Psychiatric In-Patients 'Vulnerable To Vitamin D Deficiency' - Royal College Of Psychiatrists

Main Category: Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 01 Oct 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Psychiatric in-patients are extremely vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency, according to a study published in the October issue of the Psychiatric Bulletin.

Such deficiency could be putting them at risk of serious health problems, including osteoporosis and muscle pain or weakness. There is also evidence to suggest it could increase their risk of developing other conditions including some types of cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease.

Now researchers are calling for all psychiatric in-patients to be routinely screened for vitamin D deficiency.

The small-scale study, involving 17 male patients in a low secure psychiatric service, was carried out by researchers from St Bernard's Hospital in Middlesex.

Blood tests revealed that none of the patients had vitamin D sufficiency. Two individuals had borderline deficiency and the other 15 had a deficiency. Seven of the patients had such low vitamin D levels that they were actually below the level for which the test can provide an accurate result.

Of the 17 in-patients in the study, 10 were African or African-Caribbean, two were of mixed ethnicity, one was Vietnamese and four were White European. Deficiency was most strongly associated with Black and minority ethnic background, with all of these patients having deficiency. Of the four White European in-patients, two had deficiency and two had borderline deficiency.

Twelve of the patients received calcium and ergocalciferol tables to treat their deficiency, and improvements were noted in all but one.

The researchers observe that psychiatric in-patients may be particularly vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency because of a lack of expose to sunlight, poor dietary habits, poor physical health, the use of certain drugs, and an overrepresentation of ethnic groups known to be at greater risk.

Based on the study's findings, they believe all psychiatric in-patients should be routinely monitored for vitamin D deficiency. Greater attention should also be given adequate exposure to sunlight and attention to diet to ensure that they receive their recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals.

Reference:

Vitamin D deficiency in psychiatric in-patients and treatment with daily supplements on calcium and ergocalciferol
Tiangga E, Gowda A and Dent JA (2008)
Psychiatric Bulletin, 32: 390-393

The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional and educational body for psychiatrists in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. We promote mental health by:

- Setting standards and promoting excellence in mental health care
- Improving understanding through research and education
- Leading, representing, training and supporting psychiatrists
- Working with patients, carers and their organisations

As well as running its membership examination (MRCPsych), and visiting and approving hospitals for training purposes, the College organises scientific and clinical conferences and lectures and continuing professional development activities. The College publishes books, reports and educational material for professionals and the general public. It also publishes the British Journal of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Bulletin, Advances in Psychiatric Treatment and International Psychiatry, all of which are now available on-line.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has been in existence in some form since 1841. First as the "Association of Medical Officers of Asylums and Hospitals for the Insane" (later changed to the Medico Psychological Association) then, in 1926 receiving its Royal Charter to become the "Royal Medico Psychological Association, and finally, in 1971 receiving a Supplemental Charter to become the "Royal College of Psychiatrists" we know today.

Royal College of Psychiatrists