Improvement of aggressive behavior and quality of life impairment following S -Adenosyl-Methionine (SAM-e) augmentation in schizophrenia

Abstract S -Adenosyl-Methionine (SAM-e), functions as a primary methyl group donor for several metabolic compounds. Since SAM-e is involved in several metabolic processes, its administration may have a role in the amelioration of several disorders. In addition, SAM-e increases catechol- O -methyltra...

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Published in:European neuropsychopharmacology 2009-01, Vol.19 (1), p.14-22
Main Authors: Strous, Rael D, Ritsner, Michael S, Adler, Shmuel, Ratner, Yael, Maayan, Rachel, Kotler, Moshe, Lachman, Herbert, Weizman, Abraham
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aggression - drug effects
Aggression - psychology
Cognition - drug effects
COMT
Depression - etiology
Depression - psychology
Dietary Supplements
Dopamine - metabolism
Female
Genotype
Humans
Internal Medicine
Male
Middle Aged
Neuropsychological Tests
Norepinephrine - metabolism
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Psychiatry
Psychomotor Performance - drug effects
Psychosis
Quality of Life - psychology
S-Adenosyl-Methionine (SAM-e)
S-Adenosylmethionine - adverse effects
S-Adenosylmethionine - blood
S-Adenosylmethionine - therapeutic use
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia - drug therapy
Schizophrenic Psychology
Sex Characteristics
Treatment Outcome
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract S -Adenosyl-Methionine (SAM-e), functions as a primary methyl group donor for several metabolic compounds. Since SAM-e is involved in several metabolic processes, its administration may have a role in the amelioration of several disorders. In addition, SAM-e increases catechol- O -methyltransferase (COMT) enzyme activity, which may ameliorate aggressive symptoms in certain patients. We have therefore investigated the efficacy of SAM-e in managing schizophrenia symptomatology in patients with the low activity COMT polymorphism. Eighteen patients with chronic schizophrenia were randomly assigned to receive either SAM-e (800 mg) or placebo for 8 weeks in double-blind fashion. Results indicated some reduction in aggressive behavior and improved quality of life following SAM-e administration. Female patients showed improvement of depressive symptoms. Clinical improvement did not correlate with serum SAM-e levels. Two patients receiving SAM-e exhibited some exacerbation of irritability. This preliminary pilot short-term study cautiously supports SAM-e as an adjunct in management of aggressive behavior and quality of life impairment in schizophrenia.
ISSN:0924-977X
1873-7862
DOI:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2008.08.004