Molecular Basis Underlying the Therapeutic Potential of Vitamin D for the Treatment of Depression and Anxiety

Course overview

Course Description: This course is based on material published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences and is available as an open-access article. Major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders are common and disabling conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. Despite being different disorders, symptoms of depression and anxiety frequently overlap in individuals, making them difficult to diagnose and treat adequately. Therefore, compounds capable of exerting beneficial effects against both disorders are of special interest. Noteworthily, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety, and individuals with these psychiatric conditions have low serum levels of this vitamin. Indeed, in the last few years, vitamin D has gained attention for its many functions that go beyond its effects on calcium-phosphorus metabolism. Particularly, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pro-neurogenic, and neuromodulatory properties seem to contribute to its antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. Therefore, in this review, we highlight the main mechanisms that may underlie the potential antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of vitamin D. In addition, we discuss preclinical and clinical studies that support the therapeutic potential of this vitamin for the management of these disorders. This course on the relationship between vitamin D and mood disorders is designed for social workers, professional counselors, psychologists, nurses, and substance abuse counselors who do clinical work. In addition, this course is appropriate for intermediate and advanced-level practitioners who wish to develop their knowledge of the relationship between vitamin D and mood disorders. The course material includes a literature review of research. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require continuing clinical education courses for license renewal. The course is based on a journal article that includes research. It contains statistical analysis and data that some clinicians enjoy reading, and others do not. A significant benefit of reading research-based articles for continuing education is they provide practitioners with the latest findings in their field. Authors: Kouba, Camargo, Gil-Mohapel, Rodrigues Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding the relationship between vitamin D and mood disorders. Specifically, a professional will: Describe neuroinflammation and its role as a pathophysiological mechanism related to mood disorders. Identify metabolic and biological functions of vitamin D. Recognize effects of vitamin D in models of depression and anxiety. Citation: Kouba, B. R., Camargo, A., Gil-Mohapel, J., & Rodrigues, A. L. S. (2022). Molecular Basis Underlying the Therapeutic Potential of Vitamin D for the Treatment of Depression and Anxiety. International journal of molecular sciences, 23(13), 7077. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23137077