Research view
Title: | Relationship between vitamin D status and psychopathology in patients with first-episode schizophrenia: a cross-sectional study |
Author: | Mohamed El Sayed El Taweel and Taghreed El Shafei |
Abstract: |
Background
Deficient vitamin D is one of the implicated factors in the etiopathogenesis of
schizophrenia and other mental disorders. However, there are scarce reports as
regards its prevalence or associated problems among those with first-episode
schizophrenia.
Objective
The aim of this study was to assess 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] serum
concentrations in first-episode schizophrenia male patients as compared with healthy
controls and to determine whether a correlation exists between serum levels of
25(OH)D and disease activity.
Methods
We enrolled 50 male patients with first-episode schizophrenia and compared them
with 50 controls with no major psychopathology. The Positive and Negative Syndrome
Scale for schizophrenia and the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale for
depression were administered on the same day. The blood samples were drawn and
plasma 25(OH)D level was measured using immunoassay.
Results
Lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations were detected among patients with firstepisode
schizophrenia (24.8±11.21 ng/ml) compared with controls (67.3±22.91 ng/ml,
Po0.05). We found a negative correlation between duration of untreated psychosis
(DUP), disease activity (measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome
Scale and Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale score), and vitamin D
levels.
Conclusion
Serum 25(OH)D levels were lower in patients with schizophrenia as compared with
healthy controls. A negative correlation was found between plasma vitamin D level,
DUP, and severity of psychopathology. Future trials may investigate this association
with longer follow-up.We suggested that plasma 25(OH)D levels should be measured
in patients with first-episode schizophrenia, especially those with a longer DUP (410
weeks) and prominent negative and more severe depressive symptoms. Our finding
may raise the suggestion that further treatment with add-on vitamin D supplements and
diets that are rich in vitamin D may be beneficial.
Keywords:
first-episode schizophrenia, male inpatients, plasma vitamin D, psychotropic drugs
naive and drug free
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Journal: | Middle East Curr Psychiatry 24:43–48 |
Text: | |
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