Higher levels of serum copper in schizophrenic patients treated with depotneuroleptics

The findings of previous research on the status of trace elements in patien ts with schizophrenia have been controversial. We studied 62 outpatients wi th a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia, and compared them with sex- and age -matched healthy controls. Serum copper levels were significantly higher in schizophrenic patients (mean 117.4, mu g/dl; S.D. 23.4) than in healthy co ntrols (105.6 +/- 27.9). Those patients on treatment with depot neuroleptic s had higher copper levels. Zinc levels did not differ between patients and healthy controls. Altered levels of trace elements in schizophrenic patien ts may be a consequence of antipsychotic treatment. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scien ce Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.