P02-80 - Steroid Hormones in Patients with Personality Disorders in Conditions of Social Isolation

Abstract

According to literature data, steroid hormones are involved in developments of various behavior deviations.

Objective

The research aims to investigate the steroid hormones level alterations among subjects with personality disorders in conditions of social isolation.

Material and methods

Serum levels of cortisol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were measured in 58 males with personality disorders (convicted of murder) and in 49 physically and mentally healthy males (convicted of property crimes) being in conditions of social isolation. The control group consisted of 30 physically and mentally healthy males. The hormone serum levels were measured by ELISA method.

Results

In comparison with the control group the increase of cortisol, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone concentration in patients in conditions of social isolation have been observed. Concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in the investigated groups did not differ from the control group.

Patients with personality disorders have shown a trend toward cortisol, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone level increase as compared with physically and mentally healthy males convicted of property crimes. Concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in the investigated groups did not differ from the control group.

No correlations between steroid hormones levels and time spent in conditions of social isolation have been observed

Conclusions

Increase of cortisol, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone level is associated with criminal behavior, but also it might be a consequence of influence of the factor of social isolation.