@article{ref1,
title="Improvement of aggressive behavior and quality of life impairment following S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM-e) augmentation in schizophrenia",
journal="European Neuropsychopharmacology",
year="2009",
author="Strous, Rael D. and Ritsner, Michael S. and Adler, Shmuel and Ratner, Yael and Maayan, Rachel and Kotler, Moshe and Lachman, Herbert and Weizman, Abraham",
volume="19",
number="1",
pages="14-22",
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.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0924-977X",
doi="10.1016/j.euroneuro.2008.08.004",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2008.08.004"
}