Vitamin B12 deficiency may present with a psychosis which is curable if treated promptly. Although this fact is not new and is described in various textbooks,9,10 it seems that it is often forgotten, which results in prolonged suffering from irreversible brain damage.
The most common psychiatry symptoms reported in the literature associated with vitamin B12 deficiency was depression, mania, psychotic symptoms, cognitive impairment and delirium.
B vitamins.
A large review of over 800 patients found that people who took high-dose B-vitamins like B6, B8, and B12 in addition to their medications significantly reduced symptoms of schizophrenia, compared with those who took medicines alone.
Observational studies have reported an association between low vitamin D concentrations and poorer subsequent health outcomes in psychosis. A vitamin D deficiency in neonates and children has been linked to a later increased risk of schizophrenia and psychotic-like experiences.
Cobalamin and folic acid deficiency may contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders such as mental confusion, memory changes, cognitive slowing, mood disorder, violent behavior, fatigue, delirium and paranoid psychosis.
Psychiatric symptoms such as depression, agitation, confusion, and disorientation are common in mag- nesium deficient patients (Hall and Joffe, 1973) and psychotic behavior including auditory and visual hallucinations have been reported in 50% of subjects with hy- pomagnesemia (Hall and Joffe, 1973).
Psychiatric manifesta- tions of vitamin B12 deficiency can include depression, apathy, irritability, dementia, catatonia, delirium, and hallucinations.
Pellagra could be an important part of the puzzle as well. Between 1906 to 1940, almost 3 million Americans developed pellagra due to a niacin deficient diet. The symptoms include dermatitis, dementia, and death. In four to ten percent of cases, active psychosis develops, which mimics schizophrenia.
One study of 200 participants reported a higher incidence of psychosis among patients eating a vegetarian diet; these patients were also more likely to be deficient in vitamin B12 [27].
It could have been worse—a severe vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to deep depression, paranoia and delusions, memory loss, incontinence, loss of taste and smell, and more.
The increase in magnesium concentration can reduce anxiety, hallucinations and agitation whereas hypomagnesemia could exacerbate anxiety and hallucinations.
Some studies suggest that glycine, sarcosine, NAC, several Chinese and ayurvedic herbs, ginkgo biloba, estradiol, and vitamin B6 may be effective for psychotic symptoms when added to antipsychotics (glycine not when added to clozapine).
Untreated, vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to neurological problems, such as persistent tingling in the hands and feet or problems with balance. It can lead to mental confusion and forgetfulness because vitamin B-12 is necessary for healthy brain function.
What happens when your B12 is deficient? Diarrhea, appetite loss, constipation, or gas. Muscle weakness, issues with walking, and nerve issues, including numbness or tingling. Loss of vision such as memory loss, depression, or behavioral abnormalities.
Eat More: Clams
A number of reports have shown low levels of vitamin B12 in those with psychosis -- a set of mental disorders that schizophrenia is one of. Other research says a bit more B12 can ease symptoms. Clams are a big source of B12. It's found in liver, trout, and in some breads, too.
Psychosis is a condition that affects the way your brain processes information. It causes you to lose touch with reality. You might see, hear, or believe things that aren't real. Psychosis is a symptom, not an illness.
Balance your blood sugar and avoid stimulants
The incidence of blood sugar problems and diabetes is also much higher in those with schizophrenia. Therefore it is strongly advisable to reduce, as much as possible, your intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates, caffeine and stimulant drugs and eat a low glycemic load diet.
Vitamin D supplementation in patients with schizophrenia
One study showed that vitamin D supplementation (50,000 IU vitamin D/week for 12 weeks) improved positive and negative syndrome scale scores and metabolic profiles including reduction in fasting plasma glucose, and cholesterol levels [45].
Some natural herbs, like ginseng and ashwagandha, have been found to be beneficial in controlling the symptoms and improving the overall well-being of schizophrenia patients.
If your anemia goes untreated for a long time, it can lead to heart failure. That's because your heart has to work harder. B12-related anemia may also raise the chances you'll have a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular problem.
Common causes of irritability
Irritability causes include vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or lifestyle triggers (such as increased stress). Symptoms of severe vitamin B1 (thiamine) and B6 deficiencies may include irritability.
Psychosis has been reported in B12 deficiency, including both hallucinations and delusions.