Investigating the Relationship of Vitamin D Deficiency and Certain Biochemical Parameters with Depression

INTRODUCTION: Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in the general population and is the most common mental health condition in primary care patients. Although theories involving biological, psychological, and environmental factors have been put forth, the underlying pathophysiology of depression is unknown, as several different mechanisms are likely involved. Identification of vitamin D receptors in brain regions active in depression has strengthened the link between vitamin D and depression. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of depression with vitamin D and certain biochemical parameters.
METHODS: Patients who were admitted to Şanlıurfa Mehmet Akif İnan Training and Research Hospital Internal Medicine outpatient clinic who had no chronic diseases and whose vitamin D, ferritin, hemoglobin (Hb), thyroid stimulant hormone (Tsh), free thyroxine (T4), folate, magnesium and B12 levels were recorded were included in the study. Beck's Depression Inventory was presented to the patients to examine the relationship of depression with the selected parameters.
RESULTS: A total of 352 cases were included in the study. Of the cases, 246 (69.9%) were female and 106 (30.1%) were male. There was no significant correlation between Beck's Depression Inventory scores and magnesium, hemoglobin, ferritin, B12, Tsh and T4 levels (p>0.05). A significant correlation was found only between folate levels and Beck's Depression Inventory scores (p=0.046). There was not a significant correlation between vitamin D levels and Beck's Depression Inventory scores (p=0.727), although a weak negative correlation was discovered between them (r= -0.019). There was no significant correlation between vitamin D levels and depression severity (p=0.650). None of the patients who had normal vitamin D levels were found to have severe depression.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Depression is a common psychiatric disease and its pathophysiology has not been fully elucidated. Further studies are need to better understand the relationship between biochemical parameters and depression. The evidence-based results of these studies should be used to prevent and treat depression, which is an important health problem.