Examination of Vitamin D Levels in Patients With Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder: a Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background/Aims: The relationship between vitamin D and schizophrenia has been the focus of studies in the last 20 years. Studies have shown that approximately 65% of schizophrenia patients have vitamin D deficiency. This study aimed to retrospectively investigate the vitamin D levels of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder (SAD) patients receiving inpatient treatment at a tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods: Patients diagnosed with Schizophrenia and SAD who received inpatient treatment at the psychosis service of a tertiary care hospital in the last two years (2021-2023) were included in this study. The data of 230 patients were examined retrospectively from hospital and file records. Results: Among the patients in the study, 47.8% were female with a mean age of 42.3±15.8 years, and 52.2% were male with a mean age of 37.2±14.1 years. Among women, 24.5% had SAD and 75.5% had schizophrenia, among men, 30.8% had SAD and 69.2% had schizophrenia. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 73% of the group, vitamin D insufficiency was found in 17.4%, and normal vitamin D levels were found in 9.6%. No statistically significant relationship was found when vitamin D levels were compared between male and female patient groups (p = 0.068). When vitamin D levels were compared between patient groups diagnosed with schizophrenia and SAD, no statistically significant relationship was found. (p>0.05) Conclusion: Despite advances in the treatment of schizophrenia, these advances are insufficient to reduce the morbidity and mortality of the disease, so prophylactic measures should be explored. Adequate D vitamin supplementation during critical stages of life, including pregnancy, might be a meaningful, simple, safe, and cost-effective intervention. © 2024, Selcuk University. All rights reserved.