@article{ref1,
title="An Exploratory Study of Postpartum Depression and Vitamin D",
journal="Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association",
year="2010",
author="Murphy, P. K. and Mueller, M. and Hulsey, T. C. and Ebeling, M. D. and Wagner, C. L.",
volume="16",
number="3",
pages="170-177",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Low levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), a reliable measurement of vitamin D, have been implicated in several mood disorders. To date, studies exploring the relationship between vitamin D and postpartum depression are absent from the literature. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a relationship exists between symptoms associated with postpartum depression and vitamin D levels and to determine if serum 25(OH) D levels can predict the incidence of symptoms associated with postpartum depression. STUDY DESIGN: An exploratory, descriptive study using a convenience sample of 97 postpartum women attending seven monthly visits. Women provided serum 25(OH)D samples and completed the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) at each visit. RESULTS: A significant relationship over time was found between low 25(OH)D levels and high EPDS scores, indicative of postpartum depression. CONCLUSIONS: Future rigorous studies investigating vitamin D and postpartum depression are warranted with larger sample sizes using confirmatory methods to diagnose postpartum depression.<p />",
language="",
issn="1078-3903",
doi="10.1177/1078390310370476",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1078390310370476"
}