Marta López1, José M Olivares, German E Berrios. 1. Corresponding author: Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Meixoeiro, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, Avda. do Meixoeiro, s/n, 36214 Vigo, Spain. marta.lopez.almarza@gmail.com.
Abstract
AIMS: The aim of the study was to review and describe the Alcoholic Pellagra Encephalopathy, a severe neuropsychiatric condition caused by a combination of niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency and alcohol abuse. METHODS: PsychInfo, Medline and Embase databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies addressing this illness. RESULTS: A historical and conceptual review of the psychopathological aspects of this condition is offered, followed by the report of a patient with a history of chronic alcohol consumption showing signs of pellagra, delusions and visual hallucinations, which was treated successfully with niacin. CONCLUSION: Pellagra encephalopathy should still be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute psychotic disorders seen in the context of chronic alcoholism.
AIMS: The aim of the study was to review and describe the Alcoholic Pellagra Encephalopathy, a severe neuropsychiatric condition caused by a combination of niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency and alcohol abuse. METHODS: PsychInfo, Medline and Embase databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies addressing this illness. RESULTS: A historical and conceptual review of the psychopathological aspects of this condition is offered, followed by the report of a patient with a history of chronic alcohol consumption showing signs of pellagra, delusions and visual hallucinations, which was treated successfully with niacin. CONCLUSION:Pellagra encephalopathy should still be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute psychotic disorders seen in the context of chronic alcoholism.