clinical implications of this phenomenon.

Aim

The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of hyperprolactinemia in patients with diagnoses F40-F69 according to ICD-10 and an evaluation of the changes in PRL after psychotherapy.

Methods

The study population comprised 64 patients, mainly females (73%), with primary diagnosis of neurotic or personality disorder. Prolactin level was measured during the first and last week of the psychotherapy. Between the measurements patients underwent intensive short-term (12 weeks) group psychotherapy in a day hospital for neurotic and behavioural disorders.

Results

Hyperprolactinemia was found in 41% of males and 42.4% of females in the study group. After psychotherapy significant reduction in prolactin level was observed in 80% of woman with hyperprolactinemia.

Conclusions

Hyperprolactinemia is observed in almost 40% of patients with neurotic and personality disorders. Psychodynamic psychotherapy can be a significant factor improving PRL level in patients with neurotic and personality disorders, specifically women.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.