ABSTRACT

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the serum folate and B12 levels between patients with early-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorder (EOSSD) and healthy controls.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective study, folic acid and vitamin B12 serum levels were assessed during the hospitalization of patients (n=127) with EOSSD who were admitted to the child and adolescent psychiatry inpatient service. The study evaluated the clinical features and serum folate and B12 levels of patients with EOSSD.

Results

In EOSSD patients, the serum B12 levels were significantly lower compared to the control group (F=8.4, p=0.004). Age did not have any effect on B12 and folic acid levels in the models, but gender had a significant impact on folate (F=7.6, p=0.006) and B12 levels (F=5.7, p=0.018). A negative correlation was observed between folate levels and PANSS-total (r=-0.308, p<0.001). Additionally, a significant negative correlation was found between patients’ B12 level and age (r=-0.188, p=0.034), and a positive correlation was observed between CGI-S (r=0.231, p=0.010). The correlation with drug dose showed a trend toward significance (r=-0.168, p=0.063).

Conclusion

The clinical features in EOSSD patients are associated with folate and B12 levels. It may be useful in clinical practice for clinicians to question the symptoms of B12 and folate deficiency in patients with psychotic symptoms, to conduct an examination, and to initiate treatment to detect deficiencies.