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Scientific Reports Jun 2024Network analysis provides an innovative approach to examining symptom-to-symptom interactions in mental health, and adverse external conditions may change the network... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Network analysis provides an innovative approach to examining symptom-to-symptom interactions in mental health, and adverse external conditions may change the network structures. This study compared the networks of common risk factors and mental health problems (loneliness, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms) in community-dwelling older people before and during COVID-19. Older adults (aged ≥ 60) at risk for depression were recruited through non-governmental organizations. Loneliness, depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were measured using the three-item Loneliness Scale (UCLA-3), nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), respectively. Data from 2549 (before) and 3506 (during COVID-19) respondents were included using propensity score matching. Being restless (GAD-7-item5) was most central, indicated by Expected Influence, in both pre and during COVID-19 networks despite low severity (mean score). The network during COVID-19 had higher global strength and edge variability than the pre-pandemic network, suggesting easier symptom spread and potentially more complex symptom presentation. In addition, feeling isolated from others (UCLA-3-item3) had stronger connections with feeling worthless/guilty (PHQ-9-item6) and anticipatory anxiety (GAD-7-item7) during COVID-19 than before. These findings may enhance our knowledge of the symptom structure of common mental health problems and the impacts of the pandemic. Targeting central symptoms may offer novel preventive strategies for older people.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Aged; Loneliness; Male; Female; Depression; Independent Living; Anxiety; Aged, 80 and over; SARS-CoV-2; Risk Factors; Middle Aged; Mental Health; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38926445
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65533-z -
BMJ Open Jun 2024The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) is on the rise globally, and the use of antidepressant medications for its treatment does not usually result in full... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Study protocol on the efficacy of exergames-acceptance and commitment therapy program for the treatment of major depressive disorder: comparison with acceptance and commitment therapy alone and treatment-as-usual in a multicentre randomised controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) is on the rise globally, and the use of antidepressant medications for its treatment does not usually result in full remission. However, the combination of physical exercise and psychotherapy for the treatment of MDD increase the rate of full remission among patients. This three-armed, parallel-group, double-blinded randomised controlled trial (RCT) aims to assess and compare the effects between the combination of exergame and acceptance and commitment therapy (e-ACT) programme, ACT only and treatment-as-usual (TAU) control groups on the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms, the degree of experiential avoidance and quality of life (QoL) and the serum levels of depression biomarkers (such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, C-reactive protein and vascular endothelial growth factor) among patients with MDD across three time points.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
This RCT will recruit 126 patients with MDD who will be randomised using stratified permuted block randomisation into three groups, which are the combined e-ACT programme, ACT-only and TAU control groups in a 1:1:1 allocation ratio. The participants in the e-ACT and ACT-only intervention groups will undergo once a week intervention sessions for 8 weeks. Assessments will be carried out through three time points, such as the pre-intervention assessment (t), assessment immediately after completion of the intervention at 8 weeks (t) and assessment at 24 weeks after completion of the intervention (t). During each assessment, the primary outcome to be assessed includes the severity of depression symptoms, while the secondary outcomes to be assessed are the severity of anxiety symptoms, experiential avoidance, QoL and depression biomarkers.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
Approval of this study was obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM/JEPeM/PP/23050420). The findings of the study will be published in academic peer-reviewed journals.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT05812001 (ClinicalTrials.gov). Registered on 12 April 2023.
Topics: Humans; Depressive Disorder, Major; Quality of Life; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Adult; Double-Blind Method; Male; Female; Video Games; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Exercise Therapy; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38926142
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080315 -
BMJ Open Jun 2024Chronic stress can cause an imbalance within the autonomic nervous system, thereby affecting cardiovascular and mental health. Physical activity (PA) may have a positive... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
INTRODUCTION
Chronic stress can cause an imbalance within the autonomic nervous system, thereby affecting cardiovascular and mental health. Physical activity (PA) may have a positive effect on the autonomic nervous system and stress-related disorders, such as depression and burnout. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive marker of the autonomic nervous system. However, limited and inconsistent data exist on the exact relationship between HRV, PA and depression and burnout symptoms. The HARMODI study aims to explore whether HRV is a feasible marker of depression and burnout symptoms and aims to evaluate the role of PA in the treatment of stress-related disorders.
METHODS AND ANALYSES
This is an observational study with a cross-sectional up to 8 week follow-up study design. A total of 153 patients, undergoing psychiatric inpatient treatment with burnout syndrome (Z73) and depressive episode (F32 or F33) or adjustment disorder (F43.2), will be recruited. Data on depression and burnout symptoms, HRV recordings (24-hour, supine, standing and exercise stress test), cognitive function, cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiovascular health, balance and strength will be collected at baseline (T1) and after up to 8 weeks (T2). Continuous data on PA and Ecological Momentary Assessments of exhaustion, mood and tension will be monitored daily throughout inpatient treatment. Multiple regression models, adjusted for potential confounders, will assess the association between HRV as the primary outcome, PA and depression and burnout severity score.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
The protocol has been approved by Swiss Ethics Committee, Cantonal Ethics Committee Zürich. Results of HARMODI will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT05874856.
Topics: Humans; Heart Rate; Cross-Sectional Studies; Exercise; Depression; Follow-Up Studies; Male; Adult; Burnout, Psychological; Female; Inpatients; Autonomic Nervous System; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38925684
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081299 -
Neuropsychopharmacology Reports Jun 2024The incidence of major depressive disorder (MDD) after heart transplantation is high; however, there are no reports on treatment options when antidepressant therapy...
The incidence of major depressive disorder (MDD) after heart transplantation is high; however, there are no reports on treatment options when antidepressant therapy fails to improve the condition. We herein report on the case of a woman with MDD after heart transplantation who partially improved with antidepressant treatment but continued to have a loss of appetite. Augmentation treatment with aripiprazole improved her appetite, and her MDD went into remission. When antidepressant treatment is not sufficiently effective for MDD after heart transplantation, augmentation treatment with antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole, should be considered.
PubMed: 38923862
DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12463 -
JAMA Network Open Jun 2024There is a need for representative research on serious adverse outcomes following discharge from psychiatric hospitalization.
IMPORTANCE
There is a need for representative research on serious adverse outcomes following discharge from psychiatric hospitalization.
OBJECTIVE
To compare rates of premature death, suicide, and nonlethal intentional self-harm after psychiatric discharge with rates in the general population and investigate associations of these outcomes with relevant variables associated with the index psychiatric hospitalization.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This retrospective cohort study included all residents from Catalonia, Spain (7.6 million population), who had psychiatric hospitalizations between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018, and were older than 10 years at the index (first) hospitalization. Follow-up was until December 31, 2019. Statistical analysis was performed from December 1, 2022, through April 11, 2024.
EXPOSURES
Socioeconomic status, psychiatric diagnoses, duration of index hospitalization, and number of previous psychiatric hospitalizations.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Postdischarge premature death (ie, all-cause death before age 70 years) and suicide (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision [ICD-10] code range X60-X84), identified using mortality data, and postdischarge nonlethal intentional self-harm, identified using electronic health record and self-harm case register data. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) compared rates of premature death and suicide between the cohort and the general population. Fully adjusted, multivariable, cause-specific Cox proportional hazards regression models for the 3 outcomes were fitted.
RESULTS
A total of 49 108 patients discharged from psychiatric hospitalization were included (25 833 males [52.6%]; mean [SD] age at discharge, 44.2 [18.2] years). During follow-up, 2260 patients (4.6%) died prematurely, 437 (0.9%) died by suicide, and 4752 (9.7%) had an episode of nonlethal intentional self-harm. The overall SMR for premature death was 7.5 (95% CI, 7.2-7.9). For suicide, SMR was 32.9 (95% CI, 29.9-36.0) overall and was especially high among females (47.6 [95% CI, 40.2-54.9]). In fully adjusted sex-stratified hazard models, postdischarge premature death was associated with cognitive disorders (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 2.89 [95% CI, 2.24-3.74] for females; 2.59 [95% CI, 2.17-3.08] for males) and alcohol-related disorders (AHR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.18-1.70] for females; 1.22 [95% CI, 1.09-1.37] for males). Postdischarge suicide was associated with postdischarge intentional self-harm (AHR, 2.83 [95% CI, 1.97-4.05] for females; 3.29 [95% CI, 2.47-4.40] for males), with depressive disorders (AHR, 2.13 [95% CI, 1.52-2.97]) and adjustment disorders (AHR, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.32-2.83]) among males, and with bipolar disorder among females (AHR, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.21-3.09]). Postdischarge intentional self-harm was associated with index admissions for intentional self-harm (AHR, 1.95 [95% CI, 1.73-2.21] for females; 2.62 [95% CI, 2.20-3.13] for males) as well as for adjustment disorders (AHR, 1.48 [95% CI, 1.33-1.65] for females; 1.99 [95% CI, 1.74-2.27] for males), anxiety disorders (AHR, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.10-1.39] for females; 1.36 [95% CI, 1.18-1.58] for males), depressive disorders (AHR, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.40-1.69] for females; 1.80 [95% CI, 1.58-2.04] for males), and personality disorders (AHR, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.46-1.73] for females; 1.43 [95% CI, 1.28-1.60] for males).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this cohort study of patients discharged from psychiatric hospitalization, risk for premature death and suicide was significantly higher compared with the general population, suggesting individuals discharged from psychiatric inpatient care are a vulnerable population for premature death and suicidal behavior.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Patient Discharge; Middle Aged; Self-Injurious Behavior; Adult; Retrospective Studies; Spain; Suicide; Mortality, Premature; Aged; Adolescent; Mental Disorders; Young Adult; Hospitals, Psychiatric
PubMed: 38922620
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.17131 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024On 25 May 2023, the Portuguese parliament approved the decriminalisation of euthanasia for incurable illnesses. As the experiences of other countries show us, it will be...
On 25 May 2023, the Portuguese parliament approved the decriminalisation of euthanasia for incurable illnesses. As the experiences of other countries show us, it will be a matter of time before mental disorders are addressed. Studying the phenomenon, particularly in vulnerable groups, in advance is essential for proper law drafting. Therefore, instruments that allow an objective assessment and comparison between groups must be available. This study aims to explore the validation of Faria's attitude about euthanasia scale in Portuguese older adults with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder. A sample of 114 older adults with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder collected by convenience in the Psychiatry Department of Senhora da Oliveira Hospital in Portugal was included. The pre-final version of the scale was tested in a small group with good results. The validity of the internal structure was analysed using exploratory factorial analysis. The internal consistency study verified reliability. For construct validity, we assessed the correlation with other validated scales measuring attitudes toward euthanasia, cognitive performance, personality and empathy. The attitude about euthanasia scale showed good internal consistency. One factor was retained in the principal component analysis. Significant correlations verified construct validity. The results support the scale's usefulness and validity. This study makes available a unique instrument to assess the overall tendency of the attitudes towards euthanasia from the European-Portuguese perspective, which can be used, for example, to compare Portuguese with Brazilian older adults suffering from the same disorder. Furthermore, the adapted scale paves the way for other cross-cultural translations, adaptations, validations, and comparative analyses.
PubMed: 38921334
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12121221 -
European Journal of Investigation in... Jun 2024Previous studies have shown that the transition from the University environment to remote learning impacted student mental health. Our study aimed to investigate the...
Previous studies have shown that the transition from the University environment to remote learning impacted student mental health. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of university environment on anxiety and depressive symptoms in health sciences students. Students at the Technical University of Manabí, Ecuador, with 6-10 in-person semesters, who shifted to remote learning and then returned to face-to-face learning were selected. Students responded to the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). In addition, questions regarding social interaction, physical exercise, mood and sleep habits were also asked. This longitudinal study tracked 323 students during the return to in-person classes and term end. The results showed similar rates of anxiety (GAD-7, = 0.011- = 0.002) and depression (PHQ-9 = 0.001- = 0.032) among students at week 1 and week 15. Previous diagnosis of depression (OR, 0.171; CI 0.050-0.579, < 0.005) was shown to correlate with depression levels in week 1, with no changes seen at follow-up. Anxiety levels were shown to be associated with a previous diagnosis of the disorder at week 1, but not at follow-up (OR 0.233; CI 0.085-0.643, < 0.005). The return to in-person learning among university students maintained levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, underscoring ongoing vulnerabilities to mental health disorders in this group.
PubMed: 38921084
DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe14060118 -
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Stressful life events (SLEs) and suicidal ideation (SI) are prevalent in persons with major depression disorder (MDD). Less is known about the underlying role of...
Stressful life events (SLEs) and suicidal ideation (SI) are prevalent in persons with major depression disorder (MDD). Less is known about the underlying role of insomnia symptoms in the association between SLEs and SI. This three-wave prospective cohort study sought to investigate the longitudinal association among SLEs, insomnia symptoms, and SI in persons with MDD. The study population included 511 persons with MDD (mean [SD] age, 28.7 [6.7] years; 67.1% were females). Generalized estimated equations (GEEs) were utilized to explore prospective association among exposure of SLEs, insomnia symptoms, and SI. Additionally, a structural equation model (SEM) was employed to estimate the longitudinal mediating effect of insomnia symptoms in the relationship between SLEs and SI. Our study demonstrated that cumulative SLEs were determined to be longitudinally associated with SI in persons with MDD. We further observed that the association between SLEs and SI was significantly mediated by insomnia symptoms. Clinicians assessing persons with MDD, especially those with the history of SLE, could carefully evaluate and promptly treat insomnia symptoms as part of personalized assessment of their depressive illness, thereby achieving early prevention and intervention for suicidal behaviors in persons with MDD.
PubMed: 38920799
DOI: 10.3390/bs14060467 -
Diseases (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that significantly impacts quality of life and functionality. Ocrelizumab, a monoclonal antibody...
Impact of Ocrelizumab on Disease Progression, Memory Improvement, and Quality of Life in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Longitudinal MRI and Clinical Criteria Analysis.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that significantly impacts quality of life and functionality. Ocrelizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20-positive B cells, has emerged as a treatment for relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). This study aimed to assess the impact of ocrelizumab on disease progression and quality of life over a longitudinal course, utilizing clinical criteria and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analyses. Conducted at the Neurology Department of Pius Brinzeu Clinical Emergency Hospital in Western Romania from 2020 to 2023, this observational study enrolled 93 patients with RRMS who commenced ocrelizumab therapy. The study employed the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and MRI to evaluate disease progression, while quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL) questionnaire, Beck Depression Index (BDI), and MOCA scales. Significant improvements were observed post-treatment. EDSS scores decreased from 4.61 to 4.08 ( = 0.038), indicating reduced disability. MRI analyses showed a substantial decrease in expansive lesions (from 67.74% to 26.88%, < 0.001) and an increase in stationary lesions (from 32.26% to 73.12%, < 0.001). Quality of life improvements were notable in the physical (from 58.42 to 64.84, = 0.005) and environmental domains (from 63.21 to 68.44, = 0.033). Cognitive functions, assessed via Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), showed a significant total score increase from 20.38 to 22.30 ( < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed more pronounced effects in females and younger patients, with a significant reduction in depressive symptoms measured by BDI scores (from 14.35 to 11.62, = 0.003). Ocrelizumab significantly reduced disease activity and disability in RRMS patients, as demonstrated by improvements in EDSS scores and MRI findings. Quality of life and cognitive functions also showed considerable enhancements. These findings support ocrelizumab's efficacy in not only managing MS symptoms but also improving overall patient well-being.
PubMed: 38920559
DOI: 10.3390/diseases12060127 -
Annali Dell'Istituto Superiore Di Sanita 2024Maternal antenatal depression affects 21-28% of expectants globally and negatively impacts both maternal and child health in the short and long term. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Maternal antenatal depression affects 21-28% of expectants globally and negatively impacts both maternal and child health in the short and long term.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the psychometric properties and clinical utility of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) in pregnant individuals.
METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, 953 third-trimester pregnant Italian individuals completed both the EPDS and the PHQ-9.
RESULTS
Both scales demonstrated good internal consistency (EPDS ω=0.83, PHQ-9 ω=0.80) and a moderate correlation between their scores (r=0.59). Concordance at recommended cut-off points (≥14 for both) was moderate (k=0.55). Factor analyses indicated a bifactor solution for the EPDS (dimensions: "depression" and "anxiety") and for the PHQ-9 (dimensions: "depression", "pregnancy symptoms", "somatic"). Benchmarks for clinical change were also established.
CONCLUSIONS
The EPDS and PHQ-9 capture distinct aspects of perinatal depressive symptomatology. Clinically, these findings recommend using both scales in obstetric and gynaecologic settings to minimize false positives and negatives.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Pregnancy Complications; Psychometrics; Depression; Patient Health Questionnaire; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Depression, Postpartum; Italy; Young Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires; Reproducibility of Results; Mass Screening
PubMed: 38920259
DOI: 10.4415/ANN_24_01_08