Treatments include:

• Avoiding sun exposure by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen of factor 15 or higher
• Eating a high-protein diet
• Taking supplements containing nicotinamide
• Undergoing psychiatric treatment, such as the use of antidepressants or mood stabilizers, if mood swings or psychiatric problems occur

Most people with this disorder can expect to live a normal life with no disability. Rarely, there have been reports of severe nervous system disease and even deaths in families with this disorder.

There are usually no complications. When they occur, complications may include:

• Changes in skin pigment that are permanent
• Psychiatric problems
• Rash
• Uncoordinated movements

Nervous system symptoms are usually reversible. However, in rare cases they can be severe or life-threatening.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of this condition, especially if you have a family history of Hartnup disorder. Genetic counseling is recommended if you have a family history of this condition and are planning a pregnancy.

Review Date: 09/10/2010
Reviewed By: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)