Factors related to the presence of autoantibodies in patients with chronic mental disorders.

Abstract Serum samples from 307 patients with various chronic mental disorders were examined for the presence of several autoantibodies. Autoantibodies detected included antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in 122 307 (39.7%), rheumatoid factor (RF) in 23 307 (7.5%), anticardiolipin antibodies (anti-CL) in 23 304 (7.6%, IgM in 12 patients, IgM in 13 patients). Isolated cases with IgG anti-dsDNA, anti-Ro(SSA), and anti-Ro(SSA)/anti-La(SSB) were also identified. The analysis of data revealed that the aging process in patients studied contributed significantly to the incidence of ANA (p