Platelet count in adult Nigerian psychiatric patients

The platelet count was studied in 32 new episode adult psychiatric patients and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls using a phase contrast method. The patients had significantly higher platelet count (203.14 SD 12.50 x 109 /L) than the control group (186.0 SD 17.80 x 109 /L) p<0.0005 thus upholding the study test hypothesis. In addition, the female patients platelet counts (224.56 SD 16.0 x 109 /L) was significantly higher than those for the female control group (187.30 SD 9.30 x 109 /L) and the male patients (190.28 SD 8.20 x 109 /L) p<0.0005 respectively. Females had higher platelet counts than males. The findings indicate that female psychiatric patients could be at greater risk for thrombo-embolic phenomena, and should routinely have their platelet counts checked.Key words: Platelet count; Adult Nigerians; Psychiatric patients; Psychiatric disorders