The prevalence of antinuclear antibodies in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: results from a large cohort study

BACKGROUND: An increased prevalence of autoantibodies has been found in patients with schizophrenia, suggesting a role for autoimmunity in schizophrenia pathogenesis. METHODS: We examined the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), with further determination of specific antibodies, in 368 patients with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder and 283 healthy controls. RESULTS: No significant difference in prevalence of ANAs between patients (8%) and controls (11%) was found. CONCLUSION: We did not find an association between ANAs and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. We discuss potential reasons for the discrepancy with some previous studies, such as inclusion of patients using chlorpromazine, which can induce ANAs.