Atypical Depressive Symptoms Research Articles

Trajectories and predictors of suicidal ideation in clinical characteristics and pharmacological treatments for major depressive disorder: a study based on a national multi-centered prospective cohort

Suicidal ideation (SI) is a significant precursor and risk marker for suicide behaviors in major depressive disorder (MDD). Exploration of SI trajectory from a longitudinal framework are essential for treatment guidelines and clinical management of suicide risk. This study sought to explore SI trajectories and its associated clinical, sociodemographic characteristics, and initial treatment among patients with MDD. We used data from a non-interventional, national multi-centered prospective cohort study. 1 461 patients with MDD were included in the growth mixture modeling using SI at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months as the indicator. A multinomial regression was employed with SI trajectory as the outcome and anhedonia, depressive symptoms, atypical depressive symptoms, pharmacological treatments, and other covariates as the predictors. Four distinct SI trajectories were identified: a consistently low SI trajectory(50.7%), a persistently mild SI trajectory(20.6%), a fast declined SI trajectory(8.9%), and a slowly declined trajectory(19.8%). Compared to those with a consistently low SI trajectory, a higher score of anhedonia was associated with an increased risk of experiencing persistently mild (RRR = 1.20, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.38) and slowly declined SI (1.54, 95%CI: 1.32, 1.80). Severity of depressive symptom was also positively associated with the risk of experiencing persistently mild (1.15, 95%CI: 1.13, 1.18) and slowly declined SI (1.17, 95%CI: 1.14, 1.21). And the risk of experiencing slowly declined SI was higher for those use SSRI(1.49, 95%CI: 1.02, 2.31), and for those use antidepressant and antipsychotic/mood stabilizer combined therapy (3.78, 95%CI: 1.48, 9.61). The findings of this study are potentially useful for clinical practice as critical indicators of profiles and interventions for prognosis among patients with MDD. Further research is warranted to explore potential modifiable factors and the association between SI trajectories and suicide behavior.

Differences in Depressive Symptom Profile by Age Group in Koreans With Major Depressive Disorder: Results From Nationwide General Population Surveys.

This study investigated to what extent a range of depressive symptoms was differentially present depending on age group in Korean population. Data was pooled from five nationally representative surveys in which 29,418 respondents aged at least 18 years were interviewed face-to-face using the Korean version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. A total of 691 (2.1%) respondents were found to have had at least 1 episode of major depressive disorder (MDD) within the last 12 months. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the association between age groups (18-39 years, 40-59 years, and 60 years or older) and 26 depressive symptoms among the respondents with MDD. Associations were observed between somatic symptoms-including insomnia, awakening 2 h earlier-and cognitive symptoms such as feelings of guilt, thoughts of death, and suicidal ideation with the older age group. Whereas, atypical depressive symptoms such as increased appetite, weight gain, and hypersomnia were associated with the younger age group. When adjusted for sociodemographic factors, symptoms such as depressed mood, awakening 2 h earlier, and feeling guilty in the older age group, and hypersomnia, psychomotor retardation, and worse in the morning in the younger age group still remained statistically significant. Furthermore, fatigue and decreased libido were newly associated with the younger age group. The findings of this study revealed distinct patterns of symptomatology in MDD based on age groups. These differences should be considered owing to their potential relevance to treatment response and prognosis in the clinical setting.

Towards effective screening for paternal perinatal mental illness: a meta-review of instruments and research gaps.

Paternal perinatal mental illness (PPMI), which affects around one in 10 fathers, is under-recognised despite increasing awareness of men's mental health in the perinatal period. Social stigma and men's reluctance to seek help exacerbate this gap. Neglecting the mental health needs of new fathers not only puts them at increased risk for mental illness themselves, but also has a profound and long-lasting impact on their families, children and their own self-esteem as they navigate their new role in the family dynamic. This meta-review systematically identifies instruments assessing PPMI symptoms, evaluates their psychometric properties and applicability, presents key findings from studies using these tools, and identifies gaps and limitations in the literature on PPMI symptom assessment. A systematic literature review was conducted using search strategies applied to PubMed, PsycNet APA, Cochrane, and Web of Science, supplemented by hand searches. Relevant information was extracted from each included study. Extracted data were analysed narratively to address the research questions. Findings identified limitations and gaps in current screening practices. While the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is the most widely used screening tool for both fathers and mothers, it inadequately captures atypical depressive symptoms in men. Cutoff scores lack consensus, and instrument sensitivity varies significantly due to cultural and sociodemographic factors. A number of other screening tools have been identified, most of which are more general and not specifically designed for perinatal mental health. This meta-review broadens perspectives on PPMI screening instruments, highlighting key themes, patterns, and differences across the included reviews. While a variety of screening tools are used, the review underscores the necessity for tools specifically tailored to fathers during the perinatal period.

Leptin’s Inverse Association With Brain Morphology and Depressive Symptoms: A Discovery and Confirmatory Study Across 2 Independent Samples

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder has a complex, bidirectional relationship with metabolic dysfunction, but the neural correlates of this association are not well understood. MethodsIn this cross-sectional investigation, we used a 2-step discovery and confirmatory strategy utilizing 2 independent samples (sample 1: 288 participants, sample 2: 196 participants) to examine the association between circulating indicators of metabolic health (leptin and adiponectin) and brain structures in individuals with major depressive disorder. ResultsWe found a replicable inverse correlation between leptin levels and cortical surface area within essential brain areas responsible for emotion regulation, such as the left posterior cingulate cortex, right pars orbitalis, right superior temporal gyrus, and right insula (standardized beta coefficient range: −0.27 to −0.49, puncorrected < .05). Notably, this relationship was independent of C-reactive protein levels. We also identified a significant interaction effect of leptin levels and diagnosis on the cortical surface area of the right superior temporal gyrus (standardized beta coefficient = 0.26 in sample 1, standardized beta coefficient = 0.30 in sample 2, puncorrected < .05). We also observed a positive correlation between leptin levels and atypical depressive symptoms in both major depressive disorder groups (r = 0.14 in sample 1, r = 0.29 in sample 2, puncorrected < .05). ConclusionsThe inverse association between leptin and cortical surface area in brain regions that are important for emotion processing and leptin’s association with atypical depressive symptoms support the hypothesis that metabolic processes may be related to emotion regulation. However, the molecular mechanisms through which leptin may exert these effects should be explored further.

Hypersomnia as a predictor of response to intravenous ketamine/intranasal esketamine in treatment resistant depression

BackgroundSleep disturbances are highly prevalent in depressive episodes and are linked to higher mood severity and suicidal behaviors. Slow wave sleep (SWS) and REM sleep are compromised in depression. Current evidence suggests that rapid antidepressant effects of intravenous (IV) ketamine in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is mediated by its effects on SWS and REM sleep. Sleep phenotypes may help predict ketamine response. MethodIn this observational study, we investigated differences in rates of response among sleep phenotypes defined by QIDS-SR in a cohort of patients with TRD (n = 52) treated with IV ketamine or intranasal (IN) esketamine. Also, we explored a neurovegetative symptoms of atypical depression (NVSAD) phenotype and its association between response and change in QIDS-SR following the treatment with IV ketamine/IN esketamine. Results94 % of patients reported sleep difficulties and 62 % reported more than one sleep phenotype with middle and early insomnia being the most prevalent. Individuals with baseline hypersomnia showed higher response rates and more pronounced improvements on their QIDS-SR score. Additionally, 15 % of patients presented with NVSAD phenotype; the majority of whom achieved response and had higher reductions on QIDS-SR. A trend towards faster response was identified for hypersomnia and atypical depression phenotypes. LimitationsObservational study design and lack of a placebo group. ConclusionsOur data indicate that patients with TRD who have baseline hypersomnia and atypical depression features experienced a more substantial reduction in depressive symptoms and are more likely to achieve response with ketamine/esketamine. This could serve as a future predictor for clinical response.

Features of the clinical picture of affective disorders in women during the menopausal transition and early postmenopause

To determine the clinical and psychopathological features of affective disorders in women in the perimenopausal and early postmenopausal periods. The study included 90 female patients receiving inpatient psychiatric care for affective disorders, among them 41 patients were perimenopausal (group 1) and 49 were early postmenopausal (group 2). Clinical and psychopathological, psychometric (the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - HADS, the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Scales - HAM-D and HAM-A, the Hypomania Checklist-32 - HCL-32, the Bipolarity Index (BI), the Insomnia Severity Index - ISI, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index - PSQI) and statistical methods were used. Symptoms of atypical (63.4%) and anxious (87.8%) depression predominated among perimenopausal patients, and melancholic depression (59.2%) prevailed in early postmenopause. Patients in group 1 had higher anxiety scores on HADS and HAM-A compared to group 2 (p=0.003 and p=0.01). At the same time, early postmenopausal women had higher depression scores on the HADS and HAM-D (p=0.001). ISI and PSQI scores in postmenopause were significantly higher than in perimenopause (p=0.001 and p=0.009). The clinical features of affective disorders as well as severity and nature of the accompanying sleep disturbances vary depending on the stage of menopause, which must be considered when prescribing additional methods for examination and treatment of these disorders.

Exploring the clinical characteristics and etiological factors of comorbid major depressive disorder and social anxiety disorder.

The comorbidity between the major depressive disorder (MDD) and the social anxiety disorder (SAD) is significantly prevalent, necessitating a nuanced understanding of their overlapping clinical characteristics and shared etiological factors, including inflammatory biomarkers. To address this, we conducted a cross-sectional study from December 2021 to June 2022, encompassing 204 outpatients diagnosed with MDD-SAD comorbidity. We employed various psychometric assessments, such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-28), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). Additionally, we analyzed inflammatory biomarkers including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte platelet ratio (NLPR), systemic inflammation index (SII), and the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI). Our findings accentuated that patients primarily diagnosed with MDD exhibited elevated levels of certain inflammatory biomarkers. They reported more severe and atypical depressive symptoms (75.7% vs 58.5%; P = 0.010) and had significantly higher CTQ-28 subscale scores (P < 0.05). Our study unveils a complex relationship between MDD and SAD, with significant disparities in the symptom severity and inflammatory biomarker levels, thereby establishing a compelling case for dual-diagnosis treatment approaches. It elucidates the critical role of inflammation in the comorbidity of MDD and SAD, marking a pioneering step towards more comprehensive and holistic patient care strategies. These insights could potentially revolutionize therapeutic approaches in psychiatric care, promising significantly improved outcomes through early detection and integrated intervention strategies.

Prevalence of eating disorders in patients with bipolar disorder: a scoping review of the literature.

Eating disorder (ED) and bipolar disorder (BD) exhibit certain phenomenological similarities rooted in eating behavior and emotional regulation. However, despite the growing body of research on the comorbidity of ED and BD, scientific data on the concurrent course of these disorders has remained poorly systematized. To conduct a scoping review of published data on the prevalence of various types of ED among patients with BD types I and II in the context of the sex and clinical features of the concurrent course of these disorders. The analysis was reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews. The search was conducted in the MEDLINE electronic database. Studies were included if they were focused samples of patients diagnosed with BD and ED, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth and fifth editions (DSM-IV, DSM-5), or International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, tenth Revision (ICD-10), were used for the verification of the ED and BD diagnoses. The descriptive analysis method was used to summarize the review findings. A total of 41 studies were selected for the review. Lifetime ED in patients with BD ranged from 2.2% to 31.1%, and the prevalence rates of BD among patients with ED varied from 11.3% to 68.1%. ED nominally had a higher prevalence among individuals with BD type II and females. Additionally, the presence of ED in patients with BD was associated with earlier onset of mood disorder, a higher number of depressive episodes, higher levels of atypical depressive symptoms, suicide attempts, as well as a higher frequency of comorbid obsessive-compulsive and anxiety disorders, addictions, and various metabolic disorders. Despite the high degree of volatility in the results, the prevalence rates of a concurrent course of ED and BD are rather high. For this reason, screening for ED in patients with BD and vice versa holds significant value in the accurate diagnosis and selection of the most effective therapy. The patterns of comorbidity among different types of ED and BD, depending on gender, need further exploration in future research.

Correlates of chronic depression in the general population: results from the CoLaus|PsyCoLaus study

PurposePrevious population-based studies have partially provided inconsistent results regarding the co-variates of chronic depression, which were likely to be attributable to methodological limitations. The present paper that compared people with chronic major depressive disorder (MDD), non-chronic MDD and no mood disorder in the community focused on specific atypical and melancholic depression symptoms and subtypes of MDD, family history (FH) of mood disorders, measured physical cardio-vascular risk factors (CVRF), personality traits, coping style and adverse life-events.MethodsData stemmed from a population-based cohort including 3618 participants (female 53%, n=1918; mean age 50.9 years, s.d. 8.8 years). Among them 563 had a lifetime history of chronic MDD, 1060 of non-chronic MDD and 1995 of no mood disorder. Diagnostic and FH information were elicited through semi-structured interviews, CVRF were assessed through physical investigations.ResultsThe major findings were that chronic MDD was associated with increase in appetite/weight and suicidal ideation/attempts during the most severe episode, higher exposure to life-events in adulthood, higher levels of neuroticism, lower levels of extraversion and lower levels of informal help-seeking behavior but less frequent FH of MDD compared to non-chronic MDD.ConclusionChronic MDD is associated with a series of potential modifiable risk factors which are accessible via psychotherapeutic approaches that may improve the course of chronic MDD.

Depressive episode as initial symptoms of Perry syndrome

IntroductionPerry syndrome is a rare neurological disorder, characterized by atypical parkinsonian symptoms, sleep disturbances, central hypoventilation, weight loss, and psychiatric symptoms, especially apathy or depression. This syndrome is due to a TDP-43 proteinopathy as a result of a mutation in the DCTN-1 gene.ObjectivesTo present the case of a patient with a mutation in the DCTN1 gene, related to Perry syndrome, who debuted with several depressive episodes, with apathy and weight loss.MethodsA non-systematic literature review was conducted on PubMed database on depressive episodes related to Perry´s syndrome. The clinical case report was prepared through the review of the clinical record of the patient.ResultsThe authors present the case of a 49-year-old man, who contacted psychiatry for the first time 10 years earlier due to depressive symptoms, suffering multiple episodes. These episodes consisted of hypothymic mood, apathy, anhedonia and marked irritability, together with suicidal ideation, leading to several drug overdoses. He also presented disruptive behaviors, such as abusive drinking and aggressiveness. These episodes responded to antidepressants at medium doses, although maintaining several relapses. Given this, it was decided to introduce valproic acid as a mood stabilizer, with good tolerance.In parallel, the patient’s mother, who had also suffered from depressive episodes, began with dementia symptoms, after which it was decided to request a genetic study. In this context, a mutation, similar in both patients, was observed in the DCTN1 gene, related to Perry syndrome.In the case of the patient presented, no other associated alterations were found, neither in the neurological examination or in the rest of the tests performed (polysomnography without notable alterations, functional imaging tests without pathological findings).ConclusionsNeurological diseases as Perry syndrome can show depressive symptoms and other behavioral changes at the beginning, developing the rest of the symptoms (parkinsonism, weight loss or central hypoventilation) several years after the onset of the symptoms. It must be taken into account in patients with a family history of mutations or atypical depressive symptoms. It should also be assessed in terms of genetic counseling.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The association between adiposity and atypical energy-related symptoms of depression: A role for metabolic dysregulations

BackgroundAdiposity has been shown to be linked with atypical energy-related symptoms (AES) of depression. We used genomics to separate the effect of adiposity from that of metabolic dysregulations to examine whether the link between obesity and AES is dependent on the presence of metabolic dysregulations. MethodData were from NEO (n = 5734 individuals) and NESDA (n = 2238 individuals) cohorts, in which the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS-SR30) was assessed. AES profile was based on four symptoms: increased appetite, increased weight, low energy level, and leaden paralysis. We estimated associations between AES and two genetic risk scores (GRS) indexing increasing total body fat with (metabolically unhealthy adiposity, GRS-MUA) and without (metabolically healthy adiposity, GRS-MHA) metabolic dysregulations. ResultsWe validated that both GRS-MUA and GRS-MHA were associated with higher total body fat in NEO study, but divergently associated with biomarkers of metabolic health (e.g., fasting glucose and HDL-cholesterol) in both cohorts. In the pooled results, per standard deviation, GRS-MUA was specifically associated with a higher AES score (β = 0.03, 95%CI: 0.01; 0.05), while there was no association between GRS-MHA and AES (β = −0.01, 95%CI: −0.03; 0.01). ConclusionThese results suggest that the established link between adiposity and AES profile emerges in the presence of metabolic dysregulations, which may represent the connecting substrate between the two conditions.

Atypical depression: frequency of symptoms

Introduction. The relevance of the study is determined by the increase of atypical forms of depression, which is especially characteristic of outpatient affective disorders. In this case, the frequency of occurrence of individual atypical depressive symptoms requires clarification.Aim. To determinate the prevalence of atypical symptoms in patients with depressive disorder.Materials and methods. Patients (87 subjects) with depressive disorder, aged 18–70, who gave inform consent. The selection criterion was the result of psychometric research using The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS): the study included patients who scored more than 7 points. Patients with severe organic insufficiency and neurological diseases, alcohol and substance abuse were excluded. The study used clinical psychometric and statistical methods. The main examination tool is stimulus material in the form of a table with a list of atypical depressive symptoms.Results. Based on the psychometric assessment, patients were divided into two groups: patients with subclinical depression included 19 patients, patients with clinically severe depression included 68 patients. Among patients with subclinical depression, increased anxiety (89.5%), mood reactivity (84.2%), hypersonium (78.9%), hyperphagia (73.7%) and somatized symptoms (73.7%) were most often recorded. Among patients with clinically pronounced depression, increased anxiety (91.2%), somatized symptoms (80.9%), hypersonium (79.4%) and inverted daily rhythm (72.1%) were most common.Conclusion. The data obtained confirm the high prevalence of symptoms of atypical depression among patients with depressive spectrum disorders. The frequent occurrence of anxious and somatized symptoms in the structure of depression, as well as hypersomnia, was demonstrated. It seems relevant to further study the prevalence of separate symptoms of atypical depression.

Stratification of individuals with lifetime depression and low wellbeing in the UK Biobank

BackgroundPrevious studies stratified patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) based on their clinical characteristics. This study used this approach in individuals with lifetime MDD who reported low wellbeing, a group of high clinical relevance. MethodsWe selected participants in the UK Biobank (UKB) with lifetime MDD and a wellbeing score in the lowest 25 %. A wellbeing score was previously created considering happiness, belief that own life is meaningful, health satisfaction and functioning in relevant areas. In the selected group, we applied latent class analysis using mood-spectrum symptoms and personality traits as input variables, then we compared the clinical-demographic and genetic (polygenic risk scores, PRSs) characteristics of the identified classes. ResultsA total of 13,896 individuals were included and a model with five classes showed the best performance. The most common class (31.25 %) was characterised by periods of irritable mood and trait irritability with high neuroticism. A rarer class (16.49 %) showed depressive-manic mood fluctuations and risk-taking personality, higher percentage of males, atypical depressive symptoms, lower socio-economic status, higher PRS for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and lower PRS for education. The second most common class (29.79 %) showed worry as main personality trait with low risk of manic/irritable manifestations. The remaining classes showed an anxious-irritable personality profile and a purely depressive profile (4.92 % and 17.55 %, respectively). LimitationsOur results may reflect the characteristics of UKB participants. ConclusionsSubthreshold manic/irritable mood fluctuations and personality traits irritability and neuroticism may distinguish the most common groups with poor wellbeing in lifetime MDD.

Quantification of diet quality utilizing the rapid eating assessment for participants-shortened version in bipolar disorder: Implications for prospective depression and cardiometabolic studies

ObjectivesRecognizing bipolar disorder as a multi-system metabolic condition driven, in part, by binge eating behavior and atypical depressive symptoms, this study aimed to quantify diet quality and evaluate clinical correlates in a bipolar disorder cohort. MethodsParticipants from the Mayo Clinic Bipolar Disorder Biobank (n = 734) completed the Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants – Shortened version (REAP-S) to determine diet quality. The average REAP-S score for a U.S. omnivorous diet is 32 (range 13 to 39) with higher scores indicating healthier diet. Demographic variables were collected in a standardized clinical questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Bipolar Inventory of Symptoms Scale. Cardiometabolic variables were retrieved from the electronic health record. Associations between continuous variables and REAP-S scores (total, ‘healthy foods’ and ‘avoidance of unhealthy foods’) were assessed using linear regression. ResultsOverall, our sample had a mean REAP-S score of 27.6 (4.9), suggestive of a lower diet quality than the average general population in the US. There was a significant inverse relationship between mean REAP-S lower scores with increased BMI, waist circumference, disordered eating and depression. All these associations were significantly stronger in female participants. LimitationsEHR cross-sectional data. ConclusionsOur data suggest unhealthy diet quality in bipolar disorder is associated with depression, obesity and cardiometabolic abnormalities. Additional work is encouraged to prospectively track mood and diet quality to further understand the bidirectional relationship and clarify if dietary interventions can positively impact mood. Further delineating potential sex differences in diet quality and depression may provide greater appreciation of modifiable risk factors for future cardiometabolic burden.

Clinical features of atypical depression in bipolar and recurrent affective disorders, psychogenic depression

Objective: to perform a comparative study of the clinical features of atypical depression (AtD) in affective disorders of various origins: in bipolar affective disorder (BAD), recurrent depressive disorder (RDR) and psychogenic depression (PD).Patients and methods. A sample of 250 depressed patients aged 18 to 65 years were examined, of which 77 participants (50 women and 27 men) with symptoms of AtD were included to the study. Group 1 included 35 patients with BAD, group 2 – 18 patients with RDR, and group 3 – 24 patients with diagnoses including PD. The patients' condition was assessed using the diagnostic criteria for affective disorders according to ICD-10 and DSM-5 with a Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS).Results and discussion. AtD detection rate was 30.8%, including 45.4% in BAD, 23.4% – in RDR, and 31.2% – in PD. AtD manifested at the age of about 20 years, and was more common in women. AtD in BAD occurred more often in individuals with cycloid, hyperthymic, and hysterical features. Affective fluctuations before the disease onset, a significantly greater number of depressive episodes in history were characteristic. The most frequent typical depressive symptoms included: daily and seasonal mood fluctuations, morning deterioration of well-being, decreased appetite. High comorbidity with metabolic endocrine diseases was observed. AtD in RDR often began spontaneously in individuals with emotionally labile, psychasthenic, and hysterical features. The most common typical depressive symptoms included melancholy, derealization, weakness, ideas of self-accusation, suicidal thoughts and attempts. A high comorbidity with cardiovascular diseases was found. AtD in PD occurred more often in psychasthenic individuals. The most characteristic symptoms included: increased appetite, anxiety, asthenia, superficial night sleep, hypochondriacal inclusions. Comorbidity with skin and gastrointestinal diseases was observed.Conclusion. The identified features of the clinical picture and course of AtD in BAD, RDR, and PD can be used for earlier and more accurate evaluation of affective disorders and the adequate treatment administration.

Comparative evaluation of psychopharmacotherapy of atypical depression in bipolar and recurrent affective disorder, psychogenic depression

Objective: to evaluate the treatment effectiveness for atypical depression (AtD) depending on its nosology: in bipolar affective disorder (BAD), recurrent depressive disorder (RDD) and psychogenic depression (PD).Patients and methods. A total of 250 patients with depression were screened, of which 77 patients with symptoms of AtD were enrolled in the study, 35 of them with BAD, 18 with RDD, and 24 with PD. Patients in all three groups received an antidepressant (AD) or a mood stabilizer (MS) monotherapy, or a combination of AD and antipsychotic (A), AD and A, MS and A, as well as a combination of AD, A and MS. The patients' condition was assessed clinically using a specially designed questionnaire and MADRS and CGI scales at the baseline and the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 12th weeks of treatment. Quality of life satisfaction was assessed with the Q-LES-Q-SF (Scoring the Quality-of-Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire) scale at the treatment onset and after the 12th week of treatment.Results and discussion. Treatment regimens that included AD were the most eff in all groups of patients with AtD. The proportion of responders among those who received AD for bipolar disorder (75% or more) was significantly higher than among those who did not receive it (˂50%). In the RDD and PD groups, patients responded significantly better to AD monotherapy (RDD – 93.2%; PD – 91.5%) compared to other regimens. Agomelatine was the most frequently used (31.8%) and effective AD in all groups. Also, escitalopram, vortioxetine, and venlafaxine (p˂0.05) showed high efficacy, good tolerance, and absence of side effects that aggravate the main symptoms that characterize AtD. Among the antipsychotics in combination with AD, sulpiride was significantly more effective in patients with PD (p˂0.05). The highest rates of quality of life satisfaction were achieved in the BAD group, the lowest – in patients with PD (p˂0.05), which indirectly indicates the quality of remission, which is determined not only by the degree of reduction of depressive symptoms but also by the patients' subjective perception of their mental state.Conclusion. The inclusion of AD in the AtD treatment regimen significantly increases its effectiveness in patients of all groups, including BAD. AtD treatment should be administered not only taking into account its clinical signs and severity, but also depending on the nosology of the disease, the characteristics of its course. During drug administration, it is necessary to consider the spectrum of side effects, especially those that increase the symptoms of AtD itself.

Childhood immuno-metabolic markers and risk of depression and psychosis in adulthood: A prospective birth cohort study

BackgroundMetabolic and inflammatory disorders commonly co-occur with depression and psychosis, with emerging evidence implicating immuno-metabolic dysfunction in their aetiology. Previous studies have reported metabolic dysfunction and inflammation in adults with depression and psychosis. However, longitudinal studies testing the direction of association, and the effects of different dimensions of early-life immuno-metabolic dysfunction on adult psychopathology are limited. MethodsUsing data from 3258 birth cohort participants we examined longitudinal associations of three metabolic hormones (leptin, adiponectin, insulin) at age 9 with risks for depression- and psychosis-spectrum outcomes at age 24. In addition, using nine immuno-metabolic biomarkers (leptin, adiponectin, insulin, interleukin-6, C-Reactive protein, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and BMI), we constructed an exploratory bifactor model showing a general immuno-metabolic factor and three specific factors (adiposity, inflammation, and insulin resistance), which were also used as exposures. ResultsChildhood leptin was associated with adult depressive episode (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)= 1.31; 95% CI, 1.02–1.71) and negative symptoms (aOR=1.15; 95% CI, 1.07–1.24), but not positive psychotic symptoms. The general immuno-metabolic factor was associated with atypical depressive symptoms (aOR=1.07; 95% CI, 1.01–1.14) and psychotic experiences (aOR=1.21; 95% CI, 1.02–1.44). The adiposity factor was associated with negative symptoms (aOR=1.07; 95% CI 1.02–1.12). Point estimates tended to be larger in women, though 95% credible intervals overlapped with those for men. In women, the inflammatory factor was associated with depressive episodes (aOR=1.27; 95% CI, 1.03–1.57). ConclusionsWhile general immuno-metabolic dysfunction in childhood may contribute to risks for both psychotic and depressive symptoms in adulthood, childhood adiposity and inflammation appear to be particularly linked to affective (depressive and negative), but not positive psychotic symptoms.

J. Young's Early Maladaptive Schemas and Symptoms of Male Depression.

Aim: There are more non-specific, hence harder to diagnose, symptoms in the picture of male depression. These symptoms are strongly linked to social norms and roles traditionally assigned to men. The aim of this study was to assess the interrelationship of early maladaptive schemas that affect the formation of self-image as a man with indicators of male depression. Materials and methods: The Gender-Sensitive Depression Screening (GSDS-26) by A.M. Möller-Leimkühler and the Early Maladaptive Schema Questionnaire by J. Young (YSQ-S3-PL) were used. A group of 75 men (aged 18 to 50) were qualified to take part in the research. Results: The total score of the GSDS-26 scale and individual indicators of male depression are strongly positively correlated with the severity of all five domains of the YSQ-S3-PL questionnaire. The highest correlation coefficient value was obtained in the following areas: “Disconnection and rejection” (0.741), “Other-directedness” (0.711), and “Overvigilance and inhibition” (0.711). In case of the GSDS-26 total score and the following indicators—Elevated stress, Aggressiveness, Emotional control, Risky behavior, and Classic symptoms of depression—positive statistically significant associations were confirmed with each of the 18 schemas from the YSQ-S3-PL questionnaire. Multiple regression results revealed that the following domains were significant for symptoms typical of male depression: “Disconnection and rejection” and “Impaired autonomy and performance”. The “Impaired limits” area was found to be statistically significant only for symptoms of classic depression. Conclusions: (1) The GSDS-26 scale scores show positive associations with each domain of the YSQ-S3-PL questionnaire. (2) The following areas seem to be more important for atypical depressive symptoms in men: “Disconnection and rejection” and “Impaired autonomy and performance”, while for classic depression: “Impaired limits” was more important. (3) In therapeutic work with male depressive symptoms, it is useful to focus on dominant maladaptive schemas alongside beliefs about stereotypical male roles.

Correlations between clinical features of bipolar affective disorder and serum concentrations of ANKRD12 gene product, coagulation factor XIII, and cadherin 5

To determine the serum concentrations of some proteins identified in the blood serum of patients with bipolar affective disorder (BD) and to evaluate the relationship of their concentrations with clinical characteristics of BD. Protein concentrations of cadherin 5, coagulation factor XIII and ANKRD12 gene product in the blood serum of patients with BD and healthy individuals were determined using commercial ELISA kits. The severity of current depression and the main clinical manifestations of BD were assessed by SIGH-SAD and CGI upon admission to the hospital before the prescription of therapy. Data analysis was carried out using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Comparison between subgroups of BD patients, selected in accordance with the current affective episode (hypomanic, manic, depressive and mixed), and control group by the Kruskal-Wallis test has shown the significant difference in ANKRD12 protein product concentration (p=0.0448). When comparing pairwise each subgroup with the control group, the significant difference in ANKRD12 product concentration was found only in the case of a subgroup of BD patients with current depressive episode (Mann-Whitney test, p=0.006). Pairwise comparison of the ANKRD12 product concentrations in subgroups of BD patients with different disease duration (<5 years, 6-10 years, and >11 years) and in the control group by the Mann-Whitney test has revealed significant differences (p=0.04, p=0.01, p=0.02, respectively), the maximum protein concentration was found in patients with disease duration >11 years. Significant negative correlation of cadherin 5 concentration with the severity of atypical depressive symptoms assessed by SIGH-SAD (r=-0.69, p=0.038) and the decrease in cadherin 5 concentration in BD patients with greater severity of the current depressive episode were revealed. Significant negative correlation was found between factor XIII concentration and CGI scores (r=-0.62, p=0.032). The results indicate a possible link of the studied proteins with BD pathogenesis. Further study of these proteins may contribute to the development of new therapeutic and diagnostic techniques.

Body mass index and atypical balance as predictors of winter depression remission in cognitive-behavioral therapy and light therapy

BackgroundEfficacious treatments for winter seasonal affective disorder (SAD) include light therapy (LT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-SAD); however, baseline characteristics may differentially predict treatment outcomes. This study investigated body mass index (BMI) and atypical balance (the proportion of atypical depression symptoms), as predictors of depression remission. MethodsThe parent study randomized 177 adults diagnosed with Major Depression, Recurrent with Seasonal Pattern to 6-weeks of CBT-SAD (n = 88) or LT (n = 89) and followed participants one and two winters later. At baseline, BMI was measured and atypical balance was derived using the Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression–Seasonal Affective Disorder Version (SIGH-SAD) as 8-item atypical subscale score/total SIGH-SAD score × 100. Depression remission was defined using standard SIGH-SAD cutpoints. Hierarchical logistic regressions tested the main effects of treatment modality, BMI, and atypical balance and their interactive effects on depression remission at post-treatment and follow-ups. ResultsThe BMI × treatment and atypical balance × treatment interactions significantly predicted depression remission at second winter follow-up. The probability of remission was higher in CBT-SAD than LT at BMI ≤ 26.1 and atypical balance ≤ 40.3%. This predictive relationship survived when adjusting atypical balance for BMI, but not vice-versa. LimitationsParticipants were predominantly White and older. BMI does not account for muscle mass or fat distribution. ConclusionsBMI and atypical balance prescriptively predicted higher likelihood of depression remission two winters following CBT-SAD but not LT. This work informs clinical decision-making and precision medicine efforts.