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Background: Exciting left DLPFC activity with high frequency and inhibiting right DLPFC with low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown antidepressant effects in major depressive disorder (MDD) and executive functions. However, few studies have directly compared unilateral and bilateral protocols. Methods: Forty-seven individuals with treatment-resistant MDD underwent 10 sessions of rTMS over left DLPFC (20 Hz), bilateral DLPFC (left 20 Hz, right 1 Hz), or sham stimulation. Outcomes were depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II), visual-spatialmemory (Corsi Block Test), response inhibition (Go/No-Go task), and cognitive flexibility (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test) assessed before and after treatment. Results: Both unilateral and bilateral rTMS significantly reduced depression levels versus sham controls based on BDI-II scores. While bilateral stimulation did not improve Corsi Test performance, unilateral protocol enhanced visual-spatial memory. On the Go/No-Go task, accuracy was higher in both active stimulation groups compared to sham, with no response time differences. Neither unilateral nor bilateral rTMS had significant effects on cognitive flexibility per the WCST. Conclusions: Despite comparable antidepressant effects, unilateral stimulation had some cognitive advantages over bilateral rTMS, potentially due to greater left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex excitation. Further research on parameter optimization is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the associations between retrospective reports of body image victimization (i.e. body shaming) perpetrated by peers and by parents during childhood or adolescence, and food and alcohol disturbance (FAD) in young adulthood, considering the possible mediating role of psychological distress (i.e. subthreshold symptoms of anxiety and depression). Methods: The study involved 1624 young adults aged between 18 and 30 (69% women), who completed an online survey. Results: Our findings revealed that participants who reported more frequent body image victimization episodes during childhood and adolescence exhibited higher levels of psychological distress and, in turn, higher scores of FAD in young adulthood. Conclusions: This result represents a novel contribution to understanding the psychological correlates of FAD in youths. Limitations and implications are discussed. Level of evidence Level V, descriptive study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tinnitus is a common phenomenon with an estimated prevalence of 14.4% in the adult population. The experienced severity of tinnitus varies significantly among this population. Psychological factors have been identified as major contributors to this perceived severity, and numerous studies have demonstrated a correlation between symptoms of depression and tinnitus severity. However, the assessment of tinnitus severity and depressive symptoms often relies on self-report questionnaires, which show content overlap. This can pose challenges in distinguishing both conditions and interpreting their relationship. To address these challenges, the proposed study aims to examine the overlap between tinnitus and depressive symptom questionnaires by analyzing their content based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Methods and analysis: Six validated, multi-item, self-report questionnaires measuring perceived tinnitus severity (THI, TQ, mTQ, THQ, TRQ, TFI) and seven validated, multi-item, self-report, depressive symptom questionnaires (BDI-II, HADS-D, SDS, PHQ-9, CES-D, SCL-90-R depression subscale, DASS-42 depression subscale) will be included in the content analysis. The content of all items of these questionnaires will be linked to ICF categories and item overlap between the tinnitus and depressive symptom questionnaires will be analyzed. Discussion: By exploring the overlap between depression and tinnitus questionnaires, this study seeks to gain a better understanding of the relationship between tinnitus and depression, by distinguishing between shared content and independent constructs of symptom scores and shedding light on the factors influencing their measured severity. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval is not required for this study, due to the characteristics of the study design. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed open access publication and scientific conferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Presbycusis is known to accelerate mental decline processes and to cause secondary consequences such as social isolation and depression when not intervened. The association of presbycusis and presbyvestibulopathy disorders is likely. These changes in vestibular functions are closely related to cognitive functions. This study investigated the effect of hearing loss on cognitive and vestibular functions in a geriatric population. Methods: This study was conducted with 200 participants over the age of 65. The study was conducted with three groups: individuals with normal hearing, moderate sensorineural hearing loss, and severe sensorineural hearing loss. The relationship between the participants' responses to the Cognitive Vestibular Function Scale and their hearing levels was examined. Results: Of the individuals with hearing loss in the study group, 55 had moderate SNHL, and 45 had severe SNHL. The age range of the participants was 65 to 91 years (71.06 ± 4.92). When the control (Group N) and study groups (Group M and Group S) were compared according to CVFS and subscale scores, they were found to be statistically different (p < 0.05). In pairwise comparisons, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was found in all pairwise combinations except Group N and Group M (p = 0.109) for the VSM subscale. Conclusions: It was concluded that having a healthy hearing is the most influential factor for maintaining cognitive vestibular functions in the geriatric population. It was found that the degree of hearing loss primarily affects cognitive vestibular functions and that cognitive vestibular functions deteriorate more as hearing loss increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mental disorders are common and still growing problem around the globe. Significantly decreasing quality of life, they are often source of true suffering for patients and their families leading to further health issues or even dramatic outcomes resulting in death. As public awareness rises, more and more people understand risks and tend to look for help as fast as possible. Currently available treatment methods are not always efficient enough to deal with more complex cases. Therefore it is important to look for new therapy options incrementing chances of fast and successful treatment. Results: Studies showed that psilocybin is not only able to lower depression and anxiety scores in patients with major depressive disorders or with serious life-threatening conditions but also proved this effect to be long-lasting. At the same time, no or little adverse side effects were noticed. Conclusions: Psilocybin is potentially a good method for depression treatment in some groups of patients. It should be considered if other, better known therapies show little or no effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with high body mass index (BMI) are at heightened risk of developing health issues in adulthood, yet the causality between childhood BMI and adult psychiatric disorders remains unclear. Using a life course Mendelian randomization (MR) framework, we investigated the causal effects of childhood and adulthood BMI on adult psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and schizophrenia, using data from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium and FinnGen study. Childhood BMI was significantly associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia, while adulthood BMI was associated with a decreased risk of OCD and schizophrenia. Multivariable MR analyses indicated a direct causal effect of childhood BMI on schizophrenia, independent of adulthood BMI and lifestyle factors. No evidence of causal associations was found between childhood BMI and other psychiatric outcomes. The sensitivity analyses yielded broadly consistent findings. These findings highlight the critical importance of early-life interventions to mitigate the long-term consequences of childhood adiposity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractSexual minority men (SMM), and bisexual men in particular, show elevated risks of depressive symptoms relative to heterosexual men. A breadth of research shows that internalized heterosexism, a primary minority stressor, partially explains the disproportionately high levels of depressive symptoms among SMM. However, it is less clear which factors buffer this relationship. The present study investigated whether hope and its subfactors, agency and pathways, moderated the relationship between internalized heterosexism and depressive symptoms, and whether this was contingent on sexual orientation (gay versus bisexual). An international sample of 412 mostly cisgender gay (59.7%) and bisexual men (40.3%) aged 18–81 years (M = 37.32 years, SD = 14.26) completed the Revised Internalized Homophobia Scale, the Adult Dispositional Hope Scale, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Results indicated that internalized heterosexism, hope, agency, and pathways were independently associated with depressive symptoms. Hope, agency, and pathways did not moderate the internalized heterosexism-depressive symptoms relationship, nor were these moderation relationships conditional on sexual orientation. Findings substantiate previous research suggesting that internalized heterosexism is a risk factor for depressive symptoms and hope, agency, and pathways are protective factors. Clinicians working with SMM should consider integrating strategies to mitigate internalized heterosexism and cultivate hope, and scholars should aim to expand research focused on the role of hope in influencing SMM’s mental health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The number of chronic diseases has been associated with changes in depressive symptoms over time among middle-aged and older adults. This study aimed to explore the association between the number of chronic diseases and trajectories of depressive symptoms and the role of age in this association. Methods: A total of 12,974 middle-aged and older Chinese adults (≥ 45 years) participated in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in waves 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2020. The number of chronic diseases was determined by self-reported hospital diagnosis of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, cancer, chronic lung diseases, liver disease, heart diseases, stroke, kidney diseases, digestive diseases, emotional, nervous, or psychiatric problems, memory-related disease, arthritis or rheumatism, asthma, and then obtaining the total number of chronic diseases. Depressive symptoms were measured by the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10). Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was adopted to capture the trajectories of depressive symptoms over time. Multinomial logistic regressions were conducted to examine the association between the number of chronic diseases and trajectories of depressive symptoms and the role of age in this association. Results: Four distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms were observed in 34.68% individuals in mild, 40.76% in moderate, 19.41% in increasing, and 5.15% in severe group. Compared to participants without chronic diseases, those with one, two, three or more chronic diseases had a 1.81, 3, and 7.49-fold higher risk of developing severe depressive symptom trajectory, respectively. Moreover, the association between the number of chronic diseases and severe depressive symptoms trajectory differed by age (45–59 and ≥ 60 years) (P for interaction < 0.05). Conclusion: Participants with middle age may play a promoting role in the association between the number of chronic disease and severe depressive symptoms. The severe depressive symptoms intervention may be more beneficial for middle-aged adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social isolation and loneliness can co-occur; however, they are distinct concepts. There is discrepancy as some people feel lonely in social isolation, while others do not. This study sought to enhance our understanding of this discrepancy between social isolation and loneliness by investigating its related factors, with a specific focus on mental status and personality traits. Methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional study design and utilized data from the 2016 and 2018 waves of the University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study. The participants were community dwellers aged 50 years and older. The outcome measurement was defined as the discrepancy between social isolation, based on six criteria, and loneliness, assessed using the three-item version of the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale. Multinomial logistic regression models were conducted to examine the factors associated with the discrepancy. Results: Participants with fewer depressive symptoms and higher extraversion were associated with the only social isolation group and the only loneliness group rather than the group consisting of those who felt lonely with social isolation. In addition, lower neuroticism was associated with the only social isolation group. Participants with fewer depressive symptoms, lower neuroticism, and higher extraversion were more likely not to feel lonely even with social isolation, compared to feeling lonely even in the absence of isolation. Conclusions: Mental status and personality traits may be closely related to the discrepancy between social isolation and loneliness. This study suggests that incorporating social, mental, and psychological factors may be essential for interventions in social isolation and loneliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has disrupted lives worldwide, affecting individuals from all walks of life. Individuals who have a spinal cord injury (SCI) are also affected by this phenomenon. This survey compares the quality of life (QOL), depression, and anxiety of SCI patients before and during COVID-19 in Wuhan City, China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey utilized an online questionnaire to assess the QOL, levels of anxiety, and depression among 189 SCI patients admitted to Wuhan Tongji Hospital during pandemic from November 2020 to April 2021. Data before COVID-19 outbreak from November to December 2019 was retrieved from hospital records with the same assessment previously performed in-person or during a follow up visit. However, some participants were excluded for various reasons, such as declining to participate, not being admitted to a rehabilitation program due to the pandemic, or being under 18 years old. The World Health Organization's (WHO) QOL-Brief Version (BREF) and disability (DIS) modules, which focus on disability-related QOL, were used to assess the participants' QOL. Results: SCI patients had lower QOL scores during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic times. Mean scores on the 12-item DIS module significantly differed before and during the COVID-19 period. Participants showed higher adherence to self-isolation and quarantine measures for high-risk encounters (64.94%), but lower compliance with home disinfection and proper rest practices (23.38%). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental effect on the QOL of SCI patients in China, highlighting the urgent requirement for telehealth-based rehabilitation to mitigate its impact. It is crucial to provide essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objective Methods Results Conclusion The “interictal burden of migraine” (MIB) is a new concept that encompasses the overall impact of the disease between migraine episodes. However, the factors that contribute to this interictal burden are still unclear.This study aimed to identify explanatory factors of interictal burden in patients with migraine.This prospective cross‐sectional observational including 200 patients with migraine (92% [n = 184] female, with a mean [standard deviation] age of 44.8 [12] years, 53% [n = 106] with chronic migraine) completed a clinical and questionnaire assessment targeting MIB, migraine impact, and depressive and cognitive complaints.More than three‐fourths (76% [n = 152]) of patients had moderate‐to‐severe interictal burden. Higher interictal burden (MIB Scale ≥2) was associated with higher headache frequency (eight vs. 14, p = 0.001) and intensity (headache index score 17.0 vs. 30.0, p = 0.002), higher headache impact (six‐item Headache Impact Test score 59.2 vs. 63.9, p = 0.001), and more subjective memory complaints (Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire [SMC] score 9.0 vs. 4.5, p = 0.001), as well as anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)‐Anxiety score 5 vs. 10, p < 0.001) and depression symptoms (HADS‐Depression score 5 vs. 8, p < 0.001). Once accounted for these potential explanatory variables, subjective memory complaints and impact of headache during ictal phase remained as individual determinants of the interictal burden, with SMC explaining 15% (odds ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.28; p = 0.010) of the interictal burden.This finding highlights the need to consider cognitive complaints as part of the construct of interictal burden of these patients to refine the focus of their management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusionsTo assess the effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention program (PIP) compared to standard attention in reducing caregiver burden after the intervention (at 4 months) and at follow-up (at 8 months).A multicenter, evaluator-blind, randomized controlled trial. The experimental group received a PIP intervention consisting of 10 weekly group sessions, while the control group received standard attention. The primary outcome was measured as the change scores from baseline on the caregiver’s burden (ZBI). The secondary outcomes evaluated included caregiver mental health (GHQ-28), anxiety (STAI), and depression (CES-D). Trial registration: ISRCTN16513116.The sample comprised 76 informal caregivers (41 allocated in the intervention condition and 35 in the control). The caregiver’s burden (ZBI) did not show significant differences between groups at 4 months or 8 months. There were favorable and significant changes in the caregiver’s mental health (GHQ) and depression (CES-D) at 4 months in the PIP group. There were no significant differences between groups in anxiety during the trial.The PIP intervention group reported positive effects on general mental health and depression after the intervention but not at follow-up. We need more studies which interventions follow expert recommendations and can sustain positive results over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living with episodes of mania and depression is recognised to instil profound instability in people diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but little is known about how these mood changes arise through a person’s trajectory over time. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the experience of mood change within and between bipolar disorder episodes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three women at two time points and were analysed using longitudinal interpretative phenomenological analysis to form idiographic trajectories. Three longitudinal themes illustrated the changing experiences of participants during periods of depression, euthymia (stability) and mania: (i) Extreme changes in activity and agency, (ii) Changes in feelings and connectivity, (iii) Shifting sense of the future disrupts momentum. The findings highlighted trajectories of change in key areas of the participants’ lives including activity levels, routine and agency, intensity of feelings and connectivity, and their sense of the future and progression. Changes experienced during episodes were cumulative, impacting participants’ ability to reconnect, take control and move forward during euthymia. The clinical value of mapping a client’s sense of change across BD phases is indicated, along with the need to build agency, progression and connectivity during euthymic periods. Suggestions for research and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CD: cluster of differentiation; Th: T helper; Treg: T regulatory; MDD: major depressive disorder; HC: healthy controls; DSM: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; ICD: International Classification of Diseases. [Display omitted] • This meta -analysis aims to assess the alterations of peripheral CD4+ Th cells in MDD. • MDD patients may exhibit higher levels of CD4+ Th cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratio. • MDD patients may exhibit lower levels of Th1, Th2 and Treg cells. Previous research has shown that patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) develop immune dysfunction. However, the exact alterations of cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ T helper (Th) lymphocytes in MDD remains unclear. This meta -analysis aimed to examine the specific changes in CD4+ Th cells. A comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases was conducted to identify studies investigating CD4+ Th, Th1, Th2, Th17, and T regulatory (Treg) cell counts in the peripheral blood of MDD patients and healthy controls (HCs), covering the period up to June 22, 2024. Our findings revealed that patients with MDD might exhibit higher CD4+ Th cells (SMD=0.26, 95 %CI, 0.02 to 0.50), CD4+/CD8+ cell ratios (SMD=0.51, 95 %CI, 0.14 to 0.89), Th1/Th2 cell ratios (SMD=0.15, 95 %CI, 0.01 to 0.30) and lower Th1 (SMD=-0.17, 95 %CI, -0.30 to -0.03), Th2 (SMD=-0.25, 95 %CI, -0.40 to -0.11), and Treg cells (SMD=-0.69, 95 %CI, -1.27 to -0.11). However, no significant difference was observed in terms of Th17 cells and Th17/Treg cell ratios between MDD patients and the HCs. Heterogeneity was large (I2:18.1–95.2 %), and possible sources of heterogeneity were explored (e.g., age, depression scale, country, and antidepressant use). Our findings indicate that peripheral CD4+ T cells in depressed patients exhibit features of adaptive immune dysfunction, as evidenced by increased CD4+ Th cells and CD4+/CD8+ and decreased Treg cells. These findings offer insights into the underlying mechanism of MDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to adolescence is a critical period for mental health development. Socio-experiential environments play an important role in the emergence of depressive symptoms with some adolescents showing more sensitivity to social contexts than others. Drawing on recent developmental neuroscience advances, we examined whether hippocampal volume amplifies social context effects in the transition to adolescence. We analyzed 2-y longitudinal data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD®) study in a diverse sample of 11,832 youth (mean age: 9.914 y; range: 8.917 to 11.083 y; 47.8% girls) from 21 sites across the United States. Socio-experiential environments (i.e., family conflict, primary caregiver's depressive symptoms, parental warmth, peer victimization, and prosocial school environment), hippocampal volume, and a wide range of demographic characteristics were measured at baseline. Youth's symptoms of major depressive disorder were assessed at both baseline and 2 y later. Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression analyses showed that negative social environments (i.e., family conflict, primary caregiver's depressive symptoms, and peer victimization) and the absence of positive social environments (i.e., parental warmth and prosocial school environment) predicted greater increases in youth's depressive symptoms over 2 y. Importantly, left hippocampal volume amplified social context effects such that youth with larger left hippocampal volume experienced greater increases in depressive symptoms in more negative and less positive social environments. Consistent with brain-environment interaction models of mental health, these findings underscore the importance of families, peers, and schools in the development of depression during the transition to adolescence and show how neural structure amplifies social context sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psilocybin, a major indole alkaloid found in magic mushrooms (Psilocybe cubensis), has recently drawn attention as a breakthrough therapy to treat major depressive disorder. This review aimed to summarize and identify knowledge gaps concerning their pharmacokinetic characteristics of psilocybin and its active metabolite, psilocin. Original studies related to pharmacokinetics of psilocybin conducted in vitro, animals, and humans were systematically collected from PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, from their inceptions to November 2023. Twenty articles were included in this work and assessed for study quality. A comprehensive review of the pharmacokinetics of psilocybin and psilocin in both animals and humans was performed. Psilocybin is considered a prodrug that is dephosphorylated to psilocin by alkaline phosphatase. Following ingestion, the peak psilocin plasma and brain levels were rapidly achieved in a dose-dependent manner. Psilocin is metabolized primarily through both Phase I and Phase II processes with the half-life of 2–3 hours. This review also identified lack of some pharmacokinetic related information and limitations of available research that may help direct future investigations to better understand the pharmacokinetics and improve study design including dose selection and dosage optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a large body of research exploring the influence of adolescent bullying victimization on a range of outcomes such as gun possession, scholars know less about the factors driving these relationships. Grounded in Agnew’s general strain theory, this study investigated whether the influence of bullying victimization on gun carrying behaviors operates indirectly through depressive symptoms. To answer this question, this study used data collected from a statewide representative sample of 9,819 middle and high school students who participated in the 2019 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey. Net of other potential confounding influences including race, age, sex, and level of parental education, results from the analyses indicate bullying victimization increased the odds that a respondent carries a gun. When a measure of depressive symptoms was added to the model, however, the bullying victimization variable dropped to non-significance, thus suggesting bullying victimization increased one’s depressive symptoms, which, in turn, increased the odds a respondent carried a gun. Furthermore, results from a Karlson – Holm – Breen (KHB) decomposition analysis revealed this indirect effect was statistically significant. The results from this study provide parents, teachers, and policymakers with information to help address issues associated with bullying and gun carrying behaviors among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: OnabotulinumtoxinA (OnaA) injection in glabella area appears to be a promising treatment for major depression. However, one major concern of placebo‐controlled studies on botulinum toxin injections is to ensure adequate blinding. Patients and Methods: In this context, all subjects of this trial received the active product (OnaA). After randomization, 58 patients with resistant major depressive disorder (MDD) received OnaA either in the glabella area (N = 29) or in the crow's feet area (N = 29). Subjects were blinded to the supposedly effective area against resistant depression and the examiner was not aware of the injected area. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of responders (50% or greater decrease in MADRS [Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale] score from baseline) in glabella group versus crow's feet group at week 6 after the OnaA injection. Results: The number of responders was significantly higher in the glabella group than in the crow's feet group with 13 responders out of 29 patients (44.8%) in the glabella group and five out of 28 patients (17.9%) in the crow's feet group (p = 0.029). The rate of psychomotor agitation as measured by item 9 of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D), associated with a shorter span of psychiatric disorder, was a potent positive predictive factor of positive response to treatment. Conclusion: We conclude that OnaA injected in the glabella muscles is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for MDD. We suggest that patients with a high score at item 9 of the HAM‐D might be a subgroup of best responders. We assume that OnaA may act as a modulator of the activity of the primary sensorimotor cortex and then of the amygdala. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03484754 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poststroke aphasia hinders patients' emotional processing and social adaptation. This study estimated the risks of depression and related symptoms in patients developing or not developing aphasia after various types of stroke. Using data from the US Collaborative Network within the TriNetX Diamond Network, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults experiencing their first stroke between 2013 and 2022. Diagnoses were confirmed using corresponding International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Patients were stratified by poststroke aphasia status and stroke type, with propensity score matching performed to control for confounders. The primary outcome was depression within one year post-stroke; secondary outcomes included anxiety, fatigue, agitation, emotional impact, and insomnia. Each matched group comprised 12,333 patients. The risk of depression was significantly higher in patients with poststroke aphasia (hazard ratio: 1.728; 95% CI 1.464–2.038; p < 0.001), especially those with post-hemorrhagic-stroke aphasia (hazard ratio: 2.321; 95% CI 1.814–2.970; p < 0.001). Patients with poststroke aphasia also had higher risks of fatigue, agitation, and emotional impact. Anxiety and insomnia risks were higher in those with post-hemorrhagic-stroke aphasia. Poststroke aphasia, particularly post-hemorrhagic-stroke aphasia, may increase the risks of depression and associated symptoms, indicating the need for comprehensive psychiatric assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic health professionals were facing mental health challenges. The aim of this study was to examine the mental health of doctors, nurses and other professional groups in Europe and to identify differences between the professional groups. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in 8 European countries. We asked for demographic data, whether the participants were exposed to COVID-19 at work, for main information sources about the pandemic, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), and major stressors. A MANCOVA was carried out to find predictors of mental health among health care professionals. The sample (N = 1398) consisted of 237 physicians, 459 nurses, and 351 other healthcare professionals and 351 non-medical professionals with no direct involvement in patient care. The mean mental health of all groups was affected to a mild degree. Major predictors for depression and anxiety were the profession group with higher scores especially in the group of the nurses and working directly with COVID-patients. In the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the psychological burden on health professionals has remained high, with being nurse and working directly with COVID19 patients being particular risk factors for mental distress. We found as a main result that nurses scored significantly higher on depression and anxiety than practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite efforts to promote guideline use, guideline adoption is often suboptimal due to failure to identify and address relevant barriers. Barriers vary not only between guidelines but also between settings, intended users, and targeted patients. Multi-professional guidelines are often used in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), making the implementation process more difficult. Despite this, there is a lack of knowledge about which barriers to consider or if barriers vary by profession. The aim of this study was to address these gaps by examining barriers to adopting a multi-professional depression guideline in the context of a nationwide implementation study. Methods: 440 CAMHS clinicians across Sweden (52%) completed the Barriers and Facilitators Assessment Instrument (BFAI) ahead of an implementation endeavour. BFAI is a widely used and validated measure of guideline implementation on four scales: Innovation, Provider, Context, and Patient. Barriers were calculated at scale and at item levels. ANOVA and chi-square tests were used to analyse differences by profession and effect sizes were calculated. Results: Overall, clinicians were optimistic about guideline uptake, particularly about guideline characteristics and their own adoption ability. Barriers were related to the patient and the context domains, as well as to individual clinician knowledge and training. Perceptions differed across professions; psychiatrists were most, and counsellors were least positive about guideline embeddedness. Conclusion: This large-scale quantitative study suggests that CAMHS clinicians have an overall favourable attitude towards guideline adoption but highlights the need for adaptations to certain patient groups. Strategies to improve guideline use should primarily address these patient issues while securing proper support to the implementation. Implementation efforts, particularly those targeting staff knowledge, training, and involvement, may benefit from being tailored to different professional needs. These findings may inform implementation projects in CAMHS and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions hold promise in assisting older adults to meet physical activity (PA) guidelines. Yet, little is known about how older adults perceive using smartphones to enhance their PA. This study explored older adults' experiences with the "My Health Plan" mHealth intervention and examined which person‐level factors were associated with adherence. Methods. Forty older adults (52.5% female, mean age: 72.6 years) were instructed to use the My Health Plan application, which provided up to six stretch‐ and strengthening exercises per day and to wear a Fitbit Charge activity monitor for seven consecutive days. Person‐level factors (e.g., gender and age) and psychosocial factors (e.g., intention and motivation) were assessed using a questionnaire. Afterwards, semistructured interviews were conducted to gather participants' experiences with the application and Fitbit. Deductive thematic analysis (qualitative data) and regression analyses (quantitative data) were conducted. Results. Key themes emerging from the interviews were (1) smartphone notifications (including timing and number) and carrying the smartphone throughout the day, (2) suggested stretch‐ and strengthening exercises, (3) providing feedback, (4) experiences with Fitbit, and (5) overall suggestions for improving the application and mHealth interventions. Overall, participants reported positive experiences with the application and Fitbit. Being male, having higher baseline PA, lower anxiety, and greater ability to participate in social roles and activities were related to increased engagement with the proposed exercises. Conclusions. This study provides valuable insights to optimize future mHealth interventions tailored to older adults' specific needs, aligning with their perceptions of the digital transformation in health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Germany is the second most common country of immigration after the US. However, people with own or familial history of migration are not represented proportionately to the population within public health monitoring and reporting. To bridge this data gap and enable differentiated analyses on migration and health, we conducted the health interview survey GEDA Fokus among adults with Croatian, Italian, Polish, Syrian, or Turkish citizenship living throughout Germany. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effects of recruitment efforts regarding participation and sample composition. Methods: Data collection for this cross-sectional and multilingual survey took place between 11/2021 and 5/2022 utilizing a sequential mixed-mode design, including self-administered web- and paper-based questionnaires as well as face-to-face and telephone interviews. The gross sample (n = 33436; age range 18–79 years) was randomly drawn from the residents' registers in 120 primary sampling units based on citizenship. Outcome rates according to the American Association for Public Opinion Research, the sample composition throughout the multistage recruitment process, utilization of survey modes, and questionnaire languages are presented. Results: Overall, 6038 persons participated, which corresponded to a response rate of 18.4% (range: 13.8% for Turkish citizenship to 23.9% for Syrian citizenship). Home visits accounted for the largest single increase in response. During recruitment, more female, older, as well as participants with lower levels of education and income took part in the survey. People with physical health problems and less favourable health behaviour more often took part in the survey at a later stage, while participants with symptoms of depression or anxiety more often participated early. Utilization of survey modes and questionnaire languages differed by sociodemographic and migration-related characteristics, e.g. participants aged 50 years and above more often used paper- than web-based questionnaires and those with a shorter duration of residence more often used a translated questionnaire. Conclusion: Multiple contact attempts, including home visits and different survey languages, as well as offering different modes of survey administration, increased response rates and most likely reduced non-response bias. In order to adequately represent and include the diversifying population in public health monitoring, national public health institutes should tailor survey designs to meet the needs of different population groups considered hard to survey to enable their survey participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study objective: Advanced rectal cancer is a common cause of perineal pain and research on the use of radiofrequency therapy for the treatment of this pain is limited. In the present study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of conventional radiofrequency (CRF) and high-voltage long-term pulsed radiofrequency (H-PRF) of radiofrequency therapy in the management of perineal pain in advanced rectal cancer. Design: Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Trial. Setting: Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute and Yanjiang District People's Hospital in Sichuan, China. Participants: A total of 72 patients with advanced rectal cancer experiencing perineal pain who were accepted for radiofrequency treatment. Interventions: Patients were assigned randomly (1:1) assigned to either the group CRF or H-PRF in a double-blind trial. Measurements and main results: The primary focus was on assessing perineal pain using numeric rating scales (NRS) scores at various time points. Secondary outcomes included the duration of maintaining a sitting position, depression scores, sleep quality, consumption of Oral Morphine Equivalent and Pregabalin, and the incidence of perineal numbness. A total of 57 patients (28 patients in the group CRF and 29 patients in the group H-PRF) were investigated. At all observation time points postoperatively, both groups of patients exhibited significant reductions in pain, enhancements in depression, improvements in sleep quality, and increased duration of sitting compared to their baseline measurements (P<0.05). During the 3 months and 6 months follow-up period, the group CRF exhibited significant reduction in pain, improvement in depression, sleep quality, and increased the time of keeping a sitting position compared with the group H-PRF (P<0.05). The consumption of oral morphine equivalent and Pregabalin as well as the incidence of perineal numbness were not significantly different between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that application of CRF and H-PRF in ganglion impar to reduce perineal pain and improve the quality of life of patients with advanced rectal cancer is safe and effective. However, the long-term effect of CRF is better compared with that of H-PRF. Trial registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/ (ChiCTR2200061800) on 02/07/2022. This study adheres to CONSORT guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive theories of depression assert that negative self-referent cognition has a causal role in the development and maintenance of depression symptoms, but few studies have examined temporal associations between these constructs using intensive, longitudinal sampling strategies. In three samples of undergraduate students, we examined associations between change in self-referent processing and depression across 5 daily assessments (Sample 1, N = 303, 1,194 measurements, 79% adherence), 7 daily assessments (Sample 2, N = 313, 1,784 measurements, 81% adherence), and 7 weekly assessments (Sample 3; N = 155, 833 measurements, 81% adherence). Random intercept cross-lagged panel models indicated large cross-lagged effects in two of the three samples (Samples 1 and 3 but not Sample 2), such that more negative self-referent thinking than usual was significantly associated with a subsequent increase in depression symptoms at the next time lag. Notably, change in depression from usual was not associated with increases in negative self-referent processing at the next time point in any sample. These findings suggest that change in negative self-referent processing may be causally linked to future increases in depression on a day-to-day and week-to-week basis, although confidence in this conclusion is tempered somewhat by a lack of replication in Sample 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies on reinforcement learning have identified three prominent phenomena: (1) individuals with anxiety or depression exhibit a reduced learning rate compared to healthy subjects; (2) learning rates may increase or decrease in environments with rapidly changing (i.e. volatile) or stable feedback conditions, a phenomenon termed learning rate adaptation; and (3) reduced learning rate adaptation is associated with several psychiatric disorders. In other words, multiple learning rate parameters are needed to account for behavioral differences across participant populations and volatility contexts in this flexible learning rate (FLR) model. Here, we propose an alternative explanation, suggesting that behavioral variation across participant populations and volatile contexts arises from the use of mixed decision strategies. To test this hypothesis, we constructed a mixture-of- strategies (MOS) model and used it to analyze the behaviors of 54 healthy controls and 32 patients with anxiety and depression in volatile reversal learning tasks. Compared to the FLR model, the MOS model can reproduce the three classic phenomena by using a single set of strategy preference parameters without introducing any learning rate differences. In addition, the MOS model can successfully account for several novel behavioral patterns that cannot be explained by the FLR model. Preferences for different strategies also predict individual variations in symptom severity. These findings underscore the importance of considering mixed strategy use in human learning and decision-making and suggest atypical strategy preference as a potential mechanism for learning deficits in psychiatric disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescence poses significant challenges for emotion regulation (ER) and is thus a critical phase in the emergence of various mental disorders, specifically internalising disorders such as anxiety and depression. Affective control, defined as the application of cognitive control in affective contexts, is crucial for effective ER. However, the relationship between ER and affective control is unclear. This study examined the predictive role of ER strategies and difficulties in affective control, measured as the congruency effect and error rate on an Emotional Stroop task (EST), in a sample of adolescents and young adults (aged 14–21, M = 17.28, 22% male). It was hypothesised that participants with internalising disorders would show higher congruency effects and error rates on the EST than healthy controls after a psychosocial stress induction, indicating lower affective control. Surprisingly, our findings revealed no significant differences in these measures between the groups. However, higher depression scores were associated with increased EST errors. While ER strategies and difficulties did not predict affective control, exploratory analyses unveiled associations between depression scores and ER strategy repertoire, perceived ER success and the ER strategy Acceptance. These findings underscore the importance of implicit ER facets, particularly perceived ER success and flexibility to change between applied strategies for adolescents and young adults with elevated depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is generally recognized that sleep quality, depressive symptoms, and cognitive functions are related respectively, the main ambiguity comes from difficulties in determining their cause-effect relationships. The present study aimed to explore the longitudinal causation relationships among sleep quality, depressive symptoms, and cognitive functions in older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A total of 134 patients from 24 communities in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, China with MCI were interviewed at baseline, while 124 of them were re-interviewed 2 months later, and 122 were re-interviewed 4 months later. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale were assessed in the interview. Cross-lagged models were tested to disentangle the relationships among sleep quality, depressive symptoms, and cognitive functions using structural equation modeling with latent variables on the four-mouth longitudinal data. The correlation coefficients between sleep quality and depressive symptoms were significant showing the stability across time points of assessment, while the correlation coefficient of cognitive function was not significant (r = 0.159, p > 0.05). The results of index of model fit indicated that the cross-lagged model was acceptable (CFI = 0.934, TLI = 0.899, RMSEA = 0.075, χ2/df = 1.684). The results of cross-lagged model analysis supported the complete mediating role of depressive symptoms in the association between sleep quality and cognitive functions, where worse sleep quality may lead to more severe depressive symptoms, which in turn leads to more severe cognitive decline. In Conclusion, sleep quality is significantly correlated with cognitive functions in patients with mild cognitive impairment, which association is fully mediated by depressive symptoms. Approaches addressing sleep quality and depressive symptoms are recommended and hold promise for the management of mild cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes and poor glycaemic control have been shown to negatively impact cognitive abilities, while also raising risk of both mood disorders and brain structural atrophy. Sites of atrophy include the hippocampus, which has been implicated in both memory performance and depression. The current study set out to better characterise the associations between poor glycaemic control, memory performance, and depression symptoms, and investigate whether loss of hippocampal volume could represent a neuropathological mechanism underlying these. Methods: 1331 participants (60.9% female, age range 18–88 (Mean = 44.02), 6.5% with likely diabetes) provided HbA1c data (as an index of glycaemic control), completed a word list learning task, and a validated depression scale. A subsample of 392 participants underwent structural MRI; hippocampal volumes were extracted using FreeSurfer. Results: Partial correlation analyses (controlling for age, gender, and education) showed that, in the full sample, poorer glycaemic control was related to lower word list memory performance. In the MRI sub-sample, poorer glycaemic control was related to higher depressive symptoms, and lower hippocampal volumes. Total hippocampus volume partially mediated the association between HbA1c levels and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Results emphasise the impact of glycaemic control on memory, depression and hippocampal volume and suggest hippocampal volume loss could be a pathophysiological mechanism underlying the link between HbA1c and depression risk; inflammatory and stress-hormone related processes might have a role in this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parental psychological distress is a well-known risk factor for developmental psychopathology, with longer term parental distress associated with worse youth mental health. Neurotoxicant exposure during pregnancy is a risk factor for both poor maternal and youth mental health. The impact of one class of pollutant, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), on long-term trajectories of maternal distress and youth self-reported mental health symptoms in adolescence has been understudied. Methods: PAH exposure was measured by DNA adducts in maternal blood sampled during the third trimester of pregnancy. Maternal distress, operationalized as maternal demoralization, was measured at 11 timepoints (prenatal to child age 16). Adolescent mental health symptoms were measured at age 13–15. Follow up analyses examined a subset of measures available at age 15–20 years. Structural equation modeling examined associations between PAH exposure during pregnancy and latent growth metrics of maternal distress, and between maternal distress (intercept and slope) and youth mental health symptoms in a prospective longitudinal birth cohort (N = 564 dyads). Results: Higher prenatal PAH exposure was associated with higher concurrent maternal distress. Prenatal maternal distress was associated with adolescent's self-reported anxiety, depression, and externalizing problems. On average, maternal distress declined over time; a slower decline in mother's distress across the course of the child's life was associated with greater self-reported anxiety and externalizing problems in youth. Conclusions: Our findings are consistent with an intergenerational framework of environmental effects on mental health: PAH exposure during pregnancy affects maternal mental health, which in turn influences mental health outcomes for youth well into adolescence. Future research is necessary to elucidate the possible social and biological mechanisms (e.g., parenting, epigenetics) underlying the intergenerational transmission of the negative effects of pollution on mental health in caregiver-child dyads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immigrant Latinas (who are foreign-born but now reside in the USA) are at greater risk for developing postpartum depression than the general perinatal population, but many face barriers to treatment. To address these barriers, we adapted the Mothers and Babies Course—an evidence-based intervention for postpartum depression prevention—to a virtual group format. Additional adaptations are inclusion of tailored supplemental child health content and nutrition benefit assistance. We are partnering with Early Learning Centers (ELC) across the state of Maryland to deliver and test the adapted intervention. Methods: The design is a Hybrid Type I Effectiveness-Implementation Trial. A total of 300 participants will be individually randomized to immediate (N = 150) versus delayed (N = 150) receipt of the intervention, Mothers and Babies Virtual Group (MB-VG). The intervention will be delivered by trained Early Learning Center staff. The primary outcomes are depressive symptoms (measured via the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale), parenting self-efficacy (measured via the Parental Cognition and Conduct Towards the Infant Scale (PACOTIS) Parenting Self-Efficacy subscale), and parenting responsiveness (measured via the Maternal Infant Responsiveness Instrument) at 1-week, 3-month, and 6-month post-intervention. Depressive episodes (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-V- Disorders Research Version) at 3-month and 6-month post-intervention will also be assessed. Secondary outcomes include social support, mood management, anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, food insecurity, and mental health stigma at 1-week, 3-month, and 6-month post-intervention. Exploratory child outcomes are dysregulation and school readiness at 6-month post-intervention. Intervention fidelity, feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness will also be assessed guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Discussion: This study will be one of the first to test the efficacy of a group-based virtual perinatal depression intervention with Latina immigrants, for whom stark disparities exist in access to health services. The hybrid effectiveness-implementation design will allow rigorous examination of barriers and facilitators to delivery of the intervention package (including supplemental components) which will provide important information on factors influencing intervention effectiveness and the scalability of intervention components in Early Learning Centers and other child-serving settings. Registration.: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05873569. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Household food insecurity (HFI) has been related to adverse maternal‐child health outcomes and mental health worsening during pregnancy. Few studies evaluated the temporal association between HFI and anxiety and depressive symptoms in pregnant women, and this association remains not completely understood. This study aimed to systematically review the association between HFI and symptoms of depression and anxiety in pregnant individuals. The systematic review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42022373615). Systematic searches were conducted on 10 electronic databases and grey literature. Two researchers independently conducted the study selection, data extraction process, and the risk of bias assessment. Random‐effects meta‐analysis models were used, and I2 > 40% indicated high heterogeneity across studies. Eighteen articles were included for the systematic review, comprising n = 27,882, and a total of 18,987 pregnant individuals aged between 14 and 45 years were included in the meta‐analysis. The prevalence of HFI reported in studies ranged from 12.6% to 62.1% (n = 17). The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms ranged from 18% to 49% (n = 11) and 23% to 34% (n = 2), respectively. HFI during pregnancy was associated with increased odds of experiencing symptoms of depression [(OR: 2.52; 95% CI: 2.11–3.02), I2 = 73.23%]. The quality of evidence was very low due to high heterogeneity. Our findings highlighted the association between HFI and depression symptoms during pregnancy. Findings from this study suggest the importance of assessing HFI and mental health during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesMethodsResultsConclusionsPrevious research suggests that insomnia and depressive symptoms might be causally related. Emotional reactivity and regulation have been proposed to explain the potential causal relationship between insomnia and depression. However, longitudinal evaluations of their mediating effects are limited. Hence, the current study aimed to examine the mediating effects of emotional reactivity and regulation on the longitudinal associations between daily sleep parameters and depressive symptoms over 14 days in individuals with insomnia.Participants were sixty adults aged 18–65 who had clinically significant insomnia. They filled out a survey each morning and evening and wore actigraphy watches for 14 consecutive days. The five sleep parameters were measured by sleep diary in the morning survey (subjective total sleep time, subjective sleep efficiency, and sleep quality) and actigraphy watches (objective total sleep time and objective sleep efficiency). Emotional reactivity and emotion regulation strategy use during the day were assessed in the evening survey using the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Depressive symptoms of the day were evaluated in the evening survey with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.Results showed that sleep quality and depressive symptoms, as well as actigraphy-measured sleep efficiency and depressive symptoms, predicted each other in individuals with insomnia, mediated by negative reactivity but not emotion regulation.The present findings support the mediating role of negative emotional reactivity in the bidirectional, daily relationship between sleep parameters and depression in individuals with insomnia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusions Chemosensory anhedonia refers to the lack of hedonic ability to experience pleasure through the senses of smell and taste, which reduces the pleasure and comfort of food, and increases the risk of nutritional and immune deficiencies. However, there is no direct scientific evidence regarding chemosensory anhedonia in patients with late‐life depression (LLD). The aim of this study was to investigate chemosensory anhedonia in patients with LLD, and its potential association with depressive symptoms and cognitive function.A total of 114 patients with LLD and 92 normal controls were included in this study. They experienced clinical assessment, Chemosensory Pleasure Scale assessment, 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale assessment and cognitive assessments, which contain the Verbal Fluency Test. The associations between chemosensory pleasure and depressive symptoms or cognitive function in patients with LLD were explored using partial correlation analysis and mediation analysis.The Chemosensory Pleasure Scale scores were lower in the LLD group than in the normal control group, and were negatively correlated with the total scores and factors' scores (retardation, cognitive bias and anxiety/somatization) of the 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and positively correlated with the Verbal Fluency Test scores. The scores for the Food and Imagination dimensions of the Chemosensory Pleasure Scale showed partial mediating effects on the differences in Cognitive bias (a factor of the 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) between patients with LLD and normal controls.Patients with LLD showed significant chemosensory anhedonia, and both depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment were associated with the severity of chemosensory anhedonia. Enhancing chemosensory pleasure in patients with LLD could potentially ameliorate their depressive symptoms. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••–••. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusion Currently, the conclusions of studies on subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) for improving Parkinson's disease (PD) with depression are inconsistent, and the reasons for improvement or deterioration remain unclear.The aim was to investigate the prognosis of PD with depression after bilateral STN‐DBS and the factors related to the improvement in depression. The local and network effects of DBS on depression in PD (DPD) were further explored based on the volume of tissue activation (VTA). The study analyzed 80 primary PD patients who had undergone bilateral STN‐DBS, comprising 47 patients with improved depression and 33 patients without improvement. Two groups of clinical profiles and stimulation parameters were compared, and the network models for improving depression were constructed.The improvement in depression was closely associated with improvement in anxiety (odd rate [OR] = 1.067, P = 0.006) and the standardized space left y‐coordinate (OR = 0.253, P = 0.005). The VTA overlapping with the left motor STN subregion is most significantly associated with improvement in depression (RSpearman = 0.53, P < 0.001; RPearson = 0.43, P < 0.001). The y‐coordinates in the improvement group were closer to the optimal stimulation site for improving motor symptoms. Finally, both the structural and functional network models indicate a positive correlation between depression improvement and the connectivity of the sensorimotor cortex.The amelioration of DPD is primarily attributed to the stimulation of bilateral motor STN, particularly on the left. However, this stimulatory effect manifests as an indirect influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions Maternal postpartum depression is an important risk factor for internalizing and externalizing problems in children. The role of concurrent paternal depression remains unclear, especially by socioeconomic status. This study examined independent and interactive associations of postpartum maternal and paternal depression with children's internalizing/externalizing symptoms throughout childhood and adolescence (ages 3.5–17 years).We used data from the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development, a representative birth cohort (1997–1998) in Canada. Data included self‐reported maternal and paternal depressive symptoms at 5 months' postpartum using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children were reported by parents, teachers and children/adolescents using the Social Behaviour Questionnaire (ages 3.5–13 years) and the Mental Health and Social Inadaptation Assessment for Adolescents (ages 15–17 years). We used three‐level mixed effects modelling to test associations after adjusting for confounding factors.With 168 single‐parent families excluded, our sample consisted of 1,700 families with useable data. Of these, 275 (16.2%) families reported maternal depression (clinically elevated symptoms), 135 (7.9%) paternal depression and 39 (2.3%) both. In families with high socioeconomic status, maternal depression was associated with greater child internalizing (β = .34; p < .001) and externalizing symptoms (β = .22; p = .002), regardless of the presence/absence of paternal depression. In families with low socioeconomic status, associations with symptoms were stronger with concurrent paternal depression (internalizing, β = .84, p < .001; externalizing, β = .71, p = .003) than without (internalizing, β = .30, p < .001; externalizing, β = .24, p = .002).Maternal depression increases the risk for children's internalizing/externalizing problems in all socioeconomic contexts. In families with low socioeconomic status, risks were exacerbated by concurrent paternal depression. Postpartum depression, especially in low socioeconomic environments, should be a primary focus to optimize mental health across generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-efficacy, a critical psychological construct representing an individual's belief in their ability to control their motivation, behavior, and social environment. In adolescents, self-efficacy plays a crucial role in mental health, particularly concerning depressive symptoms. Despite substantial research, the complex interplay between self-efficacy and depressive symptoms in adolescents remains incompletely understood. Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the complex interrelationships between self-efficacy and depressive symptoms in adolescents using psychological network analysis. Methods: The cross-sectional study involved 3,654 adolescents. Self-efficacy was assessed using the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and depressive symptoms were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Network analysis, incorporating the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) technique and centrality analysis, constructed and compared self-efficacy networks between depressive symptoms and healthy control groups. Results: Of the 3,654 participants, 560 (15.32%) met criteria for moderate to severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 scores =10). Among those with depressive symptoms, 373 (66.61%) had moderate, 126 (22.50%) had moderate-severe, and 61 (10.89%) had severe symptoms. Bivariate correlation analyses revealed a significant negative correlation between depressive symptoms and selfefficacy (r = -0.41, p < 0.001). The results of the network analysis showed significant differences in self-efficacy networks between adolescents with and without depressive symptoms (global strength: S = 0.25, p < 0.05). Depressed participants showed a network with reduced global strength, suggesting diminished interconnectedness among self-efficacy items. Specific connections within the self-efficacy network were altered in the presence of depressive symptoms. Bridge analysis revealed that effort-based problem-solving (bridge strengths = 0.13) and suicidal ideation (bridge strengths = 0.09) were the key bridge nodes. Conclusion: Adolescent depressive symptoms significantly impacts the selfefficacy network, resulting in diminished integration of self-efficacy and highlighting the complex interplay between self-efficacy and depressive symptoms. These findings challenge the traditional unidimensional view of selfefficacy and emphasize the need for tailored interventions focusing on unique self-efficacy profiles in adolescents with depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the intervention effect of comprehensive psychological interventions on the mental health of the elderly population. Methods: 133 elderly aged 60 and above in two urban districts of Tianshui City from January 2020 to December 2020 were selected and divided into the intervention group (n=67) and the control group (n=66). The intervention group received comprehensive psychological interventions, with no intervention given to the control group. The anxiety rate, depression rate, loneliness rate and happiness rate of the two groups were collected and compared pre- and post-intervention. Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLA) and Memorial University of Newfoundland Scale of Happiness (MUNSH) were used to compare the psychological status of the elderly pre- and post-intervention. Results: Differences in the inter-group main effects and time-point main effects for SAS, SDS, UCLA, and MUNSH scores of the intervention group were significant (all p<0.05). The SAS, SDS, and UCLA scores of the intervention group were higher than those of the control group after intervention. Meanwhile, the SAS and SDS scores of the intervention group were lower than those of the control group after intervention (all p<0.05). Moreover, the MUNSH score of the intervention group was higher than that of the control group at 1-year follow-up postintervention (p<0.05). Compared with pre-intervention values, the proportions of anxiety, depression loneliness, and happiness in the intervention group were improved at 1-year follow-up post-intervention (all P<0.05). Conclusion: This study provides basis and important support for further investigations and the monitoring of health indicators in a population as fragile as the elderly. Targeted comprehensive psychological interventions can improve the negative emotions of community-dwelling elderly and maintain their physical and mental health. The "community-hospital linkage" mental health service model can improve the mental health status of community-dwelling elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depressive disorders are leading contributors to the global mental health-related burden, and they represent a challenge for real-world clinicians, due to the low rates of remission despite the high availability of treatments. Often, depression shows in the context of multiple chronic comorbidities, thus requiring precise and accurate management of pharmacological treatments to avoid interactions and side effects. These criticalities call for the need for new strategies of treatment, which may include new insights into the pharmacological properties of currently available antidepressant drugs, to enhance their efficacy in the different contexts in which depression may arise. Trazodone is the prototype serotonin antagonist/reuptake inhibitor antidepressant (SARI). Due to the malleability granted by its multiple formulations, trazodone is frequently used to treat depression, both as an add-on to other antidepressants and as a monotherapy, with satisfying results. Moreover, its tolerability makes it one of the most prescribed antidepressants in patients with poly-treated comorbid medical illnesses, especially in the elderly. Herein, a case series is presented regarding the use of trazodone in patients with complex comorbid diagnoses or distressing side effects. Each of the three cases has been discussed in three specific Round Tables, involving expert clinicians in the fields of Psychiatry, Neurology, General Practice, and Geriatrics using the Nominal Group Technique. The ideas collected have been used to integrate the cases and the discussion with the intent of facilitating accessibility to the widest audience of physicians and clinical workers in different clinical practice contexts. The final aim of this paper is to promote an increasingly personalized use of trazodone in realworld patients with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To review the international evidence base on interventions to support the mental health of family carers of children with brain injuries in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Methods: Searches were conducted with five electronic databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL) using search terms related to "family carers", "brain injury", "children" and "low and middle income countries". Studies were independently screened using predetermined eligibility criteria by two authors. Data were extracted from included studies using standardised data extraction and quality appraisal tools. These data were then subjected to narrative synthesis. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to govern the review process. Findings: One study met our inclusion criteria and described an acquired brain injury called nodding syndrome which occurs in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study was conducted in Ghana and provided group-based psychotherapy to carers and their children. As such we found no study which sought to solely support the mental health of family carers. Conclusions: There has been a lack of focus in the literature on the mental health of family carers of children with brain injuries in LMIC. Considering the vital importance of caregivers in supporting their children it is imperative that service providers and researchers devise programmes to better meet their needs. The mental health of family carers should be better supported to improve their overall wellbeing, which will in turn improve the wellbeing of their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emerging evidence indicated that depression is currently one of the most burdensome diseases worldwide, and it can lead to a variety of functional physical impairments. However, the studies estimated the association between depression and thyroid function remain sparse. We aimed to investigate the association between depression and thyroid function in the American population. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed using the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2007 to 2012. In the 12,502 adults aged 20-80 years, weighted linear regression models and multiple logistic regression models were applied to evaluate the association between depression and thyroid function indicators. The thyroid indicators investigated were mainly free thyroxine (FT4), total T4 (TT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), total T3 (TT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and antithyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb), thyroglobulin (Tg) and antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb). Results: The final results were reached after adjusting for various confounding factors. In the stratification analysis of subgroups divided by age, depression was significantly negatively correlated with FT4, FT3, and TT3 in both younger adults (p = 0.00122, p < 0.00001, and p = 0.00003) and older adults (p = 0.00001, p = 0.00004, and p < 0.00001). In contrast, depression was significantly negatively correlated with TT4 and Tg in older adults (p = 0.00054, p = 0.00695) and positively correlated in younger adults (p = 0.01352, p < 0.00001). The subgroup analysis by gender revealed that depression was significantly negatively correlated with FT4, FT3, and TT3 in both adult males (p = 0.0164, p = 0.0204, and p = 0.0050) and adult females (p = 0.0001, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.0001), which was more prominent in females. The positive correlation between depression symptoms and TPOAb was only found in adult females (p = 0.0282) and younger adults (p = 0.00488). Conclusion: This study confirmed a significant correlation between depressive and thyroid function and it varied among different genders or age. In the future, more prospective studies are needed to reveal these findings and confirm a causal relationship between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extensive observational evidence has suggested an association between depression and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the causal relationships between these two diseases require further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the bidirectional causal effect between two types of depression and T2D using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods: We applied two-step MR techniques, using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as the genetic instruments for analysis. We utilized summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for major depression (MD), depressive status (frequency of depressedmood in the last two weeks), T2D, and other known T2D risk factors such as obesity, sedentary behavior (time spent watching television), and blood pressure. The analysis utilized inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger regression, weightedmedian, weighted mode, MR pleiotropy residual sum, and outlier methods to determine potential causal relationships. Results: The study found that MD was positively associated with T2D, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.26 (95% CI: 1.10-1.43, p = 5.6×10-4) using the IVW method and an OR of 1.21 (95% CI: 1.04-1.41, p = 0.01) using the weighted median method. Depressive status was also positively associatedwithT2D, with anORof 2.26 (95%CI: 1.03-4.94, p = 0.04) and an OR of 3.62 (95% CI: 1.33-9.90, p = 0.01) using the IVWandweighted median methods, respectively. No causal effects of MD and depressive status on T2D risk factors were observed, and T2D did not influence these factors. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a causal relationship between depression and an increased risk of developing T2D, with both major depression and depressive status being positively associated with T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) is a new, emerging neurostimulation technology that utilizes two or more electric fields at specific frequencies to modulate the oscillations of neurons at a desired spatial location in the brain. The physics of tTIS offers the advantage of modulating deep brain structures in a non-invasive fashion and with minimal stimulation of the overlying cortex outside of a selected target. As such, tTIS can be effectively employed in the context of therapeutics for the psychiatric disease of disrupted brain connectivity, such as major depressive disorder (MDD). The subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC), a key brain center that regulates human emotions and influences negative emotional states, is a plausible target for tTIS in MDD based on reports of its successful neuromodulation with invasive deep brain stimulation. Methods: This pilot, single-site, double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled interventional clinical trial will be conducted at St. Michael’s Hospital – Unity Health Toronto in Toronto, ON, Canada. The primary objective is to demonstrate target engagement of the sgACC with 130 Hz tTIS using resting-state magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. The secondary objective is to estimate the therapeutic potential of tTIS for MDD by evaluating the change in clinical characteristics of participants and electrophysiological outcomes and providing feasibility and tolerability estimates for a large-scale efficacy trial. Thirty participants (18–65 years) with unipolar, non-psychotic MDD will be recruited and randomized to receive 10 sessions of 130 Hz tTIS or sham stimulation (n = 15 per arm). The trial includes a pre- vs. post-treatment 3T MRI scan of the brain, clinical evaluation, and electroencephalography (EEG) acquisition at rest and during the auditory mismatch negativity (MMN) paradigm. Discussion: This study is one of the first-ever clinical trials among patients with psychiatric disorders examining the therapeutic potential of repetitive tTIS and its neurobiological mechanisms. Data obtained from this trial will be used to optimize the tTIS approach and design a large-scale efficacy trial. Research in this area has the potential to provide a novel treatment option for individuals with MDD and circuitry-related disorders and may contribute to the process of obtaining regulatory approval for therapeutic applications of tTIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ageing populations and care workforce shortages across Europe are causing challenges for care services for older people. Therefore, it is paramount that limited care resources are allocated optimally, based on the clients' care needs. Multiple functioning-related factors have been identified that determine the amount of care time clients receive, while organizational and other factors remain largely unexplored. The aim was to examine how various individual and organizational factors are associated with clients' received care time in different care settings. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study design with data from time and motion study, registers, and surveys was used. In total, 1477 home care clients and 1538 residents from assisted living facilities with 24/7 service participated, from 61 Finnish care units. Linear mixed-effect modeling was used to examine the association between individual and organizational-level variables and received care time. Results: Physical functioning was the strongest predictor of received care time in both care settings. In home care, greater pain, more unstable health, and higher team autonomy were associated with increased care time. In assisted living, depressive mood and higher staffing level of the organization were associated with care time. Clients who received informal care also received significantly more care time from nurses in both care settings. Conclusions: Physical functioning was the main driver of received care time. Interventions that maintain or improve physical functioning can help restrain the growing need of care resources, although it is important to ensure that each client receives care according to their holistic care needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neuroinflammation pathways have been associated with the development of major depressive disorders (MDD). The anti-inflammatory characteristics of statins have been demonstrated to have significance in the pathophysiology of depression. Aim: To investigate the mechanistic pathways of high dose atorvastatin in MDD. Patients and methods: This trial included 60 patients with MDD who met the eligibility requirements. Two groups of patients (n = 30) were recruited by selecting patients from the Psychiatry Department. Group 1 received 20 mg of fluoxetine plus a placebo once daily. Group 2 received fluoxetine and atorvastatin (80 mg) once daily. All patients were assessed by a psychiatrist using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). A HDRS score of ≤7 indicates remission or partial remission [HDRS<17 and>7]. Response was defined as ≥ 50% drop in the HDRS score. The serum concentrations of nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-richcontaining family, pyrin domain-containing-3 (NLRP-3), interleukin-6 (IL-6), adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK), and signal transducer and activator of transcription factor-3 (STAT-3) were measured. Results: The atorvastatin group showed a significant reduction in the levels of all measured markers along with a statistical increase in the levels of AMPK when compared to the fluoxetine group. The atorvastatin group displayed a significant decrease in HDRS when compared to its baseline and the fluoxetine group. The response rate and partial remission were higher in the atorvastatin group than fluoxetine (p = 0.03, and p = 0.005), respectively. Conclusion: These results imply that atorvastatin at high doses may be a promising adjuvant therapy for MDD patients by altering the signaling pathways for AMPK/ NLRP3 and IL-6/STAT-3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The issue of the impact of religion and spirituality on mental health is a phenomenon which has recently become increasingly more accentuated. Despite the attention given to the topic, many questions still remain as to whether and how religion and spirituality affect a person's mental wellbeing. In the text below, we have focused on examining the relationship between religion and spirituality and mental health among young adults in the Czech Republic. Research also explored the idea that forgiveness can be viewed as a component of religion or spirituality. Materials and methods: The research project was executed in close cooperation with STEM/MARK, a renowned data collection agency. The methodological framework was constructed with a dual focus: leveraging standardized questionnaires to ensure data reliability and comparability while also incorporating tailored questions that delve into the participants' socioeconomic status (SES) and background details. The study unfolded across four online sessions, a format chosen for its convenience and effectiveness in facilitating participant engagement while accommodating our respondents' diverse schedules. The total sample approached comprised of 270 young adults that expressed certain form of religiosity. Results: Forgiveness and the depth of one's personal religious or spiritual history emerged as the most influential factors. Forgiveness was significantly associated with an increase in self-blame (positively), and decrease in refocusing, planning (both negatively), and putting things into perspective (negatively) (Beta = 0.25, Beta = -0.06, and Beta = -0.16, respectively). In contrast, a deeper personal religious history was positively associated with self-blame, rumination, and refocusing (Beta = 0.22, Beta = 0.13, and Beta = 0.15, respectively). Conclusion: The finding that forgiveness may be a risk factor associated with regularly elevated depressive symptoms, stress, and maladaptive coping strategies such as self-blame and ruminating over problems, while negatively affecting physical, psychological, and environmental quality of life, clearly points to the need to examine the inner aspects of individual religions and spiritualities. These findings suggest that religious and spiritual beliefs may play a key role in how people experience and manage the emotional burdens and difficulties of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that a high prevalence of depression and anxiety is a key factor leading to a decrease in student satisfaction with university life. Therefore, this study used two waves of longitudinal data to investigate the longitudinal relationships among depression, anxiety, and student satisfaction with university life among college students. We employed correlation analysis and cross-lagged models to analyze the correlation and cross-lagged relationships among depression, anxiety, and student satisfaction with university life. The results indicate a significant negative correlation between depression and student satisfaction with university life. The cross-lagged models indicate that depression (Time 1) negatively predicts student satisfaction with university life (Time 2). Anxiety (Time 1) does not have a significant predictive effect on student satisfaction with university life (Time 2). Moreover, student satisfaction with university life negatively predicts both depression (Time 2) and anxiety (Time 2). Improving student satisfaction with university life has a significant impact on reducing levels of depression and anxiety among college students. The research results can provide valuable information for mental health professionals, school administrators, and policymakers, enabling them to take more targeted measures to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms among university students and enhance student satisfaction with university life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated associations between chronotypes (Morning [M], Neither [N], Evening [E]), sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), smoking habits, years with migraines, sleep quality (PSQI), anxiety (HADS-A), depression (HADS-D), migraine disability (MIDAS), headache frequency, and pain intensity (VAS) in 80 individuals with migraine. Significant age differences emerged (p < 0.001), with M-types being the oldest. BMI also varied, with M-types presenting the highest median BMI (p = 0.005). While migraine duration and headache frequency showed no significant variance, sleep quality did, with E-types reporting the poorest sleep (p = 0.030). Anxiety and depression were significantly worse in E-types (HADS-A: p = 0.002; HADS-D: p = 0.010). Differences in MIDAS levels were notable (p = 0.038); however, differences in MIDAS scores were not significant (p = 0.115). Pain intensity varied, with E-types experiencing the most severe pain (p = 0.009). Post-hoc analysis showed higher MIDAS scores in E-types compared to N-types (χ2 = 6.56, p = 0.038, ε2 = 0.0831). The findings highlight the need for thorough patient evaluations and tailored care, considering the complex interplay of factors affecting migraine severity, particularly among different chronotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bergen Four Day Treatment (B4DT) is a concentrated treatment for OCD that has demonstrated promising effectiveness in Nordic country samples. The B4DT is delivered over four days and provides individual treatment in a group context. The effectiveness of the B4DT for OCD has not been tested outside Nordic countries. The current pilot study evaluated the feasibility and the potential effectiveness of B4DT in a different culture and health-care system in the United States. Findings from 48 adults with OCD who completed the B4DT indicated that OCD, anxiety, and depression symptom severity significantly decreased from pre- to post-treatment, and gains were maintained at six month follow-up. The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale scores were reduced from moderate to subclinical; specifically, the average scores of 27.0 (pre-treatment) fell to 11.7 (post-treatment), 12.7 (3-month follow-up), and 13.7 (6-month follow-up). The B4DT was rated as highly acceptable by the US patients. Over 95% of the patients stated that they would recommend the treatment to a friend. These findings provide the first preliminary evidence for the generalizability of the B4DT to patients outside Nordic countries. Cultural and context-dependent issues that affected this dissemination pilot study are discussed in addition to future clinical and research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMethodsResultsDiscussionWorry has been considered a significant predictor of paranoia, also associated with anxiety, depression, and hostile attributions. These factors have been recognized as important correlates or predictors of paranoid thoughts. However, the mechanisms through which worry increases the risk of paranoia remain poorly understood.A total of 529 participants (51.2% female) from the general population participated in an online study. The aim was to investigate the potential mediating role of hostile attributions in the relationship between general problematic worry and worry focused on paranoid content. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that negative emotional states would moderate this effect. Additionally, recently developed scales, the Dunn Worry Questionnaire (DWQ) and the Paranoia Worry Questionnaire (PWQ), were translated and validated for use in the Polish population.The results revealed that hostile attributions mediate the link between general worry and paranoia worry, and negative emotional states significantly moderate the effect.The perception of others’ intentions as hostile may serve as a linking factor between general problematic worry and paranoia-related worry. This can be explained as a worry-driven mechanism, where negative emotional states play a crucial role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]