Zinc, Copper, And Chromium Contents In Schizophrenic Hair Of Koreans

The study analyzed zinc, copper, and chromium levels in the hair of 126 Korean individuals with schizophrenia compared to 103 healthy Koreans, using an atomic absorption spectrometer. Conducted between May 1985 and September 1986, it found that individuals with schizophrenia had significantly lower levels of these metals in their hair. The discriminant analysis method used could distinguish between healthy individuals and patients with schizophrenia with accuracy rates of 72.9% and 84.4%, respectively. The contribution rates for zinc, copper, and chromium in the functional equation were 12.3%, 5.9%, and 81.8%, respectively. Additionally, male patients had significantly higher zinc levels than female patients, while female patients had higher copper levels.