Effect of vitamin D replacement on depression in multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Depression is common among MS patients. In patients without MS, lower vitamin D levels were associated with higher depression scores and severity. Supplementation of vitamin D was associated with significant improvement of depressive symptoms. Objective: to evaluate the relation between vitamin D levels and depression scores, and the effect of vitamin D replacement on the depressive symptoms in patients with MS. Methods: The study included 35 patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Neurological, psychiatric, and radiological evaluations were done. Participants received 10,000 IU of cholecalciferol daily for 12 months. Results: Vitamin D level was low at baseline. Depressive symptoms were high at baseline and improved with vitamin D replacement although, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was not improving. Vitamin D levels correlated negatively with depressive symptoms at baseline and follow up periods. Conclusion: Lower vitamin D levels are associated with higher depressive scores, and vitamin D replacement could improve depressive symptoms in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.