Calcium metabolism in schizophrenic patients on long-term neuroleptic therapy

The bone mineral content (BMC) in both forearms (highly related to total body calcium) was measured in a large group of schizophrenic patients receiving neuroleptic drugs. The mean BMC value was 86% of normal (p less than 0.001), and the decrease was independent of type of neuroleptic treatment. In contrast, the biochemical variables (serum calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatases) were virtually normal. This combination of osteopenia and normal biochemical variables suggests that schizophrenics have osteoporosis, be it due to the disease or the treatment given.