Vitamin D Serum levels and Its Correlation with Major Depressive Disorder and Schizophrenia

Abstract

D epression is associated with significant disability, mortality and healthcare costs. However multiple theories, either physiological or biological, have been advanced the underlying pathophysiology of depression which remains unknown and it is probable many different mechanisms are involved. Schizophrenia, along with its chronic course, is a disabling disorder for many patients. Disability often results from both negative symptoms and cognitive symptoms, such as impairments in attention, working memory, or executive function. However, vitamin D is a unique neurosteroid hormone that may have an important role in the development of Major depressive disorder and Schizophrenia. Receptors for vitamin D are present on neurons and glia in many areas of the brain including the cingulate cortex and hippocampus, which have been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression and schizophrenia.