Vitamin D level and depression in psychogeriatric patients

Introduction Depression is a common psychiatric disorder among elderly people that decreases the quality of life and increases morbidity and mortality. The present study was conducted to evaluate the association between depressive syndromes and vitamin D level.

Methods 140 patients of a psychogeriatric day-care unit were included. GDS- and HDRS-Scores were assessed at the beginning and end of treatment. Vitamin D levels were measured at the beginning of treatment.

Results There was no association between the severity of depression and the level of vitamin D at the beginning of the treatment. Patients with a higher level of vitamin D, however showed a stronger decline of depressive symptoms measured by the GDS.

Conclusion According to the findings of this study there is no association between vitamin D-level and severity of depression. Nevertheless, Further investigation is needed to evaluate the neurophysiological association between vitamin D level and depressive symptoms.