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 vitaminB12 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.