Hemodialysis and schizophrenia. A negative report.

A preliminary, uncontrolled study utilizing hemodialysis in the treatment of chronic schizophrenia reported a high success rate. Two patients are presented who had both schizophrenia and chronic renal failure and who underwent intensive, long term hemodialysis with no change in their schizophrenic symptomatology. This negative finding is consistent with other case reports. Retrospective or limited controlled studies based on previous research with false neurotransmitters, serum protein factors, or endorphins in schizophrenia are urged before further patients with normal kidney function are exposed to the risks of hemodialysis.