Management of hyperprolactinemia in psychiatric practice

Psychiatrists sometimes prescribe medication that is known to elevate prolactin levels.

Hyperprolactinemia can lead to adverse health outcomes and thus clinicians need not only be alert to the symptoms, but should be able to manage the consequences as well.

In this module we will:

• discuss the physiology and regulation of prolactin,
• list the major physiological and pathological causes of hyperprolactinemia,
• identify the reasons for failure to recognise hyperprolactinemia,
• discuss the interpretation of blood results and the management of psychotropic-induced hyperprolactinemia.

Finally, we will include a flow diagram to assist clinicians in decision-making around the management of hyperprolactinemia.