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December 12 2014

Friday Factoid: Vitamin D Has a Mental Health Connection

Author Susan Vaught Categories Blog, Continuing Education, Current Interns, Friday Factoids, General Information, Mental Health and Wellness, Resources for Interns 0 Comments

 

An article from U.S. News & World Report wrote about the importance of vitamin D and how our lives could depend on it! The article noted that some studies suggest that half of the world’s population has a vitamin D

deficiency. They went on to discuss the conditions to which vitamin D deficiency can lead including cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, brittle bones, the common cold, and depression. A study released in August noted a link between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, a study published this week even found a link between low levels of vitamins D and risk of early death. The article quoted John Cannell, found of the Vitamin D Council who stated, “Thirty-seven different tissues in the human body utilize vitamin D and need it for adequate functioning.”

How can you get enough vitamin D?

 

1.     The sun! Although the article stated that production of vitamin D from the sun

 

decreases with age and those individuals with darker skin need more sun exposure for sufficient levels of vitamin D. Furthermore, sunscreen decreases the production of vitamin D (Sunscreen is very important! There are other ways to get vitamin D. Read on!)

 

2.     Some foods: egg (especially egg yolks), fatty fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel, and tuna), fo

 

rtified cow’s milk, fortified cereals and bread products.

 

3.     Supplements. According to the article, 800 international units of vitamin D per day is typically advised. It is possible to take in too much vitamin D, so do your research!

 

 

 

Woodham, C. (November 20, 2014). Are you getting enough vitamin D? U.S. News & World Report Health.

 

Brittany Best,
WKPIC Intern

 

 

September 09 2014

Friday Factoids: Blood Test for Depression?

Author Susan Vaught Categories Blog, Continuing Education, Current Interns, Friday Factoids, Mental Health and Wellness, Resources for Interns 0 Comments

 

Results yielded from a new study from the Northwestern University indicate that researchers may be able to discern if adults have depression simply from blood tests. This may be groundbreaking news in the world of psychology, as it would be the first objective method that can screen for depression.

 

The study, led by Dr. Eva Redei, states that approximately 7 % of the population in the United States experiences depression; however, depression can often take many months–or in some cases, even years–to discover, diagnose, and treat. This can be problematic for both the individual experiencing depression, as well as their family and friends, as the longer the delay, the more difficult it can be to treat the depression.

 

The research team used a sample size of 64 adults (ages 21-79); 32 were diagnosed with depression, and 32 were not. The test worked by measuring the blood concentration of nine genetic indicators, referred to as “RNA markers.” RNA molecules in a cell are what interpret its genetic code. It then can execute the instructions from the DNA. In this study, RNA is isolated from the blood and measured. There are differences when comparing RNA levels between the depressed and non-depressed population. The test purportedly is 72-80 % effective, which the researchers state is similar to the effectiveness rates for the standard diagnostic clinical interviews.

 

Further testing is required in order to conclusively determine if this study will be able to maintain its reliability, but it appears to be an extremely valid start. It is amazing to think how technological advancements may benefit the world of psychology in the future.

 

 

Haelle, T. (2014, September).  Blood Test Spots Adult Depression: Study. HealthDay. Retrieved from http://health.usnews.com/healthnews/articles/2014/09/16/blood-test-spots-adult-depression-study

 

Faisal Roberts, MA
WKPIC Doctoral Intern

 

 

July 07 2014

Friday Factoids: Link Between Vitamin D and and Psychosis?

Author Susan Vaught Categories Blog, Continuing Education, Current Interns, Friday Factoids, Mental Health and Wellness, Resources for Interns 0 Comments

 

One may have thought that vitamin D was only associated with bone density, skin conditions, sunlight exposure, or cardiovascular functioning. While it is commonly known throughout the medical and psychological community that vitamin D is linked to brain development and functioning, recent studies suggest that a deficiency in vitamin D may correlate to brain dysfunction and the onset of psychosis, including major depression and schizophrenia.

 

As cited by Brauser (2013), researchers conducting a study in the United Kingdom determined that patients at an in-patient psychiatric facility who presented with first-episodes of psychosis (FEC) had very low levels of vitamin D, and surprisingly were three times more likely to be completely deficient in vitamin D than their healthy same-aged peers. Vitamin D is unlike many other vitamins. It is also a steroid hormone that releases neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.  According to Greenblatt (2011), researchers found vitamin D receptors on cells in the region of the brain associated with depression. Greenblatt further stated that numerous research studies determined that low levels of vitamin D3 have been linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder; affecting serotonin levels in the brain.

 

While research studies do show a link between vitamin D deficiency and depression, it is unclear whether the relationship is causal. Brauser quoted Dr. John Lally, a clinical research fellow at United Kingdom National Psychosis Unit, stating: “we are not sure whether vitamin D deficiency is part of the psychosis itself or the result of lifestyle choices.”  Dr. Lally further said that extended periods of hospitalization and the use of anticonvulsants may also cause a deficiency in vitamin D. Interestingly, further examination is needed to determine the causal relationship between vitamin D and the early onset of psychosis. Perhaps the takeaway for clinicians is to consider vitamin D levels in their patients and its impact on their mental health.

 

References:

Brauser, D. (2013).  Vitamin D deficiency linked to onset of psychosis. Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/813637

 

Greenblatt, J. M. (2011).  Psychological consequences of Vitamin D deficiency.  Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-breakthrough-depression-solution/201111/psychological-consequences-vitamin-d-deficiency

 

David J. Wright, MA., MSW
WKPIC Doctoral Intern

 

 

 

 

 

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