Beck Depression Inventory Research Articles

Factors associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety in health professionals in high-complexity services

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in health professionals in high-complexity services and the associated factors. Epidemiological, cross-sectional, analytical study. The Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories and a questionnaire with sociodemographic and occupational aspects, health conditions, lifestyle and quality of life were used. A total of 490 professionals participated. The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms was 26.5% and 19.8%, respectively. The prevalence of anxious symptoms was lower among nurses and physicians, was higher among female professionals, who used sleep medications, with altered fasting blood glucose levels, with a good and regular/need to improve lifestyle, and with scores below average in the social relationships domain. The prevalence of depression symptoms was higher in females, who took time off work due to stress, depression, or anxiety, had a good and regular/need to improve lifestyle, and had below-average scores in the psychological and environmental domains. The outcomes investigated were associated with the following variables: gender, professional category, use of sleep medication, fasting glucose, stress leave, depression or anxiety, lifestyle, and quality of life.

CORRELATION BETWEEN DEPRESSION LEVEL AND LIFE QUALITY OF HIV PATIENTS AT POLY VCT REGIONAL GENERAL HOSPITAL PROF.DR. SOEKANDAR, MOJOKERTO

Life quality of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) patients is important to note because this infectious disease is chronic and progressive so that it has a wide impact on all aspects of life both physical, psychological, social, and spiritual. Psychosocial problems especially depression is more severe faced by patients so that it can reduce the life quality. The purpose of this study is to explain the relationship between depression and life quality in HIV patients. The design of this study used correlation analytic with non-probability sampling of consecutive types, conducted on June 23 until June 30, 2020, with 52 respondents. The research instrument used the WHO Life quality-BREF questionnaire to evaluate life quality and Beck Depression Inventory II to evaluate depression levels. The results of the study were tested with Spearman Rho and showed the level of depression in the non-depression category of (17.3%) 9 respondents in the mild category (13.5%) 7 respondents in the moderate category (32.7%) 17 respondents and in the severe category (36.5 %) 19 respondents and good life quality (42.3%) 22 respondents and poor category (57.7%) 30 respondents. From the results of the study obtained p value = (0,000) <α (0.05), which showed that there was correlation between depression level and life quality of HIV patients at Poly VCT Regional General Hospital Prof. Dr. Soekandar, Mojokerto. Depression contributed to a decrease in life quality of HIV patients, psychological burdens on sufferers such as sufferers felt pessimistic about the future, seeing themselves as worthless could have a dominant effect on decreasing life quality of HIV patients.

Pre-COVID-19 short sleep duration and eveningness chronotype are associated with incident suicidal ideation during COVID-19 pandemic in medical students: a retrospective cohort study.

Cross-sectional evidence suggests that sleep problems increased the risk of suicide during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. However, a lack of longitudinal studies examined the relationship between pre-COVID-19 sleep duration, chronotype and incident suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, we examined these associations in a longitudinal study of medical students. From the Shantou College Student Sleep Cohort, a total of 333 first and second grade medical students (age 19.41 ± 0.82 years, female 61.26%), without suicidal ideation (SI) at pre-COVID-19 period, were followed up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Incident SI was defined by their response to the 9th question from the Beck Depression Inventory. Short sleep duration was defined as less than 7 h/night. The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire was used to evaluate the participants' chronotype. Logistic regression with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) was used to examine the association between sleep and SI. The incidence of SI during the COVID-19 pandemic was 5.71%. Logistic regressions with confounding factors adjustment showed that both short sleep duration (AOR = 4.91, 95% CI = 1.16-20.74) and eveningness (AOR = 3.80, 95% CI = 1.08-13.30) in the pre-COVID-19 period were associated with increased risk of incident SI during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-COVID-19 short sleep duration and eveningness predict incident SI during the COVID-19 pandemic in medical students. Prolonging sleep duration may help to decrease SI during major public health crises.

A randomised, open-label, pragmatic pilot comparison of oral and intravenous ketamine in treatment-resistant depression

BackgroundFor depression, ketamine is more conveniently administered by oral than by intravenous (iv) routes. The relative antidepressant efficacy of oral vs iv ketamine is unknown. ObjectivesTo assess the acute efficacy and the persistence of improvement with open-label oral versus iv ketamine in outpatients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). MethodsAdults with TRD were randomized to oral (N=30) or IV (N=31) ketamine. Oral ketamine was dosed at 150 mg in 50 mL of water, sipped across 15 min. IV ketamine was dosed at 0.5 mg/kg, infused across 40 min. Ketamine sessions (total, 7) were administered on alternate days for 2 weeks. Ongoing antidepressant drugs were continued unchanged. Patients were assessed at baseline, day 14, and day 30. The primary outcome was the endpoint Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score on day 14. Secondary outcomes were endpoint scores on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Clinical Global Impression-Severity of Illness and Improvement. ResultsOverall dropout was lower with oral than with iv ketamine (26.7 % vs 54.8 %; P=0.03). The 2 groups did not differ in depression ratings and in response and remission rates on all instruments on both days 14 and 30. Adverse events such as headache (56.7 % vs 74.2 %) and drowsiness (0.0 % vs 22.6 %) were less common with oral ketamine. ConclusionIn TRD outpatients treated in general hospitals, oral ketamine maybe better accepted and tolerated than iv ketamine. Conclusions about relative efficacy cannot be drawn because of the high dropout rate with iv ketamine.

Screening for depression in chronic haemodialysis patients as a part of care in dialysis setting: a cross-sectional study.

Depressive disorder is common among haemodialysis patients. The purpose of this study was to explore approaches to diagnosing depression in the context of a real-life setting, with the view of creating practical recommendations. It also aimed to evaluate the prevalence of depression and dementia. We conducted a cross-sectional study in two Dialysis Centres in Poland. Cognitive functions were evaluated using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The screening for depressive symptoms was assessed using Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). The diagnosis of major depressive disorder was confirmed by a psychiatrist using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5). Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected. Initially, 136 patients agreed to participate in the study. Dementia was found in 13% of the study group. Sixty-two patients did not agree to perform all the proposed tests and were not included in the analysis, which eventually consisted of 70 patients. According to BDI-II, depressive symptoms were present in 35.7% of patients, while the diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) was confirmed by the psychiatrist in 25.7%. According to the ROC analysis the optimal cut-off score for diagnosing MDD using BDI-II was ≥13 points. This study suggests that the regular screening for depressive symptoms, followed by a psychiatric consultation in selected patients, might improve diagnosing depression with the goal of achieving a higher quality of life and a lower mortality rate. It may also be a cost-effective model for the management of depression among the haemodialysis population.

Agerelated parameters of P300 auditory evoked potentials in elderly persons in the context of cognitive health: A study in the European North of Russia

Background. Setting of norms for the parameters of P300 cognitive auditory evoked potentials (EP) in elderly people with intact cognitive functions considering their residence in certain climatic and geographical regions is an urgent problem.The aim of the study. To determine age-related parameters of P300 cognitive auditory evoked potentials in elderly people aged 60–69 and 70–74 years, living in the European North of Russia (using the example of Arkhangelsk).Methods. The parameters of P300 auditory EP were determined in randomly selected urban residents in the age groups of 60–69 years (n = 284) and 70–74 years (n = 115) with normal scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), without depression (according to Beck Depression Inventory), with preserved ability to work and/or social functions. We calculated the 5th–95th percentile values (P5– P95) of the P300 EP parameters and assessed the relationships of these parameters with socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle and the results on the MoCA scale and Beck Depression Inventory.Results. Statistically significant differences in latency indicators of P300 EP were determined between groups of 60–69 and 70–74 years (P25–P90) in all studied brain regions (frontal, central). In the group of 60–69 years, the range of P25–P75 values of P300 EP latencies was 342.5–401 ms, in the group of 70–74 years – 358.5–443 ms. Age differences in P300 EP amplitudes were minimal with an interquartile range of 4–13 μV in the total sample. Participants who smoked had higher latency scores and lower amplitude scores; former smokers had higher latency scores compared to never-smokers.Conclusion. Latency above 400 ms at the age of 60–65 years and above 443 ms at 70–74 years can be considered as a criterion for reduced cognitive reserve and an increased risk of developing cognitive disorders in elderly people living in the European North of Russia.

HEALTHCARE WORKERS' IRRATIONAL BELIEFS AND ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION LEVELS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Objectives: The beliefs or irrational beliefs impact the way individuals react or adapt to a threatening situation like the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assesses the relationship between healthcare workers' irrational beliefs, depression, and anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Metods: This study was designed as a quantitative study that used the Shortened General Attitude and Belief Scale (SGABS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) to 212 healthcare workers. The collected data was subjected to t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression analyses. Results: The study found that male participants had significantly higher levels of Devaluation of Others / irrational beliefs, while females and unmarried individuals had significantly higher levels of anxiety. Additionally, there was a predictive effect of Irrational Beliefs / need for comfort and female gender factor on anxiety levels, and a predictive effect of Irrational Beliefs / need for comfort and age factor on depression levels. Conclusion: The results indicate the need to assess healthcare workers' irrational beliefs, depression, and anxiety levels and suggest that assessment can guide the development of potential interventions.

Quality of life and tolerability of B-cell directed therapy of multiple sclerosis with ofatumumab in a patient-centered real-world observational study

IntroductionOfatumumab (Kesimpta®) is a subcutaneous CD20-targeting antibody approved in Germany in 2021 for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). After careful instruction, patients can administer the treatment themselves. We previously reported data of 101 patients (Klimas et al. in Nervenarzt 94:923–933, 2023). The objective of this longitudinal study is to explore the tolerability and acceptability of ofatumumab from a patient perspective over a follow up period of 6 months.MethodsIn this prospective observational real-world study, we report follow up data of 81 patients. We evaluated sociodemographic data, disease duration, duration and side effects of ofatumumab use, expanded disability status scale (EDSS), Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), Short-Form 36 (SF-36), Fatigue Scale of Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC), and modified Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite Test (MSFC). In addition, we asked for subjective treatment outcomes, such as impact on quality of life, walking distance, concentration, mood, medication adherence, fatigue and the subjective course of MS on a numerical rating scale (1 = very negative; 5 = very positive). Furthermore, treatment discontinuations were recorded.ResultsThe average duration of ofatumumab treatment was 10 months. In comparison to previous published data of our cohort, patients reported a significant increase in headache (10% up to 26%, p = 0.004) and limb pain (5% up to 26%, p < 0.001) as persistent side effects after the injections. More patients reported a very positive effect (p < 0.0001) on quality of life. 4 confirmed relapses occurred but no EDSS worsening, and no treatment discontinuations were documented during the observation period.DiscussionAs previously described, our prospective study indicates that patients have a good tolerability of ofatumumab, precisely because of the mild and few side effects at the first administration. However, the longer the observation period, the more headaches and limb pain occurred after the injections. Despite this, patients’ subjective quality of life improved. There were no discontinuations during the follow-up period, with the limitation of a high loss to follow-up.

Investigation of the Effect of Antiseizure Medications on Cognition in Patients With Epilepsy.

Background. The effect of antiseizure medications (ASMs) on cognition varies depending on the type of ASM. We aimed to investigate the effects of ASMs on patients with epilepsy based on the conflicting findings in the literature. Methods. Patients diagnosed with epilepsy who were taking ASMs were included. All patients underwent a neuropsychiatric assessment, Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and general psychopathological tests. The patients were divided into polytherapy and monotherapy groups. Subgroups were categorized according to the type of ASMs, dosage, and duration of monotherapy. Results. Ninety-seven patients were included in this study. The polytherapy group showed a significant decrease in attention, total learning, and interpretation of proverbs compared to the monotherapy group. In the monotherapy group, carbamazepine use had a moderate positive correlation with working memory (r = .669; P = .034), and a strong negative correlation with maintaining attention (r = -.740; P = .014). The duration of levetiracetam monotherapy was negatively correlated with verbal memory (immediate recall r = -.436, P = .038; free recall r = .426, P = .043) and negatively weakly correlated with naming performance (r = -.488, P = .025). Conclusion. The study showed polytherapy may affect verbal and working memory. Carbamazepine may affect working memory and the maintenance of attention in a dose-dependent manner. Levetiracetam may cause impairments in verbal memory and naming, depending on the duration of usage.

Depression as a Prognostic Factor in Lower Extremity Amputation for Diabetic Foot: Insights From a Prospective Study on Wound Healing, Infections, and Early Mortality

This study addresses the challenges faced by diabetic patients undergoing lower extremity amputation due to diabetic foot, particularly focusing on the implications for wound healing and early mortality. The wounds at the amputation stump may necessitate multiple surgical interventions. The aim is to identify prognostic factors associated with these outcomes, shedding light on the complexities surrounding the postamputation phase. A prospective study was conducted on 39 diabetic patients who underwent lower extremity amputation due to diabetic foot between 2021 and 2022. Comprehensive preoperative data, encompassing parameters such as blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, hemoglobin A1c, albumin, protein, transferrin, ferritin levels, age, gender, body mass index, smoking habits, dialysis, revascularization, duration of surgery, and the use of tourniquet during the procedure were meticulously recorded. Additionally, cognitive performance and depression status were assessed preoperatively using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), respectively. A follow-up period of 3 months postsurgery allowed for the comparison of patients who developed infections at the amputation stump with those who did not, as well as the distinction between patients who survived and those who succumbed to mortality. The study revealed that the use of a tourniquet during surgery significantly increased the risk of infection (p = .027), and higher BDI scores were associated with increased risks of both infection (AUC = 0.814) and mortality (AUC = 0.769), with cut-off scores of 24.0 and 23.5 predicting these outcomes with high sensitivity and specificity, respectively. Additionally, lower MMSE scores were associated with increased short-term postoperative mortality. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in parameters such as complete blood count, ESR, CRP, procalcitonin, HbA1c, albumin, total protein, transferrin, ferritin levels, age, gender, BMI, smoking, dialysis, revascularization, and surgery duration. This investigation highlights the significance of considering tourniquet usage during amputation, preoperative depression status, and cognitive function in patients who undergo amputation due to diabetic foot. The use of a tourniquet during surgery is a significant risk factor for infection, and elevated BDI scores are strong predictors of both infection and mortality in patients undergoing amputations. The findings underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary neuropsychiatric evaluation preoperatively to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Effect of COVID-19 infection on female sexual function: A prospective controlled study.

This prospective controlled study investigates the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on female sexual function, comparing recovered COVID-19-positive women with those uninfected by the virus. It aims to elucidate the broader impacts on sexual health and psychological well-being. This prospective controlled study included nonpregnant women of reproductive age and their partners, divided into COVID-19- positive (recovered) and negative groups. Data collection took place on average 6 months after COVID-19 recovery. Information was collected on the number of people exposed to COVID-19 and the severity of infection (mild, moderate or severe). Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing sexual function (female sexual function index [FSFI]), anxiety (state-trait anxiety inventory [STAI]) and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory). We compared sexual function, psychological well-being and demographic characteristics between the groups using statistical analyses to identify significant differences. The study reveals significant resilience in sexual function, psychological well-being, and demographic characteristics among the participants, regardless of COVID-19 status. No marked differences were found in sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, or pain during sexual activity between the groups. Psychological assessments indicated uniform anxiety levels across both cohorts, underscoring a theme of psychological resilience. The analysis of partners' sexual function highlighted minimal indirect impacts of the pandemic on intimate relationships. Despite the extensive global health implications, this study demonstrates resilience in female sexual function and psychological health among those affected by the virus. These findings emphasize the need for ongoing research and targeted interventions to support individuals navigate the pandemic-evolving challenges, highlighting resilience and adaptability as key factors in maintaining well-being.

Quality of life of caregivers of patients on home enteral nutrition

BackgroundHome enteral nutrition (HEN) patients often rely heavily on caregivers (CGs), whose quality of life (QoL) is significantly impacted. This study aimed to identify potentially modifiable factors influencing the QoL of CGs of HEN patients. MethodsA multicentre, cross-sectional study was conducted in three home nutrition centers from Jan 2021 to Jan 2022. We enrolled 90 CGs of HEN patients, collecting data on QoL (WHOQOL-BREF), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), CG burden (Zarit Burden Interview), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), stress (Perceived Stress Scale), life satisfaction (Satisfaction With Life Scale) and financial status. ResultsThe mean age of CGs was 54.53 years, with 76% being female. 19% of CGs rated their QoL as poor, and 57% had depression. Multivariate regression analysis showed that financial satisfaction (β = 0.14, p < 0.01) and depression (β = -0.03, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of QoL (R2 = 0.6). Depression correlated with CG burden (r = 0.54, p < 0.001), poor sleep quality (r = 0.47, p < 0.001), stress (r = 0.68, p < 0.001), and financial satisfaction (r = -0.39, p = 0.001). The average monthly income per person was $663.3 and 51.2% of CGs were not satisfied with their financial situation. Lower income was correlated with stress (r = -0.298, p = 0.023). CG burden was associated with financial satisfaction (r = -0.373, p < 0.001), quality of sleep (r = 0.296, p = 0.005) depression (r = 0.54, p < 0.001), stress (r = 0.5, p < 0.001) and satisfaction with life (r = -0.389, p < 0.001). ConclusionsCGs of HEN patients face substantial challenges impacting their QoL, particularly financial stress and depression. Addressing these issues through comprehensive support systems is crucial to improve CG well-being and, subsequently, patient care outcomes.

Investigation of social isolation and depression in female employees with urinary incontinence during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Urinary incontinence (UI) affects almost one-third of adult women. This is often taken as a section of the aging process and incurable In general, women perceive UI as more of a social issue and a taboo rather than a medical problem; they are reluctant to discuss the matter or seek assistance. This research was conducted to investigate the level of social isolation and depression in female employees with UI during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The study was done with 533 paticipant. The study data were done using the Nottingham Health Profile Social Isolation Scale (NHPSIS), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The total scores of the NHPSIS and BDI were found to be 18.55±3.3 (minimum = 5, maximum = 25) and 49.22±11.4 (minimum = 12, maximum = 60), respectively. In the Pearson correlation analysis, a strong, statistically significant, and positive correlation was discovered between NHPSIS and the average BDI total scores among women. The level of depression and social isolation were obtained to be high among UI women who had a mix UI, high frequencies of UI, belong to higher age groups, singles, and high body mass index. It was showed that the levels of depression and social isolation scores were showed to be high in women had UI.

Association between suicidal ideation, negative symptoms and theory of mind in first episode psychosis.

Suicidal thoughts are common among patients with first episode psychosis (FEP). The impact of symptoms' severity and social cognition on suicidal risk should be a focus of attention. This study aimed at assessment of the severity of suicidal ideation in patients with FEP and its potential association with the theory of mind (ToM) impairment and symptoms' severity. Ninety-six participants were recruited consecutively and subdivided into three equal groups: FEP, schizophrenia, and healthy controls (HC). The symptoms' severity was assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Suicidal ideation was evaluated using Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI). Reading the Mind in the Eyes revised version (RMET) was used to assess ToM. Suicidal ideation was significantly higher only in FEP compared to HC (p = 0.001). Both FEP and schizophrenia had substantially lower performance than HC on RMET (p < 0.001). Higher depression (β = 0.452, p = 0.007) and negative symptoms (β = 0.433, p = 0.027) appeared to be significantly associated with increased suicidal ideation severity in FEP while RMET did not. Patients with FEP and chronic schizophrenia have comparable deficits in theory of mind dimension of social cognition. The severity of negative and depressive symptoms potentially contributes to the increased risk of suicide in FEP.

The effect of psychosocial interventions on anxiety and depression in congenital heart disease population: a systematic review and explorative meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) face various psychological challenges throughout their clinical journey, mainly attributed to symptoms of anxiety and depression. Approximately 19-43% of adults with CHD experience symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. In this scenario, addressing anxiety and depression through psychological interventions (PIs) becomes crucial. However, no available syntheses of the efficacy of PIs on anxiety and depression in the population with CHD have been performed thus far. Purpose To explore the efficacy of PIs on anxiety and depression within the CHD population. Methods We have conducted a systematic review up to January 2024 in these databases: PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and EMBASE. The study selection process adhered to specific inclusion criteria: (a) patients of all ages with CHD, (b) randomized controlled trial studies (RCTs), (c) published in English between 2000 and 2023, (d) focusing on PIs targeting anxiety and depression as outcomes. Cohen’s d was calculated to quantify and standardize the effect sizes between groups (treatment group vs. control group, considering an intention-to-treat approach) and within groups (from baseline to the last follow-up) to compute a cumulative effect size (Cohen’s d) per each study that controls potential differences of the outcome scores at the baseline in each study. Random-effect models were applied to pool each primary study's effect size (Stata 18 with the "metan.ado" add-on). Results Out of 558 records identified, only 3 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. These studies, published between 2017 and 2021, predominantly involved adults with CHD. None was conducted in Europe. Three main PIs were tested: Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, and Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy. Instead, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Beck Depression Inventory were utilized, while the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was employed to assess both depression and anxiety. For depression (N_intervention group = 93, N_control group = 85), the overall Cohen’s d was -1.04 [95% CI: -2.00, -0.07; p ≤ 0.001] with a moderate level of heterogeneity among studies (I² = 31.53%; Q(2) = 2.79; p = 0.25) as illustrated in Figure 1. Therefore, the findings indicate a moderate statistically significant effect of PIs in reducing depression up to three months post-intervention. Conversely, for anxiety (N_intervention group = 51, N_control group = 43), the overall Cohen’s d was 0 [95% CI: -0.96 +0.97; p ≤ 0.001] as illustrated in Figure 2. Conclusions This study summarizes the current evidence and brings the need for more attention in performing research employing PIs in adults with CHD. In fact, the paucity of available included RCTs sustains the need for more research. The results of this study highlight that PIs appear to be effective in reducing depression, while the studies performed in this population do not support evidence about anxiety.Figure 1.Figure 2.

Influence of Depression and Loneliness on Suicidal Behaviour Among Public University Students in Malaysia

Suicide is a serious and curable public health issue that is alarming towards early adults like university students who are undergoing personal and social phase changes and pressures. This study investigates the influence of depression and loneliness on the suicidal behaviour of public university students in Malaysia. The quantitative study involved 406 public university students in Malaysia, including early teens aged 20 years and below and adults aged 40 years and above. Three instruments were used: Suicide Behaviours Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3. Data analysis involves examining basic statistical information. For this study, a stratified and proportional random selection method was used. The results indicated that public university students in Malaysia generally exhibited minimal levels of depression, loneliness, and suicidal behaviour. Depression and loneliness emerged as significant positive predictors influencing suicidal behaviour, accounting for 49.3% of the variance, while loneliness contributed to 0.3%. These non-significant findings suggest that overall, the mental well-being of the students is good. The study also highlights the role of cultural and societal factors unique to Malaysia in promoting positive mental health outcomes.

Stigma in maintenance hemodialysis patients: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to explore stigma and its predictors among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. We utilized corresponding scales to measure both stigma and quality of life, and examining their correlations. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained through self-reported scales and medical records, screening for possible predictors associated with stigma. We recruited 115 patients in this study, with an average age of 52.14 &amp;plusmn; 11.84 years. The level of stigma indicated correlations with all modules of the SF-36 scale. Specifically, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health modules had significant relationships with stigma (P &lt; 0.05). Internalized stigma was significantly related to uremic pruritus and the duration of hemodialysis (P &lt; 0.05). Enacted stigma revealed a significant relationship with uremic pruritus, the Beck Depression Inventory score, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory score (P &lt; 0.05). Overall, stigma appears to exert negative impacts on the quality of life of patients undergoing incident hemodialysis. The occurrence of internalized stigma may be related to uremic pruritus and the duration of hemodialysis, while enacted stigma may be associated with uremic pruritus, depression, and anxiety.

Differential Prevalence of Depression Symptoms in Obese Versus Non-obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent chronic endocrine disorder that effects on women ovaries. It is characterized by mental health issues including depression and obesity. Hence the purpose of this particular study was to determine whether depressive symptoms were more common in obese PCOS women or in non-obese women. Methodology: The current study involved a cross-sectional design where the participants were 200 women with PCOS, and they were further divided into the obese and non-obese groups on the bases of their BMI. The depressive symptoms were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory – II (BDI-II). Raw data were interpreted bio- statistically by applying chi-squared test and logistic regression to determine the association between symptoms of obesity and depression by using a software known as SPSS. Results: The women of obese group with polycystic ovarian syndrome had a mean score of moderate (35.12± 0.01) and severe depressed symptoms than the non-obese PCOS women (22.11± 0.03). The applications of the logistic regression model revealed that the obesity could be considered to have a statistically significant (P≤0.05) impact on the depression symptoms. Conclusion: Through the research that the study carried out it was discovered that obesity could be causatively related to depression in women with PCOS. These results point to the importance of the proposed features of PCOS as a complex disorder that requires a holistically oriented treatment approach that involves not only physical but also psychological factors.

Being highly sensitive person negatively impacts on cognitive and psychosocial fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients: A cross-sectional, monocenter study

BackgroundFatigue is a common symptom in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but its determinants are not clarified yet. Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a personality trait characterized by enhanced sensitivity towards endogenous and exogenous stimuli, and higher attention toward minimal stimuli, resulting in overarousal and fatigue. Objectiveto evaluate the association between SPS and fatigue in MS patients. Methods192 consecutive MS patients (age of 43.3 ± 12.1 years; females 67.2 %; median EDSS of 2.5 (0 – 7)) underwent clinical (EDSS, age, gender), cognitive (BICAMS, Trial Making Test [TMT]), psychosocial (Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI], Beck Depression Inventory [BDI], Modified Fatigue Impact Scale [MFIS]) and sensitivity evaluation (Highly Sensitive Person [HSP]Scale). Patients were classified as HSP if the score was greater than 14. A stepwise regression model was applied to explore association between SPS and MFIS total scores and sub-scores, by accounting for age, gender, education, EDSS, Cerebral FS scores, TMT-Part A and part B scores, BAI, BDI, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). ResultsTotal HSP was 17.2 ± 6.8 and 129 patients (67 %) were classified as highly sensitive persons (HSP). HSP patients were more female patients (p = 0.02) with a longer disease duration (p = 0.03). HSP people showed higher total MFIS score (27.6 ± 20.6 vs 13.2 ± 14.1, p < 0.001), higher physical MFIS score (p < 0.001), higher cognitive MFIS score (p < 0.001), higher psychosocial MFIS score (p < 0.001) vs non-HSP patients. Higher total MFIS was associated with SPS trait (coeff. 6.9, p = 0.006). Specifically, SPS trait was associated with higher cognitive MFIS (coeff. 5.3, p < 0.001) and higher psychosocial MFIS (coeff. 0.7, p = 0.02). ConclusionSPS was associated with fatigue. Since SPS could be easily and quickly assessed in clinical settings, SPS could unveil a higher propensity of a patient toward fatigue occurrence over the disease course and could provide hints for possible preventive cognitive behavior therapy.

Epigenome-Wide Association Study of Depressive Symptoms in Black Women in the InterGEN Study.

(1) The prevalence of depression is two times higher in women than men. Black women have an increased risk of depression due to stressors such as low socioeconomic status and perceived discrimination. Depression is likely influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Psychosocial stressors can influence DNA methylation (DNAm), leading to changes in gene expression and ultimately, depression. The objective of this study was to examine associations between DNAm and depressive symptoms in Black women. (2) This study was a secondary analysis of data from the Intergenerational Impact of Genetic and Psychological Factors on Blood Pressure (InterGEN) Study. Perceived discrimination was assessed using Krieger's Experiences of Discrimination and Waelde's Race-Related Events Scale, and participants were screened for depressive symptoms with the Beck Depression Inventory. Raw data from saliva samples were analyzed using the Illumina Infinium Epic (850 K) BeadChip and then preprocessed in RStudio. (3) Differential methylation analysis identified DNAm sites and regions associated with depressive symptoms. Six DNAm sites had a q-value less than 0.05. Additionally, of the 25 regions identified, 12 were associated with neurological diseases or disorders. (4) These findings suggest that there is a neurological component to depression, which should be considered during treatment.