Platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity was significantly lower among
21 chronic schizophrenic patients, 19 of whom were receiving stable doses
of antipsychotic medication, than among 16 control subjects. Poor ego
functioning and poor outcome were significantly correlated with low MAO
activity; current dose of major tranquilizer was negatively but not
significantly correlated. The degree of psychopathology, rather than
presence or absence of specific symptom constellations, was the significant
characteristic of patients with low enzyme levels. This finding is in
accordance with those of earlier studies of schizophrenic patients as well
as with recent findings in nonschizophrenic samples.Abstract Teaser