Correlation between serum vitamin D, prolactin levels, and clinical depression at a tertiary care centre: A cross-sectional study.

Dr. Akanksha; Dr. Vivek Sinha

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1881

Authors

Dr. Akanksha PG Resident, Department of Biochemistry, Narayan medical college, Sasaram
Dr. Vivek Sinha Professor& Head, Department of Biochemistry, Narayan medical college, Sasaram

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1881

Keywords:

Depression, Vitamin D, Prolactin, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Neuroendocrine

Abstract

Background

Depression is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder with complex etiopathogenesis involving neuroendocrine and biochemical factors. Emerging evidence suggests that serum vitamin D deficiency and hyperprolactinemia may play contributory roles in the development and severity of depressive symptoms.

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between serum vitamin D and prolactin levels with the severity of clinical depression in patients attending a tertiary care center.

Methods

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 120 adult patients diagnosed with clinical depression based on DSM-5 criteria. The severity of depression was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] and prolactin levels were measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA). Vitamin D status was classified as deficient (<20 ng/mL), insufficient (20–30 ng/mL), and sufficient (>30 ng/mL). Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and independent t-tests were applied for statistical analysis.

Results

The mean age of participants was 36.4 ± 10.2 years, with 60.8% being female. Mean serum vitamin D and prolactin levels were 17.8 ± 6.9 ng/mL and 24.6 ± 9.1 ng/mL, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency was present in 70% of patients and associated with higher HAM-D scores (22.1 ± 5.4; p < 0.01). A moderate negative correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and HAM-D scores (r = -0.54, p < 0.01), while prolactin levels showed a weak positive correlation with HAM-D scores (r = 0.28, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency and elevated prolactin levels are significantly associated with increased severity of clinical depression. Routine assessment of these biomarkers may aid in the comprehensive evaluation and management of depressive disorders.

Recommendations

Routine screening of serum vitamin D and prolactin levels should be considered in depressive patients to guide individualized treatment strategies and improve overall management of clinical depression.

Author Biographies

Dr. Akanksha, PG Resident, Department of Biochemistry, Narayan medical college, Sasaram

Dr. Akanksha
PG Resident, Department of Biochemistry, NMCH, Sasaram.
She is currently pursuing her postgraduation studies with a research focus on biochemical markers in psychiatric disorders, particularly depression.

Dr. Vivek Sinha, Professor& Head, Department of Biochemistry, Narayan medical college, Sasaram

Dr. Vivek Sinha
Professor & Head, Department of Biochemistry, NMCH, Sasaram.
An experienced academician and researcher, his interests include endocrine and clinical biochemistry, with numerous publications and active mentorship in postgraduate research.

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