Health

Vitamin B12 deficiency: 'psychotic traits' are a sign – especially in the elderly

Vitamin B12 deficiency: 'psychotic traits' are a feature - especially in the elderly

Delirium is one of the “psychotic features” that can occur in a person with vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 helps your body build and maintain brain cells.

“When levels are low, several ominous symptoms may occur, although the signs “may not be noticeable at first. Vitamin deficiency anemia usually develops slowly, over several months or years. Signs and symptoms may be subtle at first, but usually get worse as the deficiency worsens,” neurologist Alexandra Alyokhina tells MedicForum, a neurologist. mental problems. In particular, many medical reports describe people suffering from “psychotic features”, also known as psychoses.

Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms: the peculiarity of your movements may be a sign


Mental disorders are problems that affect your mood, thinking, and behavior. Depression, anxiety and schizophrenia are also psychiatric disorders.

New study concludes that vitamin deficiency psychiatric disorders “more common” in older patients, with about 10-20% of them showing symptoms.

A study reported on a 52-year-old man who who “had psychotic features: delusions of persecution, tactile and auditory hallucinations.”

“Another case report described a patient “whose main complaints were“ irritability, regressive behavior, lethargy, crying and absenteeism that continued for a year.”

Problems walking can be a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency

Fortunately, these problems can be quickly corrected after taking vitamin B12, although not all cases are the same.

MedicForum has previously written about fruits rich in potassium.