Zinc & Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental disease with no known cure. While there are a number of hypotheses about the cause of schizophrenia, scientists generally agree that it occurs due to a number of genetic and environmental factors, according to Help Guide. Research indicates that zinc deficiencies may also play an important role in the development of schizophrenia. Zinc supplementation may improve symptoms of schizophrenia. Do not use a zinc supplement unless directed to do so by your physician.

About Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disease resulting in a number of social and psychological symptoms. According to Help Guide, there are three main types of schizophrenia---catatonic, psychotic and disorganized. Shared symptoms of these disorders include hallucinations, delusions, flattened affect, disorganized behavior, a lack of attention to personal hygiene and thought disorders. Schizophrenia is typically treated with a combination of medications, psychosocial interventions and certain types of psychotherapy, such as supportive counseling and cognitive-behavioral treatment. Researchers have also studied the effects of nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of zinc, on schizophrenia. Gestational zinc deficiency has been posited as a possible cause of schizophrenia. Additionally, zinc supplementation appears to have a beneficial effect on symptoms of schizophrenia in some patients.

Importance of Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a number of important roles in maintaining proper health. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, zinc is necessary for immune function, growth, taste, vision and blood clotting and helps maintain thyroid and insulin function. Zinc also acts as an antioxidant, a nutrient that combats the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are thought to contribute to the aging process as well as the formation of certain types of disease. A zinc deficiency can cause a number of side effects, such as growth disturbance, appetite loss, weight loss, sensory deficits, skin problems and mental disorders such as depression. Some research shows that schizophrenics may suffer from zinc deficiency. According to Dr. Mark Hyman in his book, "The Ultramind Solution," some schizophrenics have a biochemical disorder known as the mauve factor, which can lead to a zinc deficiency due to oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

Clinical Evidence

The theory that schizophrenia is caused by a gestational zinc deficiency is posited by researcher R.C. Richardson Andrews in an article published in the February 1990 issue of the journal "Medical Hypotheses." A review published in 1983 in the "Journal of Orthomolecular Psychiatry" discusses several studies that have demonstrated the effects of zinc deficiency on mental behavior and the high incidence of schizophrenic patients with zinc deficiencies. Case studies presented in an article published in 1974 in the "Journal of Orthomolecular Psychiatry" suggest that zinc supplementation may improve symptoms of schizophrenia for many patients.

Considerations

Although zinc supplementation may improve symptoms of schizophrenia for some patients, it is important to note that symptoms can return when supplementation stops, according to the 1974 study in the "Journal of Orthomolecular Psychiatry." You should not use zinc supplementation as a replacement for your regular medical treatment. Zinc supplements may interact with certain medications and may cause unwanted side effects, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Inform your doctor if you are thinking of using a zinc supplement.