Which vitamin deficiency is known to cause confusion and psychosis?

Thiamin, also known as Vitamin B1, is crucial for proper brain function and metabolism. A deficiency in thiamin can lead to serious neurological and psychological disorders, including confusion and psychosis. This is primarily because thiamin is essential for carbohydrate metabolism, which is vital for providing energy to brain cells. When thiamin levels are insufficient, the brain can suffer from energy deficiency, leading to cognitive impairments and psychological symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, and in severe cases, psychosis.

Conditions such as Wernicke's encephalopathy, which is associated with thiamin deficiency, are particularly characterized by confusion and disorientation alongside other neurological symptoms. Therefore, recognizing thiamin deficiency as a potential factor in confusion and psychosis is important in both clinical settings and public health to address the needs of those at risk, such as individuals with alcoholism or certain dietary restrictions.