Are the biosynthesis, utilisation and catabolism systems of vitamin D, especially the pathways of neural cells' vitamin D response, altered by the pathophysiological condition of major depressive disorder? If so, can antidepressant drugs restore that? (Assume the dietary uptake and ultraviolet exposure are normal.)
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2What makes you think it is? – Graham Chiu Jan 26 '17 at 8:54
As someone who has been diagnosed with severe vitamin D deficiency, I can tell you from my personal experience that low vitamin D levels almost always makes you feel sad and depressed (we are talking about the chronic type). And since the levels take a lot of months to rise to normal, this lower mood levels start to become a part of your life.
The vitamin D receptors are linked to the areas of the brain associated with depression. There have been many studies to prove this is true. A quick google search will point you to many more studies.
Anti-depressant drugs help in most cases, although the doctor should decide more on this. Almost always as the vitamin D level starts to rise, it does take care of this.