Copeptin in Outcome Prediction of an Acute Psychotic Episode

An acute psychotic episode is a severe psychiatric syndrome which might occur in different psychiatric diagnoses. The outcome prediction of relapse rate of a psychotic episode within a certain time frame is difficult and depends on many factors. More and better predictors are required to improve the outcome prediction in order to adjust therapy and follow-up if patients suffer from this acute disease. Copeptin, a surrogate marker for vasopressin, has been proven helpful in the prediction of the outcome in serious somatic diseases. Additionally, a rise of copeptin due to psychological stress was shown. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of the neuroendocrine biomarker copeptin and the prediction of the onset of psychotic episode within one year.