Psychosis is an abnormal condition of the mind that can be diagnosed as mild to severe and is considered a general term for a variety of mental states. People with psychosis may experience confusion, hallucinations or delusional beliefs and can exhibit personality changes. Psychosis can either be organic or functional, meaning it can be both pathophysiological or psychological, although the exact reasons for the development of psychosis are unknown. Some vitamins may play a role in the treatment of some of the symptoms associated with psychosis, including vitamins B-3, B-12, C and D. Consult your physician before taking any vitamin supplements if you suffer from a psychotic disorder.
Vitamin B-3
A deficiency in vitamin B-3 may increase anxiety, depression, and fatigue in individuals suffering from psychosis. This may be due to the role that vitamin B-3 plays in the function of certain brain chemicals that regulate mood, attention and focus. High levels of vitamin B-3 may suppress a specific type of psychosis that causes paranoia and feelings of aggression. One form of vitamin B-3, called niacinamide, readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and can mimic anti-psychotic medications like Valium and Xanax.
Vitamin B-12
A deficiency in vitamin B-12 may increase the severity of the symptoms of mania and psychosis. Vitamin B-12, or folic acid, plays a role in the production of neurotransmitters, especially dopamine and serotonin, that regulate emotions and mood. The synthesis of dopamine and serotonin may be blocked in individuals with psychosis, increasing depression, anxiety, mental confusion and a disruption in normal social behavior. Ingesting high levels of folic acid may help stimulate the hypothalamus gland in your brain to produce higher amounts of these two brain chemicals, helping stabilize mood and emotions.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that has many different roles in your body. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, which may help improve the symptoms of psychosis. Individuals suffering from various forms of psychosis have been found to have higher amounts of toxic chemicals and free radicals in their bloodstream, which causes the disruption in the normal functioning of various body organs, including the brain. Vitamin C has the ability to neutralize the effect of free radicals, and promote the removal of toxins from the blood stream, which may help improve symptoms associated with psychotic disorders.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is primarily obtained through direct exposure to sunlight, as well as by eating vitamin D fortified foods such as cereals and dairy products. A vitamin D deficiency may increase the symptoms of psychosis in children, especially when their mothers suffer from a vitamin D deficiency. However, high levels of vitamin D have also been linked to an increase in the symptoms of psychosis, including altered thinking, anxiety and aggression. Keeping balanced levels of vitamin D may be necessary for the normal regulation of brain neurotransmitters, keeping your mood stabilized.
References
- "Psychology, Eighth Edition"; Carole Wade and Carol Tavris; 2005
- "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs"; Nicola Reavley; 1999
Member Comments