Male alcoholism-biochemical diagnosis and effect of abstinence.

Eighty three patients with alcoholism were evaluated on several biochemical parameters against seventy five healthy controls. Linear discriminant analysis of three laboratory tests (GGT, GOT and GPT) yielded accurate diagnosis among 63% of the total sample. Sensitivity of these tests was 47% and specificity 80%. Repeat analysis of these three test among 50 alcoholics following thirty days of abstinence showed significant decline of values. Preliminary observation suggests improvement of liver function following cessation of drinking habit.

Central dopamine and serotonin turnover in schizophrenia.

Comparison of C.S. F. H. V. A and 5-HIAA levels of 20 Schizophrenics and 9 non-schizophrenic controls revealed no statistically significant difference between HVA levels but the 5-HIAA levels were significantly less in Schizophrenics (p < 0.05) than in controls. The significance of these findings is discussed.