Targeting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones and sex steroids for improving cognition in major mood disorders and schizophrenia: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

•We reviewed the use of hormones for enhancing cognition in serious mental illnesses.•Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones and sex steroids were considered.•Mifepristone might enhance cognition in patients with bipolar disorder.•Raloxifene and pregnenolone have pro-cognitive effects in patients with schizophrenia.