Pauling introduced the concept of orthomolecular psychiatry. According to this concept, the treatment of mental disease should benefit by optimalisation of the molecular environment of the mind. In this connection, the effect of multiple vitamin administration has been studied in 73 hospitalised psychiatrie patients who were divided in two equal groups that were matched with regard to age, sex, diagnosis and psychiatrie treatment. During the experimental period of 3 months, treatment and medication were kept constant.
One group received a daily vitamin mixture of Bi, B6, B12, C, nicotinamide and folix acid of 2 to 3 times the R.D.A. dose. The second group received a placebo.
The vitamin blood levels were determined before and after the experimental period. Assessment of the psychiatrie effect was made by measurement of the scores in an ego-strenght scale and in a social adjustment scale. In a number of patients subnormal or borderline values for one or more of the vitamin concentrations were found. After supplementation the concentration of most of the vitamins as significantly increased. Statistical analysis of the scores in the two rating scales used, showed an improvement in the vitamin supplemented group especially in the social role behaviour and the ability to communicate.
From the results we think it is advisable to supply, as a routine procedure, vitamins to hospitalised psychiatrie patients.