Psychosis and Vitamins?
About Kelly Brogan
KELLY BROGAN, MD, is a holistic psychiatrist, author of the New York Times Bestselling book, A Mind of Your Own, Own Your Self, the children’s book, A Time For Rain, and co-editor of the landmark textbook Integrative Therapies for Depression.
Several studies have indicated a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and schizophrenia, but a recent study is the first to identify deficiency at the onset (first episode), controlling for previous theories of days spent inpatient, away from the sun, resulting in long-term deficiency.
- 69 adult inpatients and 69 healthy controls were assessed and those with psychosis were found to be 3x more likely to have vitamin D deficiency (below 25 nmol/L).
- No significant seasonal trends were observed.
Because vitamin D is an acute phase reactant, it plays a role in inflammatory response. Interference from infection, pesticides, and low cholesterol may lower vitamin D availability. Strategic supplementation is important, but resolution of underlying inflammation is the goal. I would love to see these patients treated, first, in a controlled environment devoid of pollutants, with clean air and water, and an anti-inflammatory diet.Read the study yourself to learn more about the link between vitamin D deficiency and schizophrenia.
