The daily rhythm of serum tyrosine of 12 atypical schizophrenics and 10 hebephrenic schizophrenics was compared with that of 6 patients of other types of schizophrenia, 12 patients of neurosis, 10 patients of organic brain disease and 6 healthy volunteers.
Blood samples were obtained every 6 hours at 0800, 1400, 2000, 0200 and 0800 hours. In most cases concentrations of serum tyrosine were minimal at 0800 hour and maximal at 2000 hour. In healthy volunteers the ratio of highest value to lowest value was noted between 120% and 150%, and daily rhythms of tyrosine showing this ratio were called a “standard” type. Daily rhythms showing the ratio of under 120% were called a “flat” type and those of over 150% a “peak” type.
In atypical schizophrenia 58% of all cases showed a peak type, none a flat type. On the contrary, 60% of hebephrenic schizophrenics showed a flat type, none a peak type. In other types of schizophrenia, neurosis and organic brain disease most of cases showed a standard type, but some showed a peak type or a flat type.
As for characteristics of psychotic symptom, most patients of peak type displayed severe psychotic symptoms, e.g. psychomotor exitement, confusion or stupor. On the other hand, in most patients of flat type a leading symptom was a blunting of feeling and will.

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