First-Episode Psychosis? Take Your Vitamins

Elevated homocysteine levels have been reported in schizophrenia, and homocysteine reduction by higher vitamin doses has been reported to improve symptoms in schizophrenia. In a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Australian study, researchers provided a single pill combining standard supplement doses of vitamin B₆, vitamin B₁₂, and folic acid to 100 patients with a first episode of any psychotic disorder. All patients continued their usual treatment, including antipsychotic drugs.

Vitamins, but not placebo, increased red cell folate levels and decreased homocysteine levels. At 12 weeks, the two groups showed no differences in positive and negative symptoms or overall neurocognition. However, attention/vigilance declined in…