No abstract

The adenohypophyseal hormone prolactin (PRL) is released during stress of physical and psychological nature. In animals, this hormone facilitates adaptive behavior, induces analgesia, and enhances grooming behavior. It also reduces corticosterone secretion and the incidence of gastric ulcers induced by physical stress. It is possible that PRL plays a protective role against stress-induced biological modifications in animals.

BACKGROUND: The comparatively high acquisition costs of the new antipsychotic drugs have induced the mental health community to look closely at their potential benefits. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and economic outcomes associated with olanzapine, risperidone and typical neuroleptics treatment for schizophrenia. METHODS: A multicenter, observational, two-years long, retrospective and prospective study was conducted with 229 psychotic patients (in charge by psychiatric Centers of Regione Sicilia -Italy). Clinical outcomes were assessed using changes in CGI (Clinical Global Impression) and PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) scores. The economic data collection included pharmacological and non-pharmacological resources consumption (hospitalizations, medical/nurse visits, etc.). The economic evaluation was conducted in the perspective of the Local Psychiatric Services. RESULTS: The results in terms of clinical performance indicated an advantage (statistically significant) in the olanzapine group of patients. The pharmacological costs were significantly lower (p<0,05) in the typical group due to the cheaper acquisition cost of these drugs while total treatment costs were similar between the three groups (p>0,05). Treatment with olanzapine was associated with a lower non-pharmacological resources consumption and showed a general reduction (p<0,05 vs. risperidone) of total treatment costs between 1st and 2nd year of observation. CONCLUSIONS: Within the context of the local health care Services, olanzapine appears to be the "dominant" therapeutic option compared with risperidone and typical neuroleptics. Treatment with risperidone appears to be "cost-neutral" compared with typical neuroleptics.