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Copyright of Namık Kemal Tıp Dergisi is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Osmangazi Journal of Medicine / Osmangazi Tip Dergisi is the property of Eskisehir Osmangazi University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-changing event that often results in chronic physical damage and challenges in maintaining a good quality of life as it affects every aspect of life. These situations require adjustment, increasing vulnerability to psychological disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of SCI on psychological morbidity in individuals with subacute and chronic SCI. The present investigation was designed to determine the presence and extent of psychological complications following SCI. We used two reliable questionnaires and validated psychological assessments to study depression (BDI) and anxiety (STAI), a broad range of factors derived from SCI that may be predictors of certain psychological problems. The psychological assessment revealed alterations in depression and anxiety, although the data do not exceed those of previous investigations. No clear predisposing factors leading to certain psychological pathologies were found. In addition, individuals in the subacute and chronic stages differed in their scores. In individuals with SCI, identifying predictors of psychological problems is difficult, but premature assessment of mental state is essential. This early diagnosis of possible problems or changes at the mental level is fundamental and necessary to avoid possible alterations at the cognitive level and, of course, more serious mental complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Work Ability Index (WAI) is the most commonly used tool for evaluating work capacity. Self-assessments made by workers can be influenced by various occupational and emotional factors. We wanted to study the association of work-related factors, such as work annoyance, stress, overcommitment, job satisfaction, social support, and emotional factors, such as anxiety, depression, and happiness, with work ability, in a sample of 490 healthcare workers from an Italian public health company. A principal component analysis indicated the presence of two components of the WAI questionnaire; the first expresses "subjectively estimated work ability" (SEWA), and the second refers to "ill-health-related work ability" (IHRWA). Using stepwise multiple hierarchical linear regression, we identified the factors that best predicted the total score on the WAI and on the two components. The total score was negatively predicted by anxiety, depression, a lack of happiness, low job satisfaction, overcommitment, and work annoyance. Age, being female, anxiety, and occupational stress were associated with a reduction in the IHRWA component score, while overcommitment, work annoyance, a lack of social support, depression, and a lack of happiness were negatively associated with the SEWA component. These results can help interpret those of epidemiological studies and provide guidance on ways to improve work ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Depression and anxiety are the most common and severe mental disorders. This research estimated the prevalence and disease burden of depression and anxiety from 1990 to 2044. (2) Methods: Data on disease burden, population, and risk factors were identified and gathered from the Global Health Data Exchange database. The time trends, sex and age differences, key factors, and regional variations in and predictions of depression and anxiety were analyzed based on the age-standardized incidence rate, prevalence rate, and DALY rate. (3) Results: Our findings revealed that the burden of depression and anxiety was heavy. Specifically, the age-standardized DALY rate of depression started to decrease compared with trends related to anxiety disorders. Meanwhile, females bear a heavier burden for both depression and anxiety. Seniors and the middle-aged population carry the highest burden regarding mental disorders. Both high- and low-socio-demographic-index countries were found to be high-risk regions for depressive disorders. The disease burden attributed to childhood sexual abuse, bullying victimization, and intimate partner violence has increased since 1990. Finally, projections regarding depression and anxiety revealed geographic and age variations. (4) Conclusions: Public health researchers, officers, and organizations should take effective age-, sex-, and location-oriented measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: During and after the pandemic, individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes struggled to maintain a healthy lifestyle due to psychological distress and the struggle to accommodate contextual challenges and changes in their family and work obligations and expectations. This study aims to explore the long-term impacts of the pandemic on proactive self-management behaviors and outcomes that consider contextual and environmental factors, such as family and work dynamics. (2) Methods: In this mixed-method study, data were collected from 418 participants using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), followed by 16 individual interviews. (3) Results: The prevalence of depression was 37.1%, that of anxiety was 59.1%, and that of insomnia was 66.3%. Significant differences were observed in anxiety by age (p = 0.02), while individuals with other comorbidities were more likely to report insomnia (p = 0.3). Overall, various challenges during the pandemic have exacerbated emotional distress and complicated self-care routines and adherence to healthy lifestyles. (5) Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted individuals with type 1 and 2 diabetes to adopt alternative health-management methods, such as self-care, proactive initiatives, and daily challenges. Enhancing proactiveness, awareness, and an understanding of individuals' needs is crucial for alleviating stress, controlling disease, and preparing for potential future health crises in the wake of the pandemic's long-term effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotions are dynamic processes; their variability relates to psychological well-being and psychopathology. Affective alterations have been linked to mental diseases like depression, although little is known about how similar patterns occur in healthy individuals. This study investigates the psychophysiological correlations of emotional processing in healthy subjects, specifically exploring the relationship between depressive traits, cognitive distortions, and facial electromyographic (f-EMG) responses during affective transitions. A cohort of 44 healthy participants underwent f-EMG recording while viewing emotional images from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS). Self-report measures included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Cognitive Distortion Scale (CDS). Higher BDI scores were associated with increased EMG activity in the corrugator muscle during transitions between positive and negative emotional states. Cognitive distortions such as Catastrophizing, All-or-Nothing Thinking, and Minimization showed significant positive correlations with EMG activity, indicating that individuals with higher levels of these distortions experienced greater facial muscle activation during emotional transitions. This study's results indicate that there is a bidirectional correlation between depressed features and cognitive distortions and alterations in facial emotional processing, even in healthy subjects. Facial EMG in the context of dynamic affective transitions has the potential to be used as a non-invasive method for detecting abnormal emotional reactions at an early stage. This might help in identifying individuals who are at risk of developing depression and guide therapies to prevent its advancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health-related stigma is a prominent barrier to improved mental health outcomes globally and may be particularly harmful to populations with other stigmatized identities. We aimed to understand intersectional depression- and HIV-related stigma among people with HIV (PWH) entering HIV care in Cameroon. Using baseline data from a cohort of PWH entering HIV care in Cameroon between 2019 and 2020, we characterized depression- and HIV-related stigma in the population overall and by sociodemographic sub-group. We also explored substantively meaningful variation in stigma endorsement by depressive symptom severity (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]) and causal attribution of depression. Among those with elevated depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 scores > 4), we estimated the association between stigma type and depressive symptom severity using binomial regression. Among 398 participants, 49% endorsed low HIV- and depression-related stigma (N = 195), 10% endorsed high HIV- and depression-related stigma (N = 38), 29% endorsed high depression-related stigma only (N = 116), and 12% endorsed high HIV-related stigma only (N = 49). Respondents with and without heightened depressive symptoms commonly believed depressive symptoms were caused by HIV (N = 140; 32.9%). Among those with elevated depressive symptoms, the prevalence of moderate to severe symptoms was higher among those endorsing high HIV-related stigma only (prevalence ratio 1.55; 95% confidence interval: 1.01, 2.37) compared to those reporting low HIV- and depression-related stigma. HIV- and depression-related stigma are both common among PWH entering HIV care in Cameroon. The consistent association between HIV-related stigma and poor psychosocial well-being among people with HIV necessitates the urgent scale-up of evidence-based HIV-related stigma interventions specifically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bisexual individuals experience discrimination both from heterosexual individuals and from the Lesbian and Gay (LG) community. This double discrimination affects their mental health. This study aimed to explore the relationship between binegativity (from heterosexual and LB individuals) and internalized binegativity and symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as the mediating role of social support. The second purpose was to explore whether these variables could predict the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methods: A sample of 110 bisexual individuals (77.3% cisgender women, Mage = 25.2) completed self-report measures. Results: Most participants reported being discriminated against by heterosexual (93.2%) and LG (81.8%) individuals. However, they perceived and experienced higher discrimination from heterosexual people. The majority experienced internalized binegativity. As hypothesized, heterosexual discrimination predicted depressive and anxiety symptoms. Contrary to expectations, discrimination from the LG community and internalized binegativity did not predict symptoms, although bivariate correlations showed a positive relationship. Social support was a moderator of symptoms of depression, but not of anxiety. Conclusions: These findings highlight the impact of binegativity on the mental health of bisexual individuals and the importance of social support. Policy implications: Our results provide practitioners and policymakers with evidence of the effects of discrimination experienced by bisexual individuals. Educational campaigns and public awareness programs are needed to foster a more inclusive and accepting society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is growing evidence that adding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to some psychopharmacological treatments may help to improve symptoms in patients suffering from major depressive disorder. The present study examined the therapeutic efficacy of adding celecoxib to escitalopram and the safety of doing so. Method: In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, 60 patients with major depressive disorder were randomly assigned to either treatment with escitalopram plus celecoxib (intervention group) or escitalopram and placebo. All patients were evaluated blind to treatment group with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) before the intervention as well at 4 and 8 weeks after initiating treatment. Chi-square and paired t-test were used to examine between-group differences at those assessment times. Results: There was no significant difference in depressive symptoms between intervention and placebo groups at baseline. However, at 4 and 8 weeks after the beginning of treatment, there were significant between-group differences in HDRS scores, favoring the intervention group. No between-group differences were found in treatment-related side effects. Conclusions: Adding celecoxib to escitalopram may improve symptoms of depression in patients with major depressive disorder without increasing the risk of drug-related side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Following the Taliban's resurgence, Afghan girls were probited from attending school and university, likely causing adverse psychological effects. Therefore, the present study investigated depression, suicidal ideation, and quality of life (QoL) among Afghan girls banned from education by the Taliban. Methods A survey study assessed depression, suicidal ideation, and QoL among 426 females prohibited from attending secondary schools, high schools, and universities by the Taliban. The study used the CES-D 20 Scale to assess depression, and the WHOQOL-Bref Questionnaire to assess QoL. Associations between variables were tested with chi-square tests, and predictors of QoL were analyzed through multivariate regression analysis. Results Among the 426 participants, 87.6% exhibited depression symptoms and 49.8% reported suicidal thoughts. Significant predictors of overall QoL included monthly family income (B  = 0.147, P  = 0.001), recent others' behavior toward participants (B  = −0.247, P  < 0.001), physical illness (B  = 0.110, P  = 0.011), experiencing a recent traumatic event (B  = 0.108, P  = 0.015), depression (B  = −0.159, P  < 0.001) and suicidal ideation (B  = −0.187, P  < 0.001). Conclusions In Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, the results indicated that female students who have been prohibited from studying in classes have a high prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation. Having depression and suicidal ideation significantly predicted decreased quality of life among female students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Depression is a prevalent mental health condition that also often affects older adults. The PROACTIVE psychosocial intervention was developed to reduce depressive symptomatology among older adults within primary care settings in Brazil. An important psychological marker that affects individuals' aging experience relates to how old people feel. Known as subjective age, this marker has been shown to be a risk factor for experiencing greater depressive symptoms if individuals report feeling older than their (chronological) age. In this study, we perform secondary analyses of the PROACTIVE cluster-randomized controlled trial to examine the role of subjective age. Method: The sample included 715 Brazilian older adults (74% female, Mage 68.6, SD = 6.9, age range: 60–94 years) randomized to intervention (n = 360, 74% female, Mage 68.4, SD = 6.6, age range: 60–89 years) or control (n = 355, 74% female, Mage 68.9, SD = 7.2, age range: 60–94 years) arms. Here our primary outcome was depressive symptoms at the 8-month follow-up assessed with the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) as a continuous variable. Our previous analyses demonstrated improved recovery from depression at follow-up in the intervention compared with the control arm. Results: Relevant main effects and interactions in regression models for PHQ-9 presented here found that those reporting older subjective age had worse depressive symptoms at follow-up but that they benefitted more from the intervention when initial levels of depression were high. For participants who reported younger subjective ages the intervention showed positive effects that were independent of initial levels of depression. Conclusion: Our findings emphasize the importance of investigating possible underlying mechanisms that can help clarify the impact of mental health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to increase the understanding of suicidality in older adults by investigating the prevalence, characteristics, risk and protective factors of suicidal phenomena in community-dwelling older adults (60+) in Flanders, specifically of a current wish to die (WTD) and lifetime suicidal ideation and behaviour (LSIB). Method: Cross-sectional data from the Belgian Ageing Studies (BAS) is used (N = 3050). The BAS aims to monitor the needs and quality of life of community-dwelling older adults through a standardised survey. Statistical methods used are bivariate analyses and binary logistic regression. Results: Prevalence rates of 4.8% for WTD and 8.2% for LSIB are found. LSIB is the biggest predictor of a current WTD, followed by requiring support on three domains, elder abuse, depression and subjective cognitive complaints, and elder abuse were significant risk factors for both WTD and LSIB. Limited effects of protective factors were found. Conclusion: Previous research regarding risk factors to be confirmed in this study, and new insights on the effect of elder abuse, subjective indicators of cognitive complaints and requiring support are added. Further research into protective factors and underlying mechanisms is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Previous studies on the associations between Internet use and older people's depression have mostly focused on single types of online activities, especially online social engagement. The current study investigated the diversity of purposes of Internet use and its interaction with the time spent online in shaping older Chinese Internet users' depression. Method: A sample of 974 Internet users aged 60 and above was adopted from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies wave. We adopted a latent class analysis (LCA) to explore the diverse purposes of internet usage. Results: The participants were classified into three distinct types: socializers, basic users, and maximizers. Basic users and maximizers use the Internet for various purposes, despite different intensities; socializers use the Internet only to keep connected with families and friends. Compared with basic users and maximizers, a longer time spent online among socializers was significantly associated with a higher level of depression. Conclusion: This study calls for a closer examination of online profiles among older Internet users; more attention should be paid to the potential harms of excessive Internet use for social reasons only among older adults. Practitioners should enhance older Internet users' digital literacy to maximize the wide-range benefits of Internet use and reduce potential health inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study analyzed the effect of virtual reality-based intervention on depression and quality of life in stroke patients. Databases (National Assembly Library, DBpia, RISS, KISS) were searched to extract studies for meta-analysis by using the PICOS framework. From this procedure, two dissertations and five journal articles were selected for the literature on the effect on depression, and four dissertations and three journal articles were selected for the literature on the effect on quality of life. The R program(ver.4.0.5) meta-analysis package was used to calculate the effect sizes for depression and quality of life. Results using random-effects model indicated that the effect size of depression was -0.82 (95 % CI=-1.29, -0.35), which was a large effect size, and also the effect size of quality of life was 1.12 (95 % CI=0.56, 1.67), showing a large effect size. The current study concluded that VR-based intervention has positive effect on depression and quality of life in stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is common in people with chronic kidney disease, yet little is known about how depression is identified and managed as part of routine kidney care. Objectives: The primary objective was to survey all UK adult kidney centres to understand how depression is identified and managed. A secondary objective was to broadly describe the variability in psychosocial care. Design: Online survey. Methods: The survey comprised of three sections: (1) general kidney care, (2) psychological provision and (3) social work provision. Results: 48/68 (71%) of centres responded to the general survey with 20 and 13 responses from psychological and social work module respectively. Only 31.4% reported having both in centre psychological and social work practitioners. Three centres reported no access to psychosocial provision. Of the 25 centres who reported on pathways, 36.0% reported having internal pathways for the identification and management of depression. Within services with psychological provision, screening for depression varied across modality/group (e.g., 7.1% in mild/moderate chronic kidney disease vs. 62.5% in kidney donors). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy were the most common interventions offered. Most psychosocial services were aware of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for managing depression in long‐term conditions (n = 18, 94.7%) yet few fully utilised (n = 6, 33.3%). Limited workforce capacity was evident. Conclusions: There is considerable variability in approaches taken to identify and treat depression across UK kidney services, with few services having specific pathways designed to detect and manage depression. Workforce capacity remains a significant issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) interventions have become widely used to improve psychological outcomes for various populations and shown effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Psychodynamic defense mechanisms have been considered an important process underlying mental disorders, however this has not been studied. The current study aimed to investigate whether MBCT affected (1) psychodynamic defense mechanisms and (2) mindfulness scores, and (3) whether this in turn was associated with any changes in depression and anxiety symptoms. This was an exploratory analysis of a randomized controlled trial of MBCT vs. treatment-as-usual for late-life depression and anxiety in older adults (n = 48). Study outcomes included psychodynamic defense mechanisms (DSQ-40), mindfulness (CAMS-R), depression (PHQ-9), and anxiety (GAD-7), and were assessed at baseline and 8-week. No significant changes were found in defense mechanisms, although the intervention group showed a general non-significant tendency toward increasing mature defenses (Cohen's D = 0.21), with decreasing neurotic (D = 0.35), and immature defenses (D = 0.37). Reductions in immature defense scores were associated with reductions in anxiety scores (r = 0.31, p < 0.05). MBCT was also associated with higher increases in mindfulness scores (MBCT + 2.26 vs. TAU − 1.20, t(46) = 2.40, p = 0.021), which in turn were associated with a greater reduction in depression (r=-0.44, p = 0.002) and anxiety scores (r=-0.48, p = 0.001). MBCT improves mindfulness and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Significant correlations were found between reductions in defense mechanisms and reductions in depression/anxiety symptoms. Future larger RCTs are needed to investigate the impact of MBCT on psychodynamic defense mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression significantly impacts recovery and return to daily activities in cardiac surgery patients. Assessing and managing depressive symptoms before and after surgery are crucial for improving surgical outcomes and timely return to daily activities, including work. The objectives of this study were to examine differences in patients' depression levels in relation to their return to daily activities in the early post-cardiac surgery period, and to assess predictors of delayed return to daily activities. Methods: This single-centered study assessed return to independence, social participation, hobbies, and work in 100 cardiac surgical patients at 2 and 6 weeks post-surgery. Associations between depression levels and return to daily activities scores were evaluated. Results: Higher Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) scores were significantly associated with delayed return to daily activities in all categories at both 2 and 6 weeks post-surgery. Specifically, higher depression score delayed return to independence and social participation at 2 weeks, and delayed return to independence, social participation, and return to work at 6 weeks. Conclusion: Elevated depression scores are significantly associated with delayed return to daily activities post-cardiac surgery, indicating the importance of evaluating depression in cardiac surgical patients in the postend stage-operative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First episode mild depression (FE-MDD) is characterized by elevated malondialdehyde. • FE-MDD is characterized by increased NO production and lowered antioxidant defenses. • Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with nitro-oxidative stress. • Negative life events (NLEs) are associated with nitro-oxidative stress. • ACEs and NLEs and nitro-oxidative stress are associated with the depression phenome. Undergraduate students are frequently afflicted by major depressive disorder (MDD). Oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of MDD. There is no information regarding whether mild outpatient MDD (SDMD) and first episode SDMD (FE-SDMD) are accompanied by O&NS. The current study compared lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced protein oxidation products, nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), thiol groups, plasma total antioxidant potential (TRAP), and paraoxonase 1 activities among SDMD and FE-SDMD patients versus healthy controls. We found that SDMD and FE-SDMD exhibit elevated MDA and NOx, and decreased TRAP and LOOH as compared with controls. There was a significant and positive correlation between O&NS biomarkers and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and negative life events (NLEs). O&NS pathways, NLEs and ACEs accounted for 51.7 % of the variance in the phenome of depression, and O&NS and NLS explained 42.9 % of the variance in brooding. Overall, these results indicate that SDMD and FE-SDMD are characterized by reduced total antioxidant defenses and increased aldehyde and NOx production. The combined effects of oxidative and psychological stressors are substantially associated with the manifestation of SDMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the smartphone addiction and severity of depressive symptoms of high school students. In this descriptive cross-sectional and correlational study, the sample consisted of 1744 high school students. In the study, data were collected using a Descriptive Questionnaire, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form, and the Depression Scale for Children. Data were analyzed in independent groups Student’s t test, One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and a multiple regression model. It was determined that the students’ mean smartphone addiction score was affected by gender, grade level, school success, having problems with the family, relationship with family, relationship with friends, and social self-evaluation. The mean depression score was affected by family type, economic status, social self-evaluation. According to the multiple regression analysis, effects of socio-demographic variables on smartphone addiction were 25%. It was concluded that the socio-demographic characteristics of high school students have an effect on smartphone addiction and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the prevalence and associated factors of depression and generalized anxiety among LGBTQ+ in five medical schools in Thailand. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were used to assess major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), respectively, and multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify associated factors. Of 1,322 students, 412 (31.16%) identified as LGBTQ+. The prevalence for MDD and GAD among LGBTQ+ students were 32.77% and 17.23%, respectively. Significant associated factors for both MDD and GAD were a history of psychiatric illness (AOR for MDD = 2.32, p = .020; AOR for GAD = 3.67, p < .001), educational problems (AOR for MDD = 6.62, p < .001; AOR for GAD = 5.12, p < .001), and dissatisfaction with gender identity or sexual orientation (AOR for MDD = 1.92, p = .019; AOR for GAD = 2.47, p = .005). Additional factors associated with MDD were preclinical years (AOR = 2.30, p = .023), financial struggles (AOR = 2.05, p = .021), and inadequate peer support (AOR = 2.57, p = .044). In conclusion, nearly one-third and one-fifth of Thai LGBTQ+ medical students suffer from MDD and GAD, respectively. Our findings suggest that Thai medical schools should promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity to enhance students’ identity satisfaction. Peer support groups should be encouraged, especially for preclinical LGBTQ+ students who face educational and financial challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Methods Results Conclusions Political participation has been identified as a predictor of mental health. Previous research studies have reported mixed results concerning the relationship between political participation and mental health. Moreover, findings have generally been confined to the between‐individual level. The few studies that investigated within‐person associations have not examined bidirectionality. In the current study, the bidirectional relationship between political participation and mental health was investigated.Data from the GESIS Panel study were used to assess the bidirectional association between political participation and mental health. The GESIS Panel study is a probability‐based panel representative of the German‐speaking population residing in Germany and aged between 18 and 70 years (M = 44.52; SD = 14.67; 52 percent female participants). Mental health was assessed using measures of depression symptoms and subjective well‐being.Using up to nine waves of longitudinal survey data, a random‐intercept cross‐lagged panel model indicated little evidence for cross‐lagged effects from political participation to mental health or vice versa. Notwithstanding, few significant cross‐lagged paths were observed.Overall, the findings were not consistent with the theorized effect of political participation on mental health. Moreover, there is little evidence that mental health affects political participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectivesMethodsResultsConclusionsHair cortisol concentration (HCC) indicates chronic stress exposure, which is a risk factor in the pathogenesis of burnout and depression. However, findings on HCC are inconsistent. Similarly, intervention studies show mixed effects on HCC. The present study aimed to shed light on these inconsistencies, by additionally considering also hair cortisone.Twenty-five patients with a burnout-related depressive disorder receiving a multimodal inpatient treatment for clinical burnout and 17 matched healthy controls participated in this study. All participants provided 1 cm long hair samples at the beginning and end of the treatment. HCC and hair cortisone levels (HCNC) were determined. Meteorological data and duration of sick leave were considered as potential covariates. Burnout and depression were assessed with self-ratings, the latter also with examiner ratings.There were no significant group differences in glucocorticoid levels. Treatment led to a decrease in both depression severity and hair glucocorticoid concentration in inpatients, while lower HCNC in particular predicted a greater reduction in depression severity. Moreover, meteorological data and the duration of sick leave were also found to have an effect on hair glucocorticoid concentrations.These results suggest that multimodal inpatient treatment of clinical burnout considerably reduced stress on both a psychological and biological level. In parallel, hair glucocorticoids appear to be sensitive biomarkers for the evaluation of treatment success and prediction. Examining both HCC and HCNC in intervention studies may provide clearer results than the usual examination of HCC alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Patients with Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) often exhibit depressive-like symptoms, significantly impacting their quality of life. Esketamine, known for its analgesic properties, has also been recognized for its rapid antidepressant effects. However, its efficacy in the treatment of PHN requires further exploration. This study aims to evaluate the impact of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia(PICA) with esketamine on depressive mood in PHN patients. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed PHN patients hospitalized and treated at the affiliated hospital of Southwest Medical University from June 2021 to March 2023. Patients were divided into the esketamine group (E group) and the sufentanil group (S group) based on their treatment regimens. Primary outcomes included pain numerical rating scale(NRS), depression patient health questionaire-9(PHQ-9), and anxiety generalized anxiety disorder-7(GAD-7) scores measured before treatment, and at 3 days, 7 days, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months post-treatment. Results: A total of 83 patients were included in the analysis. Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in pain NRS, depression PHQ-9, and anxiety GAD-7 scores between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared to before treatment, significant reductions in pain NRS scores were observed at all post-treatment time points in both groups (P < 0.05), with no differences between groups (P > 0.05). The E group exhibited significantly lower depression PHQ-9 scores than the S group at 3 days and 7 days post-treatment (P < 0.05), but no significant differences were observed at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months (P > 0.05). Anxiety GAD-7 scores were significantly lower in the E group compared to the S group at 3 days, 7 days post-treatment (P < 0.05), with no statistical differences at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months post-treatment (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Both PICA with esketamine and sufentanil alleviated pain equally in PHN patients. However, PICA with esketamine specifically improved early symptoms of anxiety and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium Carbonate is an effective treatment for affective disorders, but has a range of side effects. This case report highlights a rare side effect of Raynaud's phenomenon following initiation of Lithium therapy in a patient with recurrent depressive disorder. He was commenced on Lithium therapy to treat severe treatment resistant depression with psychotic symptoms when alternative treatments trialled were ineffective. He had no other risk factors or known aetiological causes for development of Raynaud's phenomenon. Symptoms resolved on discontinuation of Lithium and re-emerged on recommencement. Previous case series have shown Lithium effectively treating vasospastic disorders such as cluster headache and Raynaud's phenomenon. However, a paradoxical reaction to those previously described was induced in this case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depressive disorders are among the common mental health conditions in the general outpatient setting and affect patients' load and treatment outcomes. People who suffer from depression frequently consult general practitioners and prefer to attribute their symptoms to physical illness rather than mental illness. Little is known about the magnitude and associated factors of depression among patients attending general outpatient services in Somalia. The study aimed at determining the prevalence and associated factors of depression among them. Methods: This is an institution-based cross-sectional study among randomly selected 422 patients who attended general outpatient services of two hospitals in Mogadishu. We applied three standardized instruments, such as the Somali version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS-3), and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). We analyzed data using the statistical software SPSS version 29. We calculated prevalence and its 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and identified associated factors by bivariate and Multivariate analysis. We considered the association significant when p value is < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of depression symptoms was found to be 55% (95% CI 50–60%). The result also showed that 55.0% were females, 50.7% were aged between 26 and 44 years, 44.3% were single, 29.9% achieved tertiary education, and 44.3% were unemployed. Multivariate analysis established that age of between 26 and 44 years (aOR = 2.86, 95%CI:1.30–6.29, p = 0.009), being separated/divorced (aOR = 2.37, 95%CI: 1.16–4.82, p = 0.018), income level of ≤$100 (aOR = 3.71, 95% CI:1.36–10.09, p = 0.010), and high stress levels (aOR = 20.06, 95%CI:7.33–54.94, p < 0.001) were independent factors that significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusion: This study found high levels of depression among patients attending outpatient clinics, with age, marital status, education level, income level, family history of psychiatry disorder, and stress level being key predictors. Regular screening among patients in outpatient clinics and proper referral are crucial in ensuring that those at high risk of depression are managed effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with low social status are at heightened risk of major depressive disorder (MDD), and MDD also influences social status. While the interrelationship between MDD and social status is well-defined, the behavioral causality between these two phenotypes remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the behavioral relationships between depressive and dominance behaviors in male mice exposed to chronic restraint stress and the role of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) astrocytes in these behaviors. Chronic restraint stress induced both depressive and submissive behaviors. Chemogenetic mPFC astrocyte activation significantly enhanced dominance in chronic stress-induced submissive mice by increasing the persistence of defensive behavior, although it did not affect depressive behaviors. Notably, repetitive winning experiences following mPFC astrocyte stimulation exerted anti-depressive effects in chronic restraint stress-induced depressive mice. These data indicate that mPFC astrocyte-derived winning experience renders anti-depressive effects, and may offer a new strategy for treating depression caused by low status in social hierarchies by targeting mPFC astrocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies report low self-concept clarity in depression, but they are limited to nonclinical samples and self-report questionnaires. To comprehensively understand the relationship between self-concept clarity and depression, this study expanded the range of depression to include clinical samples and explored self-concept clarity through a behavioral task. In Study 1, the self-concept clarity scale was administered to 48 nonclinical and 53 clinical participants, and the quadratic model best explained the relationship. In Study 2, 24 undergraduates and 21 depressed patients completed the me/not-me task. Shorter reaction time and greater internal consistency of negative self-descriptive words were associated with higher depression severity. The results suggest that a certain and consistent negative self-view relates to more severe depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Major depression disorder (MDD) and anxiety are common mental disorders that significantly affect the quality of life of those who suffer from them, altering the person's normal functioning. From the biological perspective, the most classical hypothesis explaining their occurrence relies on neurotransmission and hippocampal excitability alterations. However, around 30% of MDD patients do not respond to medication targeting these processes. Over the last decade, the involvement of inflammatory responses in depression and anxiety pathogenesis has been strongly acknowledged, opening the possibility of tackling these disorders from an immunological point of view. In this context, regulatory T cells (Treg cells), which naturally maintain immune homeostasis by suppressing inflammation could be promising candidates for their therapeutic use in mental disorders. Methods: To test this hypothesis, C57BL/6 adult male mice were submitted to classical stress protocols to induce depressive and anxiety-like behavior; chronic restriction stress (CRS), and chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Some of the stressed mice received a single adoptive transfer of Treg cells during stress protocols. Mouse behavior was analyzed through the open field (OFT) and forced swim test (FST). Blood and spleen samples were collected for T cell analysis using cell cytometry, while brains were collected to study changes in microglia by immunohistochemistry. Results: Mice submitted to CRS and CUS develop anxiety and depressivelike behavior, and only CRS mice exhibit lower frequencies of circulating Treg cells. Adoptive transfer of Treg cells decreased anxiety-like behavior in the OFT only in CRS model, but not depressive behavior in FST in neither of the two models. In CRS mice, Treg cells administration lowered the number of microglia in the hippocampus, which increased due this stress paradigm, and restored its arborization. However, in CUS mice, Treg cells administration increased microglia number with no significant effect on their arborization. Conclusion: Our results for effector CD4+ T cells in the spleen and microglia number and morphology in the hippocampus add new evidence in favor of the participation of inflammatory responses in the development of depressive and anxiety-like behavior and suggest that the modulation of key immune cells such as Treg cells, could have beneficial effects on these disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Insomnia during pregnancy presents significant medical care challenges and heightens the risk of adverse outcomes for both pregnant women and fetuses. This study undertook a meta-analysis to assess the global prevalence of insomnia during pregnancy, examining both the overall prevalence and regional variations. Method: The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of articles indexed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from the inception of these databases up to February 29, 2024. The study systematically reviewed the global prevalence of gestational insomnia and explored potential moderating factors, encompassing research type, publication date, regional influences, maternal age, pregnancy status, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Result: Forty-four studies, encompassing a total of 47,399,513 participants, were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of insomnia symptoms during pregnancy was 43.9%. Regional factors and depression emerged as the main factors affecting insomnia, with Europe (53.6%) surpassing North America (41.0%), followed by South America (50.6%) and Asia (40.7%). High depression rates (56.2%) correlated with increased insomnia prevalence compared to low depression rates (39.8%). The type of research and publication date showed no significant impact on the prevalence of insomnia symptoms. Conclusion: The meta-analysis results indicated that the prevalence of insomnia symptoms was higher during pregnancy, especially among pregnant women who were in a highly depressed state or located in the European region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Alcohol-involved sexual assault (AISA) survivors who were drinking at the time of the assault may be at risk of internalizing victim-blaming myths and stigma. Cognitive-behavioral models posit the link between AISA and negative emotional outcomes may be explained through maladaptive appraisals and coping - i.e., characterological and behavioral self-blame, shame, low self-compassion (i.e., high self-coldness, low self-caring), and fear of selfcompassion. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design and community sample of younger adults (N = 409 Canadians, M = 28.2 years old, 51.3% women), we examined these mechanisms' unique effects in mediating the associations between AISA and posttraumatic stress, general anxiety, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Results: In terms of gender differences, AISA was more common, self-coldness higher, and general anxiety symptoms more frequent in women, and fear of self-compassion was higher in men. Using structural equation modeling that controlled for gender and the overlap between outcomes, shame emerged as the strongest mediator linking AISA with all emotional outcomes. Fear of selfcompassion also partially mediated the AISA-posttraumatic stress symptom association, self-coldness partially mediated the AISA-general anxiety symptom association, and characterological self-blame fully mediated the AISA-depressive symptom association. Conclusion: Avoidance-based processes, ruminative/worry-based cognitions, and negative self-evaluative cognitions may be distinctly relevant for AISArelated posttraumatic stress, general anxiety, and depressive symptoms, respectively, after accounting for the overarching mediation through shame. These internalized stigma-related mechanisms may be useful to prioritize in treatment to potentially reduce AISA-related negative emotional outcomes, particularly for AISA survivors with posttraumatic stress, general anxiety, and/or depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies indicate a link between personal distress and vulnerability to depression. The literature also suggests that personal distress is associated with emotion dysregulation and that emotion dysregulation plays a role in depression. However, which of the various emotion regulation difficulties mediates the relationship between personal distress and depression remains unexplored. This study therefore aims to investigate the mediating role of specific emotion regulation difficulties in the relationship between personal distress and depression. Of the 702 initially recruited participants, 635 completed a survey comprising the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory. A mediation analysis was used to explore which emotion regulation difficulties mediate the relationship between personal distress and depression. Over a quarter (27%) of participants reported moderate-severe depression symptoms. Difficulties in accessing adaptive emotion regulation strategies and in having a clear understanding about one's own emotions partly mediated the relationship between personal distress and depression symptoms. Our results are the first to indicate that personal distress is linked to depression risk through specific emotion regulation difficulties in medical students. They also highlight possible modifiable skills that could be targeted by prevention intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions Evidence from various cohort studies indicate a potential association between depressive disorder and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), yet findings are inconsistent. This study employs bidirectional two‐sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis to explore the causal relationship between BPH and major depressive disorder (MDD).Genetic variants strongly associated with MDD were extracted as instrumental variables conducted by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC). Two sets of genetic variants associated with BPH were extracted from the recent FinnGen and Medical Research Council‐Integrative Epidemiology Unit Consortium of BPH as the discovery and replication stages, respectively. Bidirectional MR analysis employed methods such as inverse variance weighted, MR‐Egger, weighted median, maximum likelihood, and weighted mode. The inverse variance weighted method was primarily used to evaluate the causal relationship.MR analysis in both the discovery and replication stages showed a significant causal relationship between MDD and the risk of BPH (discovery stages, odds ratio (OR) = 1.1146, 95% CI 1.0058–1.2353, P = 0.03852; replication stage, OR: 1.0042, 95% CI 1.0019–1.0065, P = 0.0004). No causal relationship was found between BPH and MDD risk in the reverse MR analysis.Our findings highlight a significant association between MDD and an increased risk of BPH development. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking depression and BPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-criticism has been considered as a transdiagnostic dimension that contributes to the development of several mental health difficulties. Moreover, there is a significant association between self-criticism and emotion regulation difficulties. Of special interest are two variables, related to emotion dysregulation, that have garnered significant attention in recent years: emotional overproduction and the perseveration of negative emotions. By contrast, increased self-compassion has been proposed as a protective mechanism of mental health symptoms, specifically depression. The present study used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to investigate the relationship between self-criticism, self-compassion, and depressive symptoms, while considering emotional overproduction and perseveration of negative emotions as mediating variables. A cross-sectional design was used. The sample consisted of 453 participants who completed measures of self-criticism, self-compassion, depressive symptoms, emotional overproduction, and perseveration of negative emotions. Results indicate that emotional overproduction mediates the relationship between self-criticism and depressive symptoms. Additionally, both emotional overproduction and the perseveration of negative emotions mediate the negative association between self-compassion and depressive symptoms. Therefore, developing self-compassion may diminish the negative impact of self-criticism on depressive symptoms through these two variables. In conclusion, this study deepens our understanding of the mechanism by which self-compassion can mitigate mental health problems such as depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Response styles to depressive mood, which are ruminative or distractive responses, have both adaptive and maladaptive forms. The adaptiveness of ruminative/distractive responses is associated with decentering. However, whether decentering increases using adaptive response styles or adaptive (maladaptive) response styles heighten (lower) decentering levels remains unclear. This short-term longitudinal survey examined the sequential influence of decentering on response styles and the indirect effect of decentering on depression through response styles. One hundred twenty-six Japanese undergraduates completed questionnaires on response styles, decentering, and depressive symptoms at two points in time, four weeks apart. Cross-lagged panel analyses indicated that decentering predicted lower maladaptive ruminative and distractive responses and a higher adaptive ruminative response. Adaptive ruminative response predicted higher decentering. Furthermore, mediation analyses showed that decentering influenced depression through adaptive/maladaptive ruminative responses. Results suggest that an individual's decentering level partly determines which response style is likely to be used when an initial depressive mood is experienced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resurgence of interest in psychedelic substances for psychiatric treatment has sparked both excitement and scepticism within the scientific community. This paper addresses the moralisation and hype surrounding psychedelic therapies. Through a systematic review of the literature and a detailed case study, we illustrate that the therapeutic effect of psychedelics is not solely pharmacological but is instead facilitated by their ability to enhance psychotherapy. The paper explores the historical context of psychedelics in psychiatry, their mechanism of action, and evidence of their efficacy in treating depression. We highlight the necessity of integrating psychedelics with psychotherapeutic interventions and emphasise the importance of methodological rigour and ethical standards in psychedelic research and practice. By presenting an informed understanding of psychedelic treatments, we advocate for their consideration as legitimate alternatives alongside traditional therapies, offering a potential paradigm shift in psychiatric care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDepression is a serious psychiatric disorder with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality and psilocybin with psychotherapy has emerged as a promising potential in the treatment of depressive disorders. A review of psilocybin use in patients with depressive disorders is presented.A search was conducted investigating the use of psilocybin in patients with depressive disorders and treatment resistant depression via PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar in October 2023; all publication types were permitted and limited for English-language. Keyword search terms included: “psilocybin” or “psychedelics” and “depression”, or “major depressive disorder”, or “treatment-resistant depression”. Controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials utilizing psilocybin with psychological support for major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression, as well as in patients with depression and cancer related anxiety have demonstrated immediate and sustained antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. Psilocybin has a favorable safety profile and was well-tolerated in clinical trials. Psilocybin’s abuse potential is low and clinical research suggests the potential of psilocybin to produce rapid and lasting antidepressant effects up to 12 months post-treatment. Psilocybin may offer a valuable contribution as an option to the currently available pharmacological and psychotherapeutic agents for patients with major depressive disorders, treatment-resistant depression as well as for patients with depression and comorbid terminal cancer. Future studies are needed to demonstrate these findings and any synergistic interaction between psilocybin and the psychological support offered to patients during sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is commonly associated with anxiety/depression which can affect self-management and quality of life. The TANDEM trial evaluated a cognitive behavioural approach intervention targeting COPD-related symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, comprising up to eight one-to-one sessions delivered by respiratory healthcare professionals prior to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). The intervention showed no improvement in anxiety/depression or uptake/completion of PR. We present patient perspectives of the intervention to help understand these results. Method: Semi-structured individual interviews, using a semi-structured topic guide informed by Sekhon's Theoretical Framework of Acceptability, were conducted with 19 patients between September 2019 and April 2020. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results: The following could have limited the impact of the intervention: (1) The lives of patients were complex and commonly affected by competing comorbidities or other external stressors which they managed through previously adopted long-standing coping strategies. (2) Some patients were reluctant to talk about their mood despite the Facilitators' training and person centred-skills which aimed to enable patients to talk freely about mood. (3) The intervention handouts and 'home-practice' were perceived as helpful for some, but not suitable for all. (4) Many patients perceived improvements in their physical and mental health, but this was not sustained due to a mix of personal and external factors, and some did not perceive any benefits. (5) PR non-attendance/non-completion was a result of personal and PR service-related reasons. (6) Discussing COPD and mental health with the Facilitator was a novel experience. Many patients felt that TANDEM could be of benefit if it was offered earlier on/at different time points in the COPD illness journey. Conclusion: We found the delivery of TANDEM prior to PR was not helpful for patients with advanced COPD often experiencing other comorbidities, and/or difficult personal/external events. These patients already utilised long-standing coping strategies to manage their COPD. Holistic interventions, that address the impact of COPD in relation to wider aspects of a patients' life, may be more beneficial. Trial registration: ISRCTN Registry 59,537,391. Registration date 20 March 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted mathematical simulations to identify effective treatment options for depression. These simulations involved treatment component nodes that targeted specific symptoms within the depressive symptom network, examining how interventions for certain symptoms could improve the overall symptomatology. The results indicate that targeting a symptom with higher centrality can lead to significant improvement. Furthermore, while interventions targeting symptoms with the lowest centrality did not show any improvement, targeting multiple lower‐centrality symptoms simultaneously may lead to an improvement in overall symptomatology. Insights from these simulations are expected to advance the understanding of effective intervention strategies for depression and the application of psychological networks in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Data Sources/Study Setting Study Design Data Collection/Extraction Methods Principal Findings Conclusions To examine the relationship between the penetration (or reach) of a national program aiming to integrate mental health clinicians into all primary care clinics (PC‐MHI) and rates of guideline‐concordant follow‐up and treatment among clinic patients newly identified with depression in the Veterans Health Administration (VA).15,155 screen‐positive patients 607,730 patients with 2‐item Patient Health Questionnaire scores in 82 primary care clinics, 2015–2019.In this retrospective cohort study, we used established depression care quality measures to assess primary care patients who (a) newly screened positive (score ≥3) and (b) were identified with depression by clinicians via diagnosis and/or medication (n = 15,155; 15,650 patient‐years). Timely follow‐up included ≥3 mental health, ≥3 psychotherapy, or ≥3 primary care visits for depression. Minimally appropriate treatment included ≥4 mental health visits, ≥3 psychotherapy, or ≥60 days of medication. In multivariate regressions, we examined whether higher rates of PC‐MHI penetration in clinic (proportion of total primary care patients in a clinic who saw any PC‐MHI clinician) were associated with greater depression care quality among cohort patients, adjusting for year, healthcare system, and patient and clinic characteristics.Electronic health record data from 82 VA clinics across three states.A median of 9% of all primary care patients were seen by any PC‐MHI clinician annually. In fully adjusted models, greater PC‐MHI penetration was associated with timely depression follow‐up within 84 days (∆P = 0.5; SE = 0.1; p < 0.001) and 180 days (∆P = 0.3; SE = 0.1; p = 0.01) of a positive depression screen. Completion of at least minimal treatment within 12 months was high (77%), on average, and not associated with PC‐MHI penetration.Greater PC‐MHI program penetration was associated with early depression treatment engagement at 84−/180‐days among clinic patients newly identified with depression, with no effect on already high rates of completion of minimally sufficient treatment within the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current treatments for bipolar depression have limited effectiveness, tolerability and acceptability. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a novel non-invasive brain stimulation method that has demonstrated treatment efficacy for major depressive episodes. tDCS is portable, safe, and individuals like having sessions at home. We developed a home-based protocol with real-time remote supervision. In the present study, we have examined the clinical outcomes, acceptability and feasibility of home-based tDCS treatment in bipolar depression. Results: Participants were 44 individuals with bipolar disorder (31 women), mean age 47.27 ± 12.89 years, in current depressive episode of at least moderate severity (mean Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score 24.59 ± 2.64). tDCS was provided in bilateral frontal montage, F3 anode, F4 cathode, 2 mA, for 30 min, in a 6-week trial, for total 21 sessions, a follow up visit was conducted 5 months from baseline. Participants maintained their current treatment (psychotherapy, antidepressant or mood stabilising medication) or maintained being medication-free. A research team member was present by video conference at each session. 93.2% participants (n = 41) completed the 6-week treatment and 72.7% of participants (n = 32) completed the 5 month follow up. There was a significant improvement in depressive symptoms following treatment (mean MADRS 8.77 ± 5.37) which was maintained at the 5 month follow up (mean MADRS 10.86 ± 6.90), rate of clinical response was 77.3% (MADRS improvement of 50% or greater from baseline), and rate of clinical remission was 47.7% (MADRS rating of 9 or less). Acceptability was endorsed as "very acceptable" or "quite acceptable" by all participants. No participants developed mania or hypomania. Conclusions: In summary, home-based tDCS with real-time supervision was associated with significant clinical improvements and high acceptability in bipolar depression. Due to the open-label design, efficacy findings are preliminary. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT05436613 registered on 23 June 2022 https//www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05436613. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusion The extent to which recent potentially traumatic events (PTEs) hinder the recovery from pre‐existing mental health problems is largely unknown. The same applies to the extent to which non‐recovery from pre‐existing mental health problems increases the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of the present study is to gain insight in these effects.Data were extracted from six annual surveys of the Dutch population‐based Victims in Modern Society (VICTIMS) study. Of the adult respondents who participated in two subsequent surveys (labeled T1 and T2, n = 6942), those with severe anxiety and depression symptoms (ADS) at T1 (n = 487) were selected. We distinguished respondents exposed to PTEs (PTE‐group, n = 162) and not exposed to PTEs (comparison group, n = 325) between T1 and T2. We applied five indicators of recovery [based on the Reliable Change Index (RCI), degrees of symptom reduction, and the cut‐off score at T2]. Differences in the recovery from ADS and probable PTSD at T2 were examined using multivariate logistic regression.The PTE group less often recovered from severe ADS between T1 and T2 than the comparison group according to all five indicators of recovery, while controlling for 11 different variables (0.40 ≤ adjusted OR's ≤ 0.66). Those in the PTE group who did not recover, considerably more often suffered from probable PTSD at T2 (63%–82%) than those who did recover (0%–29%; 8.96 ≤ adjusted OR ≤ 26.33).Recent potentially traumatic events hinder the recovery from pre‐existing anxiety and depression symptomatology and thereby increase the risk of probable PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promising initial studies on vitamin D (VD) supplementation as an adjunct treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) require rigorously designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We aim to investigate the effects of augmenting standard MDD treatment with VD supplementation and examine factors influencing the treatment outcome. This article describes the study design, measures, and baseline characteristics. This multicenter RCT compares the efficacy of a six‐month VD intervention at 100 micrograms/day versus 10 micrograms/day (μg/day) (4000 IU (international units)/day vs. 400 IU/day) added to a standard treatment in outpatients aged 20–61 years with MDD. The primary outcome is change in the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score. Secondary outcomes are other indicators of mental health and functionality (BDI, SOC, 15‐D, PSS10, LS‐4, LOT‐R, YSQ‐S2‐extended, CORE‐OM, TAS‐20, BRCS, TADS, SCL‐90, DIAD, GAF), and circulating biomarkers. Intervention assessments are conducted at baseline, 3, and 6 months, and follow‐ups at 18 months and 6 years post‐baseline. The baseline sample had 319 subjects (74% women; median age 31 (inter‐quartile range (IQR) 15), mean MADRS score 21.38 (SD 6.04)), with 281 assigned to the RCT. At present, the study continues as a follow‐up study. DepFuD project will provide extensive information regarding the potential benefits of VD and enables to identify various biopsychosocial depression‐associated risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the influence of aerobic exercise on depression among the young people. Data sources: PubMed, Web of science, Embase, Cochrane, EBSCO were searched from inception to November 2023. Study selection: RCT studies, assessing the use of aerobic exercise in young people aged 6–35 years and then determining the development of depression in young people (aged 6–35 years), were selected, and mean ± SD values adjusted for the presence of baseline depression were extracted. Data extraction and synthesis: Study quality was assessed using the Review manager 5.4.1 and Cochrane 5.1 item on risk of bias and precision of observational studies. Two reviewers conducted all review stages independently. Selected data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Main outcomes and measures: The included studies evaluated the relationship between aerobic exercise and depression at various time points among young individuals, and provided corresponding mean ± SD values. Depression diagnosis in the selected studies was conducted using the Depression Correlation Scale. Results: After screening 2296 articles, 163 articles were selected for full-text review, and 8 of those were further reviewed. Ultimately, 12 studies, involving 658 individuals, were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that aerobic exercise could effectively improve depression in young people (d = -1.33, 95%CI: -1.78 ~ -0.87, P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that aerobic exercise was beneficial for both depression (d = -2.68, 95%CI: -3.87 ~ -1.48, P < 0.05) and non-depression (d = -0.85, 95%CI: -1.20 ~ -0.51, P < 0.05) conditions, as well as for low intensity (d = -0.93, 95%CI: -1.29 ~ 0.58, P < 0.05) and moderate intensity (d = -2.08,95%CI:-2.88 ~ -1.27, P < 0.05) exercises. Additionally, aerobic exercise was found to significantly alleviate depression in young people when performed for 40 min or less (d = -2.00,95%CI: -2.96 ~ -1.04, P < 0.05), whereas durations exceeding 40 min showed a lesser effect (d = -0.85,95%CI:-1.47 ~ -0.24, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the duration-based analysis revealed that aerobic exercise improved depression levels in young people regardless of duration, whether it was for less than 6 weeks (d = -1.27,95%CI: 2.12 ~ 0.14, P < 0.05), 6 to 11 weeks (d = 1.55, 95% CI: 2.16 ~ 0.94, P < 0.05), or more than 12 weeks (d = 1.00, 95% CI: -1.76 ~ -0.24,P < 0.05). Overall, these findings suggest that aerobic exercise is a promising intervention for alleviating depression in young individuals. Conclusions: Both short (less than 40 min) and long (more than 40 min) periods of aerobic exercise were effective in improving depressive symptoms. However, the optimal duration of aerobic exercise may vary depending on the specific population and individual factors studied, such as age, health status, and exercise tolerance. Therefore, this study concluded that the most effective exercise regimen, 40 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise three times a week for 6 to 11 weeks, showed more significant improvement in depression indicators in individuals with depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation play a significant role in depression. This research has shown that Ten‐eleven translocation 2 (Tet2) deficiency prompts depression‐like behaviors, but Tet2's transcriptional regulation remains unclear. In the study, bioinformatics is used to identify nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group E member 3 (Nr2e3) as a potential Tet2 regulator. Nr2e3 is found to enhance Tet2's transcriptional activity by binding to its promoter region. Nr2e3 knockdown in mouse hippocampus leads to reduced Tet2 expression, depression‐like behaviors, decreased hydroxymethylation of synaptic genes, and downregulation of synaptic proteins like postsynaptic density 95 KDa (PSD95) and N‐methy‐d‐aspartate receptor 1 (NMDAR1). Fewer dendritic spines are also observed. Nr2e3 thus appears to play an antidepressant role under stress. In search of potential treatments, small molecule compounds to increase Nr2e3 expression are screened. Azacyclonal (AZA) is found to enhance the Nr2e3/Tet2 pathway and exhibited antidepressant effects in stressed mice, increasing PSD95 and NMDAR1 expression and dendritic spine density. This study illuminates Tet2's upstream regulatory mechanism, providing a new target for identifying early depression biomarkers and developing treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectivesMethodsResultsConclusionThe purpose of this investigation was to verify the association between mental health (MH) indicators with walking capacity in patients with PAD.Two hundred and forty-six patients with PAD and claudication symptoms participated in this study. Physical function was assessed objectively with the 6-min walk test (6MWT) and subjectively using the Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ). MH was assessed by the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref (WHOQOL-Bref) (six questions were selected − 1, 2, 10, 16, 19, and 26). Patients were divided into tertile groups according to their composite z-score for mental health (Low MH, Middle MH, and High MH).The High MH group presented higher scores (p < 0.05) for the WIQ (distance = 26.8 ± 25.6, speed = 25.4 ± 17.3, and stairs = 33.6 ± 27.5), claudication onset distance (161.6 ± 83.6 m), and total walking distance (352.9 ± 79.6 m) compared to Low MH (WIQ distance = 14.8 ± 16.2, 17.7 ± 13.0, and stairs = 22.7 ± 20.7). Additionally, the High MH group presented a longer claudication onset distance (115.5 ± 70.5 m), and total walking distance in 6MWT (306.6 ± 83.2 m), and higher scores in the total walking distance compared to Middle MH (309.5 ± 93.6 m) (p < 0.05).In patients with PAD, MH was positively associated with walking capacity. Based on these results, treatments that can improve mental health, through different mechanisms, can also positively influence the ability of these patients to walk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a public health issue with a high mortality rate and severe neurological and psychiatric consequences. Mood and anxiety disorders are some of the most frequently reported. Primary and secondary damage can cause a loss of neurons and glial cells, leading to dysfunction of neuronal circuits, which can induce imbalances in many neurotransmitter systems. Monoaminergic systems, especially the dopaminergic system, are some of the most involved in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms after TBI. In this work, we summarize the studies carried out in patients who have suffered TBI and describe alterations in the dopaminergic system, highlighting (1) dysfunction of the dopaminergic neuronal circuits caused by TBI, where modifications are shown in the dopamine transporter (DAT) and alterations in the expression of dopamine receptor 2 (D2R) in brain areas with dopaminergic innervation, thus establishing a hypodopaminergic state and (2) variations in the concentration of dopamine and its metabolites in biological fluids of post-TBI patients, such as elevated dopamine (DA) and alterations in homovanillic acid (HVA). On the other hand, we show a large number of reports of alterations in the dopaminergic system after a TBI in animal models, in which modifications in the levels of DA, DAT, and HVA have been reported, as well as alterations in the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). We also describe the biological pathways, neuronal circuits, and molecular mechanisms potentially involved in mood and anxiety disorders that occur after TBI and are associated with alterations of the dopaminergic system in clinical studies and animal models. We describe the changes that occur in the clinical picture of post-TBI patients, such as alterations in mood and anxiety associated with DAT activity in the striatum, the relationship between post-TBI major depressive disorders (MDD) with lower availability of the DA receptors D2R and D3R in the caudate and thalamus, as well as a decrease in the volume of the substantia nigra (SN) associated with anxiety symptoms. With these findings, we discuss the possible relationship between the disorders caused by alterations in the dopaminergic system in patients with TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem behaviors (PBs) are characterized as negative or maladaptive behaviors that are socially defined as a problem, which are prevalent among rural children and adolescents and are associated with depression and anxiety. Yet, the exact nature of the relationship between anxiety and depression symptoms, their connection to PBs, and any potential gender differences in these associations remain unclear. The current study, conducted on the Database on Rural Children's Mental Health, included 1,601 rural school-aged children (Mean age = 11.22, SD age = 1.32) divided into girl (N = 846) and boy (N = 755) groups. The levels of depression, anxiety, and PBs were accessed by the Children's Depression Inventory, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and Child Behavior Checklist separately. The symptom network approach and the flow network approach were used. The prevalence of anxiety (cutoff was 8) and depression (cutoff was 20) was 38.72% and 23.42%. In the network of all students, the strongest edges existed between "school performance decrement" and "lack of friendship". Moreover, "low self-esteem" and "feeling afraid" served as the unique bridge symptoms among rural girls, while "uncontrollable worry" and "excessive worry" were the unique bridge symptoms among rural boys. Furthermore, in the flow network, "lack of friendship" and "school performance decrement" shared the strongest connection to PBs among rural girls and boys, respectively. The study deepened our understanding of the relationship between depression, anxiety, and PBs among rural school-aged children and disclosed the gender difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to validate the efficacy of exercise-assisted psychotherapy sessions in treating depression in older patients. The 6-month intervention included exercise, talk therapy, and social interaction. Loneliness, physical activity intensity, and depression levels were measured before, during, and after the intervention. A Student's t-test was used to compare the initial and final scores. The course was most successful for depression, with the average depression score falling from 23.15 (severe depression) to 11.46 (mild depression). Throughout the trial, the effects of age, sex, education, and marital status on variables (loneliness, depression, physical activity) were assessed using one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The age of participants did not influence depression and loneliness, but it did affect physical activity. Women had higher levels of depression and physical activity, and elderly people who had been widowed or divorced were more likely to experience loneliness. The article makes suggestions for improving the mental health system in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cognitive evaluation of the process of interpersonal communication may be a risk factor of depression. Interpersonal communication competence assesses how people display performance on communication and has been proposed to impact directly need satisfaction, indirectly anxiety, stress, and depression. The main purpose of the present cross-sectional study was to examine the mediation roles of need satisfaction, anxiety, and stress in the association between interpersonal communication competence and depression. Correlational and mediation analysis were performed to test conceptual model of depression. Correlational analysis revealed that depression was associated with interpersonal communication competence, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, interpersonal communication competence was associated with need satisfaction, anxiety, and stress. As for mediation analysis, it was concluded that the serial mediation role of need satisfaction, anxiety, and stress in the association between interpersonal communication competence and depression was significant. A new conceptual model provided empirical evidences as to the prodrome of depression. Therefore, it was supposed that these findings would be effective in psychological interventions of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]