cholecalciferol and Psychotic-Disorders

The high impact of vitamin D on brain development and its relationship with inflammatory markers in the clinical course of psychiatric disorders have compelled researchers to investigate the potential association between vitamin D levels, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and the incidence of mental disorders. In the present study, we aimed to compare the serum levels of vitamin D and its related markers, including calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone (PTH), along with CRP, in 3 groups of patients with acute psychotic episodes, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and methamphetamine-induced psychosis, with a standard control group of the Iranian population.. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a psychiatric hospital in Tehran, Iran, and involved a total of 185 subjects. The subjects included four groups: acute phase of schizophrenia (n = 49), acute manic episodes of bipolar disorder (n = 43), methamphetamine-induced psychotic disorder (n = 46), and control group (n = 47). Among 138 patients in acute psychotic episodes, 33 patients were in their first episode of psychosis, while 105 patients were in acute exacerbation of their chronic psychotic disorders. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was measured by an expert attending psychiatrist for all patients. Then, serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, parathormone, vitamin D, and CRP were assessed in all study groups.. Among our 185 study subjects, it was observed that individuals with higher education levels and those who were married had a lower prevalence of mental disorders. In all patient groups, the serum levels of CRP were significantly higher, and PTH levels were significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.001). The serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D were not statistically significantly different between the patient and control groups of the study. In chronic psychotic patients, CRP levels were significantly higher (p < 0.031), and vitamin D levels were significantly lower (p < 0.044) compared to first-episode psychotic patients.. This study suggests that CRP levels are significantly higher and PHT level is significantly lower in acute psychotic patients. Moreover, vitamin D levels were significantly lower in chronic psychotic patients compared to first-episode psychotic patients.

Topics: C-Reactive Protein; Calcium; Cholecalciferol; Chronic Disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Iran; Methamphetamine; Parathyroid Hormone; Phosphorus; Psychotic Disorders; Vitamin D

Previous studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of vitamin D₃ supplementation on weight and glucose and lipid metabolism in antipsychotic-treated patients. A total of 19 schizophrenic or schizoaffective patients (BMI>27 kg/m²) taking atypical antipsychotics were recruited and dispensed a 2000 IU daily dose of vitamin D₃. On comparing baseline with week 8 (study end) results, we found a statistically significant increase in vitamin D₃ and total vitamin D levels but no statistically significant changes in weight, glucose, or lipids measurements. Patients whose vitamin D₃ level at week 8 was 30 ng/ml or more achieved a significantly greater decrease in total cholesterol levels compared with those whose week 8 vitamin D₃ measurement was less than 30 ng/ml. These results suggest that a randomized trial with a longer follow-up period would be helpful in further evaluating the effects of vitamin D₃ on weight, lipid metabolism, and on components of metabolic syndrome in antipsychotic-treated patients.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antipsychotic Agents; Body Mass Index; Cholecalciferol; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Male; Massachusetts; Metabolic Syndrome; Middle Aged; Overweight; Pilot Projects; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychotic Disorders; Risk Factors; Schizophrenia; Vitamin D Deficiency

Two patients with profound hypocalcaemia due to uraemia and hypoparathyroidism respectively presented with alterations of mental state as their dominant symptom. 1-Alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol (1-alpha-OHD3) was chosen as the principal therapy because of its potency and rapid action. In both patients the plasma calcium was restored towards normal and the symptoms relieved within a very short period. The cases illustrate the role of 1-alpha-OHD3 in severe hypocalcaemia due to two different causes and provide experience on which to base treatment regimes for future patients similarly afflicted.

Topics: Calcium; Cholecalciferol; Female; Humans; Hydroxycholecalciferols; Hypocalcemia; Hypoparathyroidism; Middle Aged; Psychotic Disorders; Uremia