The Topical Niacin Skin Flush Test in First Episode Psychosis

The Topical Niacin Skin Flush Test: A Means for Longitudinal Monitoring of Two Different Biological Subgroups of Patients With First Episode Psychosis

The purpose of this study is to gather normative data from healthy adults and to determine a sensitive and specific cut-off value for responders and non-responders to the Niacin Skin Flush Test in a sample of first episode psychosis patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• caucasian
• within twelve months of initial DSM IV TR diagnosis of schizophreniform psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or psychotic disorder NOS
• outpatient

Exclusion Criteria:

• known allergy to study compound (methyl nicotinate, vitamin B3, niacin)
• skin conditions (e.g., dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema)
• diagnosis or treatment for medical conditions that may affect normal vascular tone (e.g., diabetes, vasculitis, chronic hypertension, etc.)
• Use of anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, or antihistamine medications within one month prior to study entry
• Use of supplements like Omega 3 fatty acids within 3 months prior to study entry
• Use of vitamin or nutritional supplement containing a dose of niacin/nicotinic acid above 50 mg/day at study entry