Objective: To study the relation between the changes of five elemental contents in serum and schizophrenia. Methods: The dynamic changes of the trace elements Zn, Cu, Fe and ordinary elements Ca,Mg were examined in 65 patients with schizophrenia by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: (1)The contents of Zn,Mg and Zn/Cu in patients with schizophrenia were significantly lower than those in controls, while Cu,Fe, Ca and Ca/Mg were significantly higher than those in controls.(2)The content of Ca in schizophrenic patients with course of disease ＜3 years was significantly higher than those ≥3 years.(3) After 14 and 21 d treatment with chlorpromazine or clozapine, the contents of Zn, Mg and Zn/Cu increased obviously, while Cu, Fe, Ca and Ca/Mg decreased obviously. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the patients with schizophrenia might have an abnormal serum Zn, Cu, Fe, Ca and Mg metabolism.This would play a role in causing and developing schizophrenia.