This small series of patients and controls indicates a high correlation between the appearance of a bufoten-like substance and the diagnosis of schizophrenia in unmedicated acutely ill patients. Definitive identification of this compound with other derivatives and a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method is in progress. Further urine samples have been collected and will be examined with both gas-liquid and thin-layer chromatography. Diagnosis at the time of admission and a more comprehensive review of individual and family history in addition to the current medication and diet at the time of admission will be considered more carefully with these further sampIes.