Treatment of a major depression episode suppresses markers of bone turnover in premenopausal women

Treatment of depression did not create any change in laboratory levels of either calcium or phosphorus. Basal iPTH level was significantly decreased with the treatment. Treatment resulted in an increase in serum osteocalcin and decrease in β-CTX levels. HAMD score was significantly correlated with both osteocalcin and β-CTX. The decrease in β-CTX and increase in osteocalcin levels were more prominent in patients with a HAMD score that remained below 15 than above 15 at the end of the study period. In conclusion, this study shows that with the treatment of depression bone formation increases and bone resorption decreases in premenopausal women with major depression.