Study on Effects of Heavy Metals in Schizophrenics (In, Pd, Cd, and Zn)

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of lead, cadmium and zinc in schizophrenics and the correlation of lead, cadmium and zinc and MMPI clincal scales. Contents of lead, cadmium and zinc in hair and MMPI was tested in 80 male chronic schizophrenics and 64 normal controls in 20~29 years. The series of analysis for lead and cadmiun in hair sampled from the subjects were conducted by atomic absorption spectrophotometer(IL. 551) with CTF atomizer(IL. 655) and the analysis for zinc were conducted by atomic absorption spectrophotometer(IL. 551). Mean hair lead and cadmium values were significantly higher in schizophrneics than normal controls(P<0.01, P<0.01), but mean hair zinc value were not different significantly between two groups. Mean hair lead, cadmium and zinc value were not different significantly between Seoul and other residents. Lead content was significantly correlated with hypochondriasis scale(Hs : r=0.167, P<0.05) and paranoia scale(Pa : r=0.168, P<0.05). Cadmium content was significantly carrelated with hypochondriasis scale(Hs : r=0.278, P<0.01), depression scale(D : r=0.235, P<0.01) paranoia scale(Pa : r=0.177, P<0.05) and schizophrenia scale(Sc : r=0.189, P<0.05). Zinc conotent was significantly correlated with depression scale(D : r=0.209, P<0.05) and psychopathic deviate scale(Pd : r=0.214, P<0.01). The mean value of lead content in hair of group who was higher than 70 in hair group who was higher than 70 in T-score was significantly higher than below 70 in Pd scale(P<0.05). The mean vale of cadmium content in hair of group who was higher than 70 in T-score was significantly higher than the below 70 in Hs scale(P<0.01) and Pa scale(P<0.01).