Baseline Beck Depression Inventory Research Articles

Effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative applications on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in youth with major depressive disorder: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Osteopathic treatments regulate the neurovegetative system through joint mobilizations and manipulations, and myofascial and craniosacral techniques. Despite the growing body of research, the precise impact of osteopathic medicine on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is not yet fully elucidated. As to Kuchera's techniques, the stimulation of the sympathetic trunk and prevertebral ganglia contributed to harmonization of the sympathetic activity. However, potential relationships between the harmonization of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis largely remain uncertain and warrant further exploration. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the osteopathic sympathetic harmonization (OSH) on the SNS and the HPA axis in youth with major depressive disorder (MDD). The study included 39 youths aged 15-21 years and diagnosed with MDD. The participants were randomly assigned into either the OSH or the placebo group. Stimulation was performed on the sympathetic truncus and prevertebral ganglia in the OSH group. The stimulation of the placebo group was performed with a lighter touch and a shorter duration in similar areas. Each participant completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (SAI and TAI) before the application. Blood pressure (BP) and pulse measurements were made, and saliva samples were taken before, immediately after, and 20 min after application. The baseline BDI (p=0.617) and TAI (p=0.322) scores were similar in both groups. Although the SAI scores decreased in both groups postintervention, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups. Subjects who received OSH had a decrease in α-amylase level (p=0.028) and an increase in cortisol level (p=0.009) 20 min after the procedure. Following OSH application in depressed youth, SNS activity may decrease, whereas HPA axis activity may increase. Future studies may examine the therapeutic efficacy of repeated OSH applications in depressed individuals.

The Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, and Risk of Depression in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients.

Depression is highly prevalent among hemodialysis patients. Understanding the relationship between the plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may help us to better understand the mechanisms of depression. This study determined their impact, alongside that of other factors, on the risk of depression in hemodialysis patients. The study enrolled 82 patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Serum NfL, BDNF, uric acid, urea, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured. The patients completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Blood pressure values, body mass before and after hemodialysis, and weekly duration of hemodialysis in hours were assessed. For 19-month survival analysis, the patients were stratified according to baseline BDI scores. Based on the BDI score, 18.3% of the patients had an increased risk of depression. Lower scores were associated with significantly longer duration of hemodialysis treatment (37.5 (25-57) 24 (14-37) months, p = 0.01). Within the 19-month survival analysis, 31.7% of patients died. The patients with BDI scores above the median had significantly lower survival than those below the median (log-rank test p = 0.02). No significant differences in serum BDNF levels (192.7 [125.2-278.2]; 207.7 [142.8-265.8] pg/mL, p = 0.40), or NfL concentrations (1431.5 [1182.6-1625.7]; 1494.6 [1335.7-1667] kDa, p = 0.52) were found between patients with lower and higher risk of depression. Patients with BDI scores above the median had significantly higher levels of CRP (9.6 [4.4-14]) than those with scores below the median (3.6 [2.2-7.5], p = 0.01). A significant positive correlation was found between the BDI score and serum CRP level (r = 0.38, p = 0.01). A significant negative correlation was observed between the BDI score and URR% value (r = -0.36, p = 0.02). Patients with lower BDI scores had a longer dialysis duration, indicating a potential negative association between depression risk and length of dialysis treatment. Neither serum NfL nor BDNF levels can serve as markers of depression risk in the dialysis population.

Association of albumin and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with hormone-mediated depression in prostate cancer.

e24214 Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) increases the risk of developing depression which can affect quality of life and adherence to treatment. Depression has been associated to inflammation in patients with cancer. Albumin and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are inflammatory biomarkers that to our knowledge have not been evaluated in hormone mediated depression in prostate cancer (PC). The aim of this study is to evaluate the severity of hormone related depression and its association with inflammatory biomarkers, demographics, and cancer treatment variables and to determine antidepressant treatment response. Methods: A retrospective chart review of consecutive referrals to psycho-oncology of PC patients on ADT with new onset depression was conducted. Demographics, cancer and psychiatric history, and laboratories within 1 week of initial visit were collected. Assessments for depression included clinical interview and patient-rated scale [Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)]. These measures were done at baseline (before starting an antidepressant) and follow-up to determine treatment response. Successful antidepressant treatment response is defined as ≥50% reduction in baseline BDI score. Statistical analysis comparing the association of clinical variables between depression, inflammatory biomarkers, and demographics included Pearson’s correlation, chi-square, ANOVA, t-test, and binary logistic regression was used to determine associations with depression. Data was dichotomized using median split for inflammatory biomarkers due to skewness. Results: A sample of 26 PC patients on leuprolide (mean age 70 years; 13 Hispanic, 13 non-Hispanic) included 13 with mild depression (BDI£20) and 13 with moderate- to-severe depression (BDI>20). Moderate-to-severe depression was associated with higher NLR (≥3, p= .041), stage IV PC (n=15, p= .001), and Hispanics ( p= .033). Lower albumin (£3.9) was associated with higher age ( p= .007), higher NLR ( p= .006), and non-Hispanics ( p= .049) but not depression. Over 54% (13/24) of patients did not respond to antidepressant treatment. In logistic regression only NLR and Stage IV PC remained significantly associated with depression after adjusting for confounding variables. Conclusions: NLR and stage IV PC were both associated with moderate-to-severe depression. These results are likely due to increased level of inflammation in advanced cancer. Inflammation has been associated with treatment resistant depression which could explain why 54% of patients did not respond to antidepressant treatment. NLR is an inexpensive routinely used test in cancer centers that has the potential to be used as a biomarker of severity of depression in PC patients.

Differential efficacy of antidepressants in the treatment of hormone mediated depression in patients with ER+ breast cancer.

e24181 Background: Tamoxifen (TAM) and aromatase inhibitors (AI) are associated with a high side-effect burden including depression and cognitive deficits which compromise quality of life and adherence to treatment. The aims of the study were to determine the efficacy of antidepressants (AD) with hormone mediated depression in ER+ breast cancer patients and to determine if any clinical variables predicted successful AD treatment response. Methods: A retrospective chart review of consecutive referrals to psycho-oncology of breast cancer patients on TAM or AI with new onset depression was conducted. Demographic variables, cancer stage and treatment, hormonal treatment, psychiatric history and AD treatment were collected. Assessments for depression, anxiety and cognitive disorders included clinical interviews, patient-rated scales [Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)] and a clinician-rated scale [Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)]. These measures were done at baseline (before starting an AD) and follow-up to determine AD treatment response. Successful AD treatment is defined as ≥50% reduction in baseline BDI score, while remission of depression is defined as a BDI score < 8. Statistical analysis comparing clinical variables between AD responders and non-responders included Fischer’s exact test or chi-square, one-way ANOVA, t-test, and binary logistic regression to determine which variables predicted successful AD treatment response. Results: A sample of 40 ER+ breast cancer patients (mean age 55 years; 39 females, 1 male; 26 Hispanic, 14 non-Hispanic) included 18 on TAM and 22 on AI. AD included venlafaxine (N = 18), escitalopram (N = 9), bupropion (N = 4), mirtazapine (N = 4), sertraline (N = 3) and duloxetine (N = 2). Over 72% (29/40) of patients successfully responded to AD with a complete depression remission rate of 50% (20/40). Venlafaxine at a mean dose of 150 mg was significantly more effective (p = .013) in treating hormone-mediated depression when compared to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other AD (bupropion, mirtazapine). Specifically, 94% (17/18) of patients on venlafaxine successfully responded. Other variables such as cancer stage and treatment, demographics, psychiatric history, and specific hormonal therapy did not predict AD treatment response. Conclusions: Venlafaxine 150 mg daily yielded significantly higher rates of AD response and complete remission of depression in ER+ breast cancer patients with TAM-induced and AI-induced major depression. Venlafaxine was significantly more effective than SSRIs and atypical AD. This high rate of response is likely due to dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition achieved at 150 mg dosing. Venlafaxine can be safely administered with TAM.

MP45-13 CAN DELAYED EJACULATION HAVE AN IMPACT ON PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH? FINDINGS FROM A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP45-13 CAN DELAYED EJACULATION HAVE AN IMPACT ON PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH? FINDINGS FROM A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY Christian Corsini, Federico Belladelli, Edoardo Pozzi, Giuseppe Fallara, Simone Cilio, Massimiliano Raffo, Alessandro Bertini, Francesco Lanzaro, Donato Cannoletta, Fausto Negri, Ludovica Cella, Margherita Fantin, Luigi Candela, Paolo Capogrosso, Luca Boeri, Alessia D'Arma, Francesco Montorsi, and Andrea Salonia Christian CorsiniChristian Corsini More articles by this author , Federico BelladelliFederico Belladelli More articles by this author , Edoardo PozziEdoardo Pozzi More articles by this author , Giuseppe FallaraGiuseppe Fallara More articles by this author , Simone CilioSimone Cilio More articles by this author , Massimiliano RaffoMassimiliano Raffo More articles by this author , Alessandro BertiniAlessandro Bertini More articles by this author , Francesco LanzaroFrancesco Lanzaro More articles by this author , Donato CannolettaDonato Cannoletta More articles by this author , Fausto NegriFausto Negri More articles by this author , Ludovica CellaLudovica Cella More articles by this author , Margherita FantinMargherita Fantin More articles by this author , Luigi CandelaLuigi Candela More articles by this author , Paolo CapogrossoPaolo Capogrosso More articles by this author , Luca BoeriLuca Boeri More articles by this author , Alessia D'ArmaAlessia D'Arma More articles by this author , Francesco MontorsiFrancesco Montorsi More articles by this author , and Andrea SaloniaAndrea Salonia More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003291.13AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Delayed Ejaculation (DE) is among the most challenging male sexual dysfunctions. We aimed to explore and compare the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of men with DE with those complaining of primary premature ejaculation (PE) METHODS: Data from 555 consecutive men seeking first medical help for DE and/or primary PE between 2005 and 2022 at a single tertiary-referral center were retrospectively analyzed. Complete socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected for all patients. All patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at baseline. We excluded men with known or potential causes responsible for ejaculatory disorders (n= 52). Descriptive statistics was used to detail and compare clinical and sociodemographic characteristics between the two groups (DE vs. PE). Linear regression models tested the association between depressive symptoms (BDI) and baseline IIEF domains scores among men with DE. RESULTS: Of 555 patients, 479 (86.3%) and 76 (13.7%) primary PE and DE, respectively. Men with DE were significantly older (44 vs. 47, p=0.01) than patients with PE. Conversely, the two groups did not differ in terms of educational/relational status, BMI, comorbidities, and hormonal milieu. At psychosexual interview, men with DE report more frequently symptoms referable to anxiety and depression (9.4% and 12,7%) along with higher median baseline BDI scores (8 vs. 6), all p<0.01. DE patients reported lower median IIEF-OF, -SD domains (6 vs. 9) and (7 vs. 8) than patients with PE only, all p<0.05. At linear regression analysis, among DE patients, a higher BDI score was associated with lower IIEF-OS (coeff. -1.57 p=0.004), and IIEF-IS (coeff. -0.72 p=0.01) domains (Figure 1). No association between BDI and IIEF-OF, -EF, -SD domains was found. CONCLUSIONS: Among men complaining of ejaculatory disorders, one out of ten reports DE. These patients have higher chances to report clinically significant depression significantly impacting on their overall satisfactory sexual life. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e626 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Christian Corsini More articles by this author Federico Belladelli More articles by this author Edoardo Pozzi More articles by this author Giuseppe Fallara More articles by this author Simone Cilio More articles by this author Massimiliano Raffo More articles by this author Alessandro Bertini More articles by this author Francesco Lanzaro More articles by this author Donato Cannoletta More articles by this author Fausto Negri More articles by this author Ludovica Cella More articles by this author Margherita Fantin More articles by this author Luigi Candela More articles by this author Paolo Capogrosso More articles by this author Luca Boeri More articles by this author Alessia D'Arma More articles by this author Francesco Montorsi More articles by this author Andrea Salonia More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

A 6-month longitudinal study on worsening of Parkinson’s disease during the COVID-19 pandemic

Further studies are required to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Parkinson’s disease (PD) progression. This study investigated the motor and non-motor progression of people with PD (PWP) at 6 months during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with that during the pre-pandemic period. Patients were recruited from Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, in the period between April 2019 and December 2020. Fifty patients were included, of whom 17 and 33 patients were followed for 6 months before and during the pandemic, respectively. All patients were assessed at baseline and at 6 months using the MDS-UPDRS, Schwab and England scale (S&E), Hoehn and Yahr scale (H&Y), Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go test (TUG), International Physical Activity Questionnaire, New Freezing of Gait Questionnaire, Non-Motor Symptoms Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Both groups were matched in age, gender, and disease characteristics. Patients followed during the pandemic showed more significant worsening of the total, part I and motor part of MDS-UPDRS, and balance scores (p < 0.001) than those followed during the pre-COVID-19 period. Gait (TUG), balance, and physical activity worsening were significantly correlated with baseline BDI, gait and balance scores, total and part I MDS-UPDRS scores, H&Y, and S&E OFF scores. Gait deterioration (TUG) was correlated with baseline physical activity (r = −0.510, p = 0.002). PWP showed worsening of motor and non-motor symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic at the 6-month follow-up. Worsening of gait, balance, and physical activity was correlated with baseline motor and physical activity OFF scores.

Prognostic and predictive analysis of effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmaceutical treatment approaches for chronic insomnia

Background. Limited access to cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) which is the most effective and safe treatment approach for chronic insomnia leads to the elaboration of shortened and interned delivered CBT-I methods. Investigation of effectiveness predictors of the new methods is important for their better result.&#x0D; Aim. Investigation of effectiveness predictors for pharmacotherapy and CBT-I based brief behavioral therapy for insomnia (BBT-I).&#x0D; Materials and methods. The data for the analysis were acquired from a randomized study of 42 participants with chronic insomnia who received either zopiclone 7.5 mg or BBT-I for 2 weeks. The difference of the insomnia severity index from pre- to post-treatment was the main outcome measure. Potential predictors included demographic and medical history data, objective sleep characteristics, baseline scores of Beck depression inventory (BDI), Spielberger anxiety scale, Toronto alexithymia scale, sleep hygiene index, dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep scale, Epworth sleepiness scale. Univariate linear regression analysis was used for prognostic analysis. To identify predictors of treatment outcome after the treatment course and after the 2 weeks follow-up we used multiple linear regression models with interaction.&#x0D; Results. In the prognostic analysis higher amount of awakenings during the night and a higher proportion of the 1 stage NREM sleep measured objectively correlated with better outcome E=0.2202 (p=0.05) and E=0.55 (p=0.039) respectively. Older age and higher baseline BDI score significantly worsened the outcome: E=0.233 (p=0.047) and E=0.2 (р=1.55e-06) respectively. Clinical predictors of the BBT-I effectiveness were an absence of the sleep onset problems and absence of GABA hypnotics use in medical history and the higher baseline daytime sleepiness.&#x0D; Conclusion. Neurophysiological (frequency of awakenings, percentage of the sleep stage N1) and clinical (severity of depression, age, daytime sleepiness) predictors of the effectiveness of BBT-I were revealed. This findings will help to select the patients who should undergo a shortened course of CBT-I.

Can successful treatment by direct-acting antivirals improve depression in chronic HCV patients?

Depression is the most common extrahepatic neuropsychiatric manifestation in chronic hepatitis C (CHCV) and is due to direct neuropathogenic mechanisms. Our aim is to evaluate the effect of viral clearance by directly acting antivirals (DAAs) on depression in CHCV patients. One hundred fifty chronic HCV patients eligible for DAAs were assessed for depression using the Beck depression inventory (BDI) scale at baseline, 1 and 3 months after end of treatment (EOT). BDI ≥10 reliable in detecting depression in CHCV. All included patients received Sofosbuvir/Dacltasvir ± Ribavirin for 12 weeks and all achieved sustained virological response (SVR). Baseline BDI of all included patients was 10 ± 5 then decreased to 5.3 ± 5 and 3.5 ± 4.5 at 1 and 3 months after EOT (P = 0.001), respectively. After EOT, 20 patients (13.3%) had BDI >10 which were 11.35 ± 6.5 and 13.3 ± 3.2 at 1 and 3 months (SVR), respectively. A comparison between patients with high and low BDI after EOT showed that patients with persistent high score were older (60.6 ± 9.5vs 52.2 ± 10.6, P = 0.001) and included higher percentage of females (50% vs 22.3%, P = 0.01). Also high BDI patients had higher baseline FIB4 (3 ± 1.6 vs 2 ± 1.3, P = 0.006) and included more patients with significant fibrosis (40% vs 17.7%, P = 0.05), as well as lower baseline hemoglobin (13.6 ± 1.5 vs 14.4 ± 1.65, P = 0.04). Depression associated with CHCV improves after successful treatment with DAAs; however, it may persist in elderly females with significant fibrosis and low hemoglobin.

High-Energy Flux Density Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Versus Traditional Physical Therapy Modalities in Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized-controlled, Single-Blind Trial.

This study aims to investigate the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on pain, sleep, fatigue, disability, depression, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Between March 2018 and September 2018, a total of 94 patients (16 males, 78 females; mean age 44.2±11.94 years; range, 19 to 74 years) with the diagnosis of MPS were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups. The treatment group consisted of 49 patients and a total of seven sessions of high-energy flux density ESWT (H-ESWT) (0.26 mJ/mm2) were given with three days interval. The control group consisted of 45 patients and the treatment of hot pack, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and ultrasound was given for five days for two weeks. At baseline and one month after treatment, the visual analog scale (VAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue Scale, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores were compared between the groups. There were no statistically significant differences in the age, sex, demographic characteristics, and baseline VAS, SF-36, NDI, BDI, FACIT, and PSQI scores between the groups (p>0.05). In the ESWT group, there was a statistically significant decrease in the VAS, SF-36, NDI, BDI, FACIT, and PSQI scores after treatment compared to the baseline scores, while only the SF-36 subscale scores were statistically significantly higher (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant correlation between the VAS and SF-36 scores and the BDI, NDI, FACIT and PSQI scores after the treatment. Our study results suggest that H-ESWT is more effective than traditional physical therapy methods on pain, QoL, sleep, fatigue, depression, and disability in patients with MPS.

Transdermal estradiol for postpartum depression: results from a pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common complication following delivery, though evidence-based treatment options are limited. This study explores the feasibility and efficacy of outpatient PPD treatment with transdermal estradiol (TE). In a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, women with PPD were randomized to receive transdermal 17β-estradiol (100mcg/day) or placebo patch. Over 6weeks, women completed weekly ratings on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D). Primary outcome measures were treatment response (> 50% decrease from baseline BDI) and remission (BDI < 10) at 6weeks, and secondary outcome measures included severity on all scales at weeks 3 and 6. Of 12 recruited women, 6 received TE and 6 received placebo. By week 6, 5 women receiving TE responded to treatment and 4 showed symptom remission, compared to 2 responders and 1 remitter in the placebo group. This difference was not significant (p = 0.24). In a mixed-model of BDI ratings, TE was associated with a 9.2 point decrease at 3weeks (95%CI - 19.5 to + 1.0, p = 0.074) and a 10.5 point decrease at 6weeks (95%CI - 21.0-0.0, p = 0.049) compared to placebo, though these differences did not survive multiple comparisons correction. Analogous effects were found for HAM-D but not EPDS scores. Interestingly, no significant difference in plasma estradiol levels existed between groups. We were unable to demonstrate a significant therapeutic benefit of TE compared with placebo in PPD. Although limited by under-recruitment and loss to follow-up, our results suggest TE is a feasible option for outpatient PPD management, with preliminary evidence (based on secondary outcomes) for efficacy. Therapeutic effects may be seen as early as 3weeks and may not directly depend on peripheral measures of estradiol.

Quality of life, pain, and psychological factors in patients undergoing surgery for primary tumors of the spine.

Knowledge about quality of life (QOL), pain, and psychological factors in patients with primary tumors of the spine is limited, but is important in planning rehabilitation after surgery. Aims of this study were to assess the preoperative levels and improvement after surgery of these factors, and to identify the predictors of postoperative pain and QOL. Patients with primary tumors undergoing spine surgery were matched for sex and age with patients with metastatic tumors. QOL was measured at baseline and three months after surgery with the physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) components SF-12 subscales, pain intensity with a numeric rating scale (NRS), depression with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Preoperative SF-12, NRS, and BDI levels and differences in follow-up improvement in SF-12 and NRS were compared across samples. LASSO regressions were performed to find predictors of follow-up SF-12 and NRS. Patients with primary tumors showed better PCS and NRS, and similar BDI and MCS than patients with metastatic tumors. At follow-up, they showed stronger improvement in the MCS and no improvement in the PCS. All QOL scores were below those of the general population. Follow-up PCS was predicted by baseline PCS and BDI; MCS by baseline MCS; pain intensity by baseline pain intensity and BDI. Patients with primary tumors of the spine suffer from moderate levels of physical and mental impairment. Depression influences surgical outcomes.

Vitamin D Decreases Beck Depression Inventory Score in Patients with Mild to Moderate Ulcerative Colitis: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

ABSTRACTThe prevalence of depression in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is significantly more than in controls. Some studies assessed the link between vitamin D and depression. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of vitamin D on Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, 90 mild to moderate UC patients were assigned to receive a single injection of 300,000 IU vitamin D3 or 1 ml normal saline as placebo. At baseline and 3 months later, measurements of BDI score and serum 25-OH-vitamin D3 were done. Data were compared by independent sample t test, Mann–Whitney U test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Baseline BDI scores were not statistically different between the two groups (p = .4); scores decreased in the vitamin D group after the intervention (p = .023). Further subgroup analysis regarding baseline serum vitamin D levels and adjusted for baseline BDIs revealed lowering effect of vitamin D on BDI scores only in subgroup with baseline serum vitamin D levels equal to or higher than 30 ng/ml (p < .001). In this study, there was a statistically significant reduction in BDI score in mild to moderate UC patients 3 months after 300,000 IU vitamin D3 injection. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with sufficient baseline vitamin D may benefit from supplementation more than vitamin D–deficient patients, which indicates that higher serum vitamin D levels may be needed for its antidepressant effect.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and depression during methamphetamine withdrawal

BackgroundDepression symptoms is highly comorbid with methamphetamine (METH) dependence. Except for the role in the pathophysiology of depression symptoms, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is also involved in the METH dependence. The present study aims to explore whether BDNF plays a role in the development of depression symptoms during METH withdrawal. MethodsWe recruited 179 patients with METH dependence who were followed up for two weeks. Ultimately, 131 (73.2%) patients finished the follow-up. Besides, 90 healthy controls were also recruited. Serum BDNF levels were measured by DuoSet ELISA Development System upon admission. The short form (13 items) of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Amphetamine Withdrawal Questionnaire (AWQ) were used to measure the depression and withdrawal symptoms. Patients with BDI score ≥ 8 were identified to have depression symptoms. ResultsOf the 131 patients, 64 (48.9%) were identified to have depression symptoms at the two-week endpoint. Patients with depression symptoms showed significantly lower BDNF levels than those with no depression symptoms. Serum BDNF levels (≤ 1251.0pg/ml) were independently associated with the development of depression symptoms during METH withdrawal (OR = 3.50, 95% CI, 1.14–10.73, p = 0.028). LimitationsBDNF levels were tested in serum but not in brain and the baseline BDI and AWQ scores between the depression and non-depression groups were not matched. Besides, the follow-up time was relatively short. ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that patients with serum BDNF levels ≤ 1251.0pg/ml had higher risk of depression symptoms during METH withdrawal.

Health-related quality of life in patients with chronic hepatitis B during antiviral treatment and off-treatment.

IntroductionHealth-related quality of life (HRQoL) has emerged as an important consideration in the care of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, whether benefits from the improved HRQoL that occurs after antiviral treatment or drug discontinuation outweigh the risks of viral relapse is an unanswered question. The aim of this study was to evaluate the HRQoL among patients with CHB during antiviral treatment and withdrawal of treatment.Patients and methodsThere were 102 patients who met the enrollment criteria with 54 patients in the treatment group and 48 patients in the discontinuation group. Sociodemographic information was collected. The 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were adopted to evaluate life quality and mental health.ResultsIn the treatment group, SF-36 showed that the physical functions were significantly increased. In the discontination group, the psychological functions showed improvement. A multivariate regression analysis indicated that baseline SF-36 score was a predictor for improvement in HRQoL (odds ratio =1.17, P=0.003) and baseline BDI score was a factor for remission of depression (odds ratio =0.75, P=0.005) after medical intervention. When the cutoff value of SF-36 score was set at 79.5, the sensitivity and specificity to predict improvement in HRQoL were 82.8% and 74.0%, respectively. When the cutoff value of BDI was found as 8.5, the sensitivity and specificity to predict alleviation of depression were 58.6%, and 76.0%, respectively.ConclusionAntiviral treatment benefits the physical health of the patients with CHB, while conferring no obvious improvement in their psychological condition. Improved psychological interventions for patients with CHB, especially for those with lower baseline SF-36 scores and higher BDI scores, may improve their quality of life.

Functional Polymorphism in the Interleukin 6 (IL6) Gene with Respect to Depression Induced in the Course of Interferon-α and Ribavirin Treatment in Chronic Hepatitis Patients.

Interleukin (IL)-6 is a multifactorial cytokine known to be increased in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and to be predictive of depression incidence. The aim of the study was to explore the association between IL6 gene C-174G polymorphism and depressive symptom severity in the longitudinal study design following the course of pegylated interferon/ribavirin treatment in CHC patients. In our study, we included 62 CHC subjects. They were assessed using present state examination, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at weeks 0, 3, 5, 9, 13, 24 and 24 weeks after the end of treatment. The risk of depression was associated with higher baseline MADRS score and BDI score. Interestingly, when stratified by IL6 C-174G polymorphism, higher baseline depressive symptom severity measured by MADRS and BDI predicted higher risk of depression in the course of antiviral treatment only in high IL-6 producers—G allele carriers (patients with GG and CG genotypes) (p = 0.004, p = 0.00008, respectively). There is interaction between severity of baseline depressive symptoms at the beginning of antiviral therapy and IL6 gene C-174G polymorphism leading to increased risk for the development of depressive episode in CHC patients in the course of antiviral treatment.

Risk factors and clinical characteristics of the depressive state induced by pegylated interferon therapy in patients with hepatitis C virus infection: A prospective study.

Pegylated interferon (PegIFN) therapies for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection often induce a depressive state. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for and clinical characteristics of PegIFN-induced depressive state. Sixty-nine subjects with HCV who received PegIFN therapy were enrolled. Before beginning therapy, all subjects were evaluated using the Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness Five-Factor Inventory and the List of Threatening Events Questionnaire. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores were also evaluated at baseline, 2-4 weeks after initiating therapy, and every 4 weeks thereafter. During the study, 18 subjects (24.3%) developed a depressive state (BDI ≥ 10). A bimodal peak of onset was observed during the early (2-8 weeks) and late (after 20 weeks) therapy phases. Moreover, we observed that baseline BDI scores (odds ratio [OR] = 1.40, P = 0.0104) and neuroticism (OR = 1.14, P = 0.0275) were significant risk factors for developing a depressive state. To determine the specific characteristics of this condition, we compared the BDI subscales between the 'PegIFN-induced' and 'general' depressive state reported previously. We found that the score at 'somatic symptoms' was higher in the 'PegIFN-induced' group. Our results indicate the following: (i) PegIFN-induced depressive state most frequently develops during the first 8 weeks of therapy; (ii) baseline BDI and neuroticism scores are risk factors for PegIFN-induced depressive state; and (iii) the core symptoms of PegIFN-induced depressive state are different from those of 'general' depression.

Associated and predictive factors of depressive symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Depression is one of the most common non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). A thorough understanding of factors associated with depressive symptomatology may facilitate early detection and guide future intervention strategies. The objective of the study was to determine associated and predictive factors of depression in patients with PD. Analyses were performed in data of the SCOPA-PROPARK cohort, a 5-year hospital-based longitudinal cohort of over 400 PD patients who have been examined annually. Linear mixed models using data of all patients were used to identify factors associated with longitudinal changes in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores. A survival analysis using data of patients without depression at baseline was performed to identify risk factors for future depression (i.e. BDI ≥ 15). The proportion of patients with depression was approximately 20 % and remained stable during follow-up, with approximately half of cases showing a persistent course. Female gender, more severe disability, more severe motor fluctuations, autonomic and cognitive dysfunction, poorer nighttime sleep and daytime sleepiness were independently associated with higher BDI scores over time. Higher baseline BDI score, daytime sleepiness and a higher levodopa dosage were risk factors for future depression. Depression is common in PD, where it may follow a persistent or non-persistent course. Apart from motor fluctuations and levodopa dose, depressive symptoms in PD are mainly associated with factors of non-dopaminergic origin. This suggests that depression in PD is an inherent consequence of the progressive pathobiology of the disease, which may render its treatment with currently available treatment options difficult.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00415-016-8130-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids moderate the effect of poor sleep on depression risk

Although potentially modifiable risk factors for interferon-alpha (IFN-α)-associated depression (IFN-MDD) have been identified, it is not currently known how they interact to confer risk. In the present study we prospectively investigated interactions among poor sleep quality, high-stress, pre-existing depressive symptoms, and polyunsaturated fatty acid status. Non-depressed hepatitis C patients (n=104) were followed prospectively during IFN-α therapy. IFN-MDD occurs in 20–40% of patients and was diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview of DSM-IV (SCID-IV), with incidence examined using Cox regression. Baseline Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and a range of plasma long-chain fatty acid levels were measured (gas chromatography) – focusing on the ratio of arachidonic acid (AA) to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (AA/EPA+DHA). The AA/EPA+DHA ratio (Β=0.40±0.16; p=0.006), PSQI (Β=0.12±0.04; p=0.001), PSS (Β=0.07±0.02; p<0.001), and baseline BDI (Β=0.05±0.02; p<0.001) each individually predicted IFN-MDD incidence. In step-wise Cox regression eliminating non-significant variables, two interactions remained significantly predictive: PSQI*AA/EPA+DHA (p=0.008) and PSS*AA/EPA+DHA (p=0.01). Receiver Operator Curves (ROC) were used to examine the specificity and sensitivity of IFN-MDD prediction. When sleep was normal (PSQI<5), AA/EPA+DHA was strongly predictive of IFN-MDD (AUC=91±6; p=0.002). For example, among those with AA/EPA+DHA less than the median (4.15), none with PSQI<5 developed depression. Conversely, neither PSS nor PSQI was statistically associated with depression risk in those with an elevated AA/EPA+DHA ratio. These data demonstrate that the AA/EPA+DHA ratio moderates the effect of poor sleep on risk for developing IFN-MDD and may have broader implications for predicting and preventing MDD associated with inflammation.

Chronotype and Improved Sleep Efficiency Independently Predict Depressive Symptom Reduction after Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has been shown to improve both sleep and depressive symptoms, but predictors of depression outcome following CBT-I have not been well examined. This study investigated how chronotype (i.e., morningness-eveningness trait) and changes in sleep efficiency (SE) were related to changes in depressive symptoms among recipients of CBT-I. Included were 419 adult insomnia outpatients from a sleep disorders clinic (43.20% males, age mean ± standard deviation = 48.14 ± 14.02). All participants completed the Composite Scale of Morningness and attended at least 4 sessions of a 6-session group CBT-I. SE was extracted from sleep diary; depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) prior to (Baseline), and at the end (End) of intervention. Multilevel structural equation modeling revealed that from Baseline to End, SE increased and BDI decreased significantly. Controlling for age, sex, BDI, and SE at Baseline, stronger evening chronotype and less improvement in SE significantly and uniquely predicted less reduction in BDI from Baseline to End. Chronotype did not predict improvement in SE. In an insomnia outpatient sample, SE and depressive symptoms improved significantly after a CBT-I group intervention. All chronotypes benefited from sleep improvement, but those with greater eveningness and/or less sleep improvement experienced less reduction in depressive symptom severity. This suggests that evening preference and insomnia symptoms may have distinct relationships with mood, raising the possibility that the effect of CBT-I on depressive symptoms could be enhanced by assessing and addressing circadian factors.

Predicting long-term depression outcome using a three-mode principal component model for depression heterogeneity

BackgroundDepression heterogeneity has hampered development of adequate prognostic models. Therefore, more homogeneous clinical entities (e.g. dimensions, subtypes) have been developed, but their differentiating potential is limited because neither captures all relevant variation across persons, symptoms and time. To address this, three-mode Principal Component Analysis (3MPCA) was previously applied to capture person-, symptom- and time-level variation in a single model (Monden et al., 2015). This study evaluated the added prognostic value of such an integrated model for longer-term depression outcomes. MethodsThe Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was administered quarterly for two years to major depressive disorder outpatients participating in a randomized controlled trial. A previously developed 3MPCA model decomposed the data into 2 symptom-components (‘somatic-affective’, ‘cognitive’), 2 time-components (‘recovering’, ‘persisting’) and 3 person-components (‘severe non-persisting depression’, ‘somatic depression’ and ‘cognitive depression’). The predictive value of the 3MPCA model for BDI scores at 3-year (n=136) and 11-year follow-up (n=145) was compared with traditional latent variable models and traditional prognostic factors (e.g. baseline BDI component scores, personality). Results3MPCA components predicted 41% and 36% of the BDI variance at 3- and 11-year follow-up, respectively. A latent class model, growth mixture model and other known prognostic variables predicted 4–32% and 3–24% of the BDI variance at 3- and 11-year follow-up, respectively. LimitationsOnly primary care patients were included. There was no independent validation sample. ConclusionAccounting for depression heterogeneity at the person-, symptom- and time-level improves longer-term predictions of depression severity, underlining the potential of this approach for developing better prognostic models.