Early hyperprolactinaemia in acute psychiatric inpatients: a cross-sectional study

Objectives Hyperprolactinaemia is an important adverse effect of many drugs. Few naturalistic studies have compared rates of hyperprolactinaemia across psychotropic medications, especially antidepressants. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to: 1) assess the prevalence and severity of hyperprolactinaemia in a sample of individuals with severe acute psychiatric illnesses, and 2) identify the demographic and clinical factors that might influence levels of prolactinaemia. Methods 225 individuals were consecutively recruited. Individuals with any medical conditions and other not psychopharmacological drugs known to induce hyperprolactinemia were excluded. Blood samples were collected prior to breakfast and medication administration. Prolactin levels were measured by an electrochemiluminescent immunoassay. Results About 2 in 3 individuals treated with antipsychotics had hyperprolactinaemia. Treatment with antipsychotics, particularly risperidone (p = 0.002), and young age (p