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Toxic trace metals in the mentally ill patients
1Department of Mental Health, Jos University Teaching Hospital.
The Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal
|April 15, 2003
Summary
This study found elevated serum cadmium and lead in patients with depression and schizophrenia, while mania patients had reduced cadmium. Serum zinc was low in all mental health patients, with toxic metal levels normalizing after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Toxic metals like cadmium and lead are implicated in various health conditions.
- Mental health disorders are complex and may be influenced by environmental factors.
- Understanding the role of heavy metals in psychiatric conditions is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum levels of cadmium, lead, and zinc in patients with depression, mania, and schizophrenia.
- To assess the impact of treatment on toxic metal levels in mental health patients.
- To explore the relationship between serum zinc and toxic metal concentrations in psychiatric disorders.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 61 psychiatric patients (depressives, manic-depressive, schizophrenics) and 20 healthy controls.
- Toxic metals (cadmium, lead) and serum zinc were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry.
- Measurements were taken at admission and at 3 and 7 weeks post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Elevated serum cadmium was observed in depressives (p < 0.02), and reduced levels in mania patients (p < 0.01).
- Increased serum lead was found in depressives (p < 0.01) and schizophrenics (p < 0.05).
- Serum zinc was reduced across all patient groups, with toxic metal levels approaching control values after treatment.
Conclusions:
- Serum cadmium and lead levels are significantly altered in specific psychiatric disorders.
- Treatment appears to modulate serum levels of these toxic metals in mental health patients.
- Reduced serum zinc in all patient groups suggests a potential role in the pathophysiology or as a biomarker.
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