Plasma homocysteine, serum vitamin B12 and folic acid status in newly detected schizophrenic patients of eastern India

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Schizophrenia is a disastrous mental disorder that causes chronic disability. Even after many years of scientific research the underlying pathophysiology of this disorder is unclear. Deficiency of vitamin-B12 and folic acid are associated with many mental disorders. Increase in homocysteine increases risk of several disorders including schizophrenia.   Materials and Methods: Plasma homocysteine, serum vitamin B12 and folic acids were measured in 30 newly diagnosed schizophrenic cases and values were compared with 50 age and sex matched controls.   Results: Plasma homocysteine was significantly increased in schizophrenic cases in comparison to controls, vitamin B12 was significantly decreased in cases in comparison to controls. Increase in homocysteine in cases showed a significant negative correlation with vitamin-B12 of cases.   Conclusion: This study proves an association between increase in homocysteine and decrease in vitamin B12 with schizophrenia.