Depressant Research Articles

A depressed patient in outpatient settings

Depression is a clinically significant and growing public health issue. As a major global disease burden, its prevalence has been steadily increasing over the years, affecting different demographic groups. Depressive disorder is characterized by a low mood, loss of strength, sadness, insomnia, and inability to feel pleasure. In outpatient settings, up to one-third of patients with depressive symptoms may have a comorbidity. Many different diseases have been associated with depressive symptoms. Cardiovascular, metabolic, inflammatory, oncological, and neurological disorders are associated with an increased risk of depression, potentially due to chronic inflammation, neurochemical dysregulation, and emotional and social issues. As different drugs can cause depressive symptoms, the patient's medical history should include an assessment of the use of such drugs. Primary care physicians play an important role in identifying and treating depression. It is recommended to perform depression screening in all adult female patients in primary care facilities. There are general recommendations for the initial treatment of mild to moderate depressive disorder in adults. In mild depression, initial preference should be given to psychotherapy and symptom monitoring, and if improvement is insufficient, pharmacotherapy is to be used. Psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy or a combination of both should be considered for patients with moderate depression. Psychiatric consultation is recommended for patients with severe depression and urgently for any patient with psychotic symptoms or suicidal thoughts and behaviour. Antidepressants are the basic therapy for depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are considered the first-line drugs to treat depression.

Prognosis of unipolar depression

Depression, a severe illness with variable outcomes, requires prompt intervention to mitigate the risk of exacerbation and suicide. This review finds that psychopharmacological treatment is critical in severe cases. In mild cases, medication's side effects frequently outweigh the benefits. Prioritising non-pharmacological strategies, especially psychotherapy, is essential for mild to moderate depression. Given its recurrent nature and the risk of lasting cognitive decline, maintenance treatment is vital to avert relapse, particularly for those with a history of multiple episodes.

Postpartum depression in Gujarat, India: Associations with social support, breastfeeding attitudes, and self-efficacy

ABSTRACT Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant public health concern with detrimental effects on maternal and child well-being. Social support, breastfeeding attitudes, and self-efficacy have been identified as potential protective or risk factors for PPD. This study aimed to investigate the associations between PPD, social support, breastfeeding attitudes, and self-efficacy among postpartum women in Gujarat, India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 postpartum women in Gujarat, India. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric factors, PPD (assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), social support, breastfeeding attitudes, and self-efficacy were collected through structured interviews. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between PPD and the independent variables. Results: The prevalence of PPD in the study population was 50.1% (n = 202), with 28.8% (n = 116) experiencing mild depression, 16.6% (n = 67) moderate depression, and 4.7% (n = 19) severe depression. Lower educational level (n = 120, 29.8%; AOR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.04–2.85), lower socioeconomic status (n = 242, 60%; AOR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.12–3.02), non-exclusive breastfeeding (n = 167, 41.4%; AOR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.11–2.54), low social support (n = 101, 25.1%; AOR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.57–4.02), and a history of depression (n = 93, 23.1%; AOR: 2.94, 95% CI: 1.82–4.75) were significantly associated with higher odds of PPD in the multivariate analysis. In addition, negative breastfeeding attitudes and low self-efficacy levels were associated with increased odds of PPD. Conclusions: The findings highlight the significant associations between PPD and various sociodemographic, obstetric, and psychosocial factors among postpartum women in Gujarat, India. Interventions targeting social support, breastfeeding attitudes, and self-efficacy, as well as targeted support for women with identified risk factors, may help mitigate the burden of PPD and promote maternal well-being.

Objectively measured physical activity and mental health among asylum seekers residing in a camp

Physical activity has been linked to better mental health in the general population but also migrants and displaced populations. Studies on the latter populations have been almost exclusively based on self-reported physical activity, thus providing a limited perspective. The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between objectively measured physical activity and mental health indices, in asylum seekers residing in a camp. Participants were asked to wear the accelerometers for a period of seven days, after which they were administered questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety, and well-being in their spoken language. Out of a total of 116 participants, 79 (49 women) accomplished the criteria for valid accelerometer wear days and wear hours and completed the questionnaires. The results showed that participants accumulated adequate, according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, reported mild to moderate anxiety and depression symptoms, and were marginally above the threshold of poor well-being. Physical activity and sedentary time predicted depression (adjusted R2=.11) and anxiety (adjusted R2=.08) symptoms, and levels of well-being (adjusted R2=.15). In particular, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was linked to lower depression and anxiety, and better well-being, while sedentary time was linked with poorer well-being. The findings provide valuable evidence regarding the links between physical activity and mental health in displaced populations and highlight the need for a multimethod examination of physical activity in such populations.

Prevalence of imposter syndrome and its association with depression, stress, and anxiety among nursing students: a multi-center cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo examine the prevalence of imposter syndrome among nursing students and its association with depression, stress, and anxiety.MethodsA multi-center cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1572 nursing students randomly selected from three universities across Egypt. The study was conducted over 3 months, from the beginning of January to the end of March, during the academic year 2023/2024. Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 were used for data collection.ResultsA significant proportion of nursing students experience moderate to highly severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Around a quarter of students had moderate depression, 22.6% had moderate anxiety, and 14.9% had severe anxiety. Additionally, 13.3% of participants experienced severe stress, with only 3.8% experiencing highly severe stress. The study also found that 46.3% of students experienced moderate imposter syndrome, with 33% having frequent imposter levels and 6.2% scoring intense imposter on the scale. Furthermore, imposter syndrome was positively correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress, and the total score of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (r = 0.639, p < 0.001). The stepwise linear regression analysis explained that 45.0% of the variance in students' depression, anxiety, and stress was due to imposter syndrome and other sociodemographic covariates.ConclusionThis study highlighted the relationship between imposter syndrome, depression, anxiety, and stress among nursing students. Specifically, female students in higher academic years, with lower grade point averages, living in urban areas, with lower family incomes, and not participating in hobbies are more prone to depression, anxiety, and stress.Nursing implicationsThese findings underscore the need for a holistic approach to managing the complex nature of mental health among nursing students. Incorporating education and resources on self-care and stress management techniques into nursing training programs is imperative for addressing the implications of imposter syndrome in nursing practice. Equipping nursing students with these essential skills can enhance their resilience, foster a healthier work environment, and ultimately improve patient care outcomes.

Psychological impacts of the Gaza war on Palestinian young adults: a cross-sectional study of depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD symptoms

BackgroundThe Gaza Strip has been embroiled in a violent military assault since October 2023, with an immense toll on the civilian population. Armed conflicts threaten the mental health of affected communities and survivors, and psychiatric morbidity increases with forced displacement and with severe and recurrent trauma. This study investigates the prevalence and predisposing factors of depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD symptoms in a group of young adult students from the Gaza Strip during the war.MethodsA cross-sectional, internet-based survey recruited medical students from the Gaza Strip and used the DASS21, SWLS, and PCL-5 instruments. PTSD diagnosis required having a PCL-5 score ≥ 23 and fulfilling the DSM-5 criteria. Rates of depression, anxiety, stress, and life satisfaction were compared with a previous dataset collected in 2022. Finally, logistic regression models were fitted using R software to identify factors significantly associated with depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD.ResultsThree hundred thirty-nine medical students participated. Most had been displaced several times, and the great majority had lost a relative, colleague, or friend. Also, a majority had lost their homes and income. 97.05% of participants suffered mild depressive symptoms or higher, while 84.37% and 90.56% reported mild anxiety and mild stress symptoms or higher, respectively. High levels of life dissatisfaction were also found, and 63.40% suffered from PTSD. Symptoms were significantly more prevalent than baseline rates. All participants with PTSD had at least one psychiatric comorbidity. Living in a shelter and having moderate stress symptoms or higher were significantly associated with depression. Being a female, losing a friend, having moderate stress symptoms or higher, and having PTSD predicted having moderate anxiety or higher. Having moderate or higher depression symptoms, moderate or higher anxiety symptoms, and PTSD predicted having moderate stress symptoms or higher. Finally, moderate or higher anxiety and stress symptoms predicted having PTSD.ConclusionThe study detected very high rates of psychiatric disorders among its population of young adult medical students and outlined a myriad of risk factors associated with higher comorbidity. Interventions are needed to prevent a brewing mental health crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Quality of life and associated factors among patients with glaucoma attending at Boru Meda General Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia

Glaucoma significantly impacts the well-being of millions of people worldwide and contributes to a decline in quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate quality of life and identify influencing factors among glaucoma patients receiving care at Boru Meda General Hospital in Northeast Ethiopia in 2022. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Boru Meda General Hospital from July 10 to September 10, 2022. A total of 432 glaucoma patients were selected through a simple random sampling technique. The participants were interviewed via a structured questionnaire, including the modified Glaucoma Quality of Life-15 tool. The data collected were processed by cleaning, coding, and entering into EPi-data version 4.6 and then analysed via SPSS version 26. Variables with a p value less than 0.05 at the 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant. A total of 417 participants participated in the study, resulting in a response rate of 96.4%. Among them, 187 individuals, accounting for 44.2% (95% CI 39.8–49.9%), reported having poor quality of life. Factors such as being diagnosed for more than 6 years, residing in rural areas, having other ocular diseases, having bilateral glaucoma, receiving treatment for 1–5 years, experiencing moderate anxiety, and facing moderate depression were significantly associated with poor quality of life, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 2.555 to 8.035. Approximately half of the participants experienced a diminished quality of life, and significant associations were found with rural residence, time since diagnosis, treatment duration, the presence of other ocular conditions, bilateral glaucoma, and levels of anxiety and depression. The implementation of community-based glaucoma screening initiatives aimed at early identification and treatment, particularly those focused on rural communities and individuals with bilateral glaucoma, is crucial.

Impact of eyesight, BMI, and the use of screen-based devices on mental well-being.

To observe any association between mental health and potential contributors, i.e., BMI, eyesight, and number of screen-based devices in young adults. The study proceeded after obtaining the necessary ethical approval (Ref. # 689/ERC/CMH/LMC) from the institutional ERC at CMH LMC & IOD. It was a cross-sectional study, conducted with undergraduate students aged 16-25 years from June to September 2022 at Department of Physiology at CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry. Those who had any history of using CNS stimulants or depressants were excluded from the study. The data was collected via a pre-designed, validated questionnaire. Sample t-test, single tail one-way ANOVA, and post-hoc Tukey's test were used for statistical analysis, ensuring a 95% confidence interval. A non-significant percentage increase in mental well-being (MWB) score of 7.09% was found in males (p=0.142). No significant difference was observed in MBW scores and BMI (p=0.129), however, underweights showed the minimum scores (38.8±7.1). In all eyesight groups, no significant difference was noticed in MBW scores (p=0.316), though those who collectively present with hyperopia and myopia expressed minimum scores (35.4±9.8). The use of different screen-based devices showed a significant association with mental health (p=0.041), while the lowest MBW scores were found in those who were using only smartphones (38.9±8.0). There was no discernible difference in MWB for daily screen time. Students who used only smartphones had significantly lower MWB scores than those who used smartphones and laptops. The study found low MWB scores among underweight individuals and those who were with both eye-sight issues i.e. myopia as well as hyperopia.

Emotional Risk Factors, Rumination, and Self-Criticism in Relation to Suicidal Ideation Among Chinese Depressive Outpatients.

Previous studies indicated that individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) are at high risk of suicide, making the identification of risk factors in suicidal depressive outpatients essential for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. This study aims to (1) identify emotional risk factors and (2) examine the relationship between cognitive markers-including rumination and self-criticism-and suicidal ideation among depressive outpatients. A total of 165 Chinese clinical outpatients with depression were recruited from local hospitals in Hong Kong. In our sample, 68% of patients with moderate depression and 87.5% of patients with severe depression reported experiencing suicidal thoughts. The results from the logistic regression revealed a significant interaction between rumination and self-critical thoughts in relation to suicidal ideation. Specifically, the ruminative patients with self-critical thoughts were more likely to have suicidal thoughts than those without self-critical thoughts. These findings align with the cognitive model of suicide, suggesting that maladaptive information processing and negative cognitive content are associated with an increased risk of suicide. The current findings have clinical implications for the future development of more specific and accurate mental health assessment, preventive programs, and psychotherapies for depressive outpatients.

Four-year evaluation of drug-impaired driving drug concentrations.

Drug-impaired driving is a significant public health and safety concern in the USA. To help assess current patterns of drug use in drivers, we evaluated 4 years of drug positivity in a large cohort of suspected impaired drivers. Samples collected between January 2017 and December 2020 were tested via a method compliant with the National Safety Council's Alcohol, Drugs, and Impairment Division's Tier I scope of recommended drugs. In 2017, NMS Labs received 17 346 driving under the influence of drugs cases, 17 471 in 2018, 19 050 in 2019, and 16 539 in 2020. The most common drug class detected was cannabinoids in ∼50% of the cases each year. The most common drugs detected over the 4 years were delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9 THC), ethanol, amphetamine/methamphetamine, fentanyl, and alprazolam. Delta-9 THC increased in positivity over the study, having been identified in 45% of cases in 2017, 46% in 2018, 46% in 2019, and 49% in 2020. Ethanol was found in 59% of cases in 2017, 59% in 2018, 61% in 2019, and 53% in 2020. Delta-9 THC and ethanol were the most common drug combination, found together in ∼19% of the cases every year of the study. Statistically significant increases in the average concentration of the following drugs were observed: fentanyl (5.7 ng/mL in 2017 to 9.6 ng/mL in 2020), methamphetamine (301 ng/mL in 2017 to 381 ng/mL in 2020), and delta-9-THC (6.4 ng/mL in 2017 to 7.3 ng/mL in 2020). Other findings included increases in the maximum reported concentrations between 2017 and 2020 for amphetamine (1400 to 2700 ng/mL), methamphetamine (5550 to 13 000 ng/mL), and fentanyl (56 to 310 ng/mL). Statistically significant concentration decreases were noted for several central nervous system depressants, notably prescription benzodiazepines, and several prescription narcotic analgesics.

Perspectives on Quality of Life in Women with Breast Cancer.

The objectives of the study are to assess changes in the quality of life amongst breast cancer patients undergoing treatment at a cancer institute in Colombia. Analytical observational prospective cohort study in patients over 18 years of age diagnosed with breast cancer. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was analysed using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire and a Visual Analogue Scale measured at diagnosis and after a 6-month follow-up. Sociodemographic and clinical factors were analysed using a logistic regression model, with STATA 16 software. A total of 103 patients met the included criteria and were included in the study, with a median age of 56 years. According to the Tumour, Node, Metastasis classification of cancer stage, the majority of participants (35.92%) were in stage 2 of cancer. Multivariate analysis revealed that changes in HRQoL were significantly associated with age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06, P = 0.001), radiotherapy (OR = 3.56, P = 0.038) and moderate anxiety and depression (OR = 5.54, P = 0.007). While the overall quality of life in women with breast cancer showed a slight improvement over the 6 months, older patients and those receiving radiotherapy experienced a greater decline in health perception.

Effects of preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy on postoperative delirium in patients with gynecological tumor surgery: an observational study

PurposeTo investigate whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) increases the incidence of postoperative delirium (POD) in patients with gynecological tumors undergoing radical hysterectomy.MethodsThis study included 60 patients in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy exposure group and 60 in the non-exposure group. Preoperative cognitive function, the incidence of POD and other physiological parameters were assessed on preoperative day 1 (POD-1), postoperative day 1 (POD1), postoperative day 2 (POD2), and postoperative day 3 (POD3). Additionally, preoperative olfactory function was evaluated using an olfactory detection kit on POD-1. The primary outcome was the incidence of POD within three days after surgery.ResultsThe incidence of POD was 28.33% in the exposed group and 8.33% in the non-exposed group (P = 0.005). Compared to the non-exposed group, the exposed group had a higher rate of cognitive dysfunction (33.33% vs 13.33%; P = 0.010), and a higher rate of olfactory dysfunction (OD) (25.00% vs 10.00%; P = 0.031). A restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a non-linear relationship between olfactory test scores and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) scores (P for overall < 0.001, P for nonlinear = 0.001). Logistic regression identified NACT, mild and moderate cognitive dysfunction, OD, and depression as independent risk factors for POD, with all factors showing significant associations (P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of OD for predicting POD was 0.783 (95%CI 0.656–0.909).ConclusionsThis single-blind observational study suggests that NACT increases the incidence of POD in patients with gynecological tumors undergoing radical hysterectomy. Moreover, the results indicate that preoperative OD may reflect preoperative cognitive dysfunction, and have predictive value for the incidence of POD.

Cost-Effectiveness of Computer-Assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression Among Adults in Primary Care

Approximately 1 in 5 adults are diagnosed with depression in their lifetime. However, less than half receive help from a health professional, with the treatment gap being worse for individuals with socioeconomic disadvantage. Computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) is an effective and convenient strategy to treat depression; however, its cost-effectiveness in a sociodemographically diverse population remains unknown. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of clinician-supported CCBT compared with treatment as usual (TAU) in a primary care population with a substantial number of patients with low income, limited computer or internet access, and lack of college education. This economic evaluation was a randomized clinical trial-based cost-effectiveness analysis. The trial was conducted at the Departments of Family and Geriatric Medicine and Internal Medicine at the University of Louisville. Enrollment occurred from June 24, 2016, to May 13, 2019. Participants had mild to moderate depression and were followed up for 6 months after treatment completion. The last follow-up assessment was conducted on January 30, 2020. Statistical analysis was performed from August 2023 to August 2024. CCBT intervention was provided for 12 weeks and included 9 modules ranging from behavioral activation and cognitive restructuring to relapse prevention strategies, supported by telephonic sessions with a clinician, in addition to TAU, which included standard clinical management in primary care. The primary health outcome was quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), estimated using the Short-Form 12 questionnaire (SF-12). The secondary outcome was treatment response, defined as at least 50% improvement in the Patient Health Questionnaire. The intervention cost included sessions with mental health clinicians and the cost of the CCBT software, plus the cost of loaner computer and internet data plan for low-resource households. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was computed, while adjusting for baseline scores, age, and sex. The cost-effectiveness acceptability curve presented the probability of CCBT being cost-effective for a range of willingness-to-pay values. Among the 175 primary care patients included in this study, 148 (84.5%) were female; 48 (27.4%) were African American, 2 (1.2%) were American Indian or Alaska Native, 4 (2.5%) were Hispanic, 106 (60.5%) were White, and 15 (8.6%) were multiracial; and the mean (SD) age was 47.03 (13.15) years. CCBT was associated with better quality of life and higher chance of treatment response at the posttreatment and 6-month time points, compared with the TAU group. The ICER for CCBT was $37 295 (95% CI, $22 724-$66 546) per QALY, with a probability of 89.4% of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50 000/QALY. The ICER per case of treatment response was $3623 (95% CI, $2617-$5377). In this trial-based economic evaluation, CCBT was found to be cost-effective, compared with TAU, in primary care patients with depression. As this study included individuals with low income and with limited internet access who are underrepresented in cost-effectiveness studies, it has important policy implications for addressing unmet needs in sociodemographically diverse populations.

Comparative assessment of the quality of life in patients with bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease before and after COVID-19

Objective. To compare the quality of life of patients with bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) before and after COVID-19. Materials and methods. 73 patients diagnosed with bronchial asthma and 78 patients with COPD who were treated at Sechenov University Clinical Hospital №4, participated in the retrospective dynamic comparative study based on the principle «from cause to effect». Assessment of the quality of the patients` life was carried out before and after COVID-19 using a visual analogue scale from 0 to 100 points and the universal EuroQol-5D questionnaire. Mobility, self-care abilities, habitual activity, severity of pain/discomfort, the presence of anxiety/depression in the post-COVID period were assessed. Results. In patients with COPD before COVID-19, the average total score on the visual–analogue scale was 89,5 [83,8; 95], and after COVID-19 it was 70 [64,5; 80] points. In the post-covid period, 91 % of people with COPD noted some mobility limitations, 33.3 % experienced difficulties with self-care, 65.4 % of patients could not engage in habitual activities, 60.3 % suffered pronounced pain or discomfort, and 29.5 % of patients had severe anxiety or depression. In patients with asthma before COVID-19, the average total score was 90 [88,4; 91] points, and after COVID-19 it was 75 [70,2; 80,2]. In the post-ovarian period, mobility limitations were noted by 71.2 % of patients, and 64.4 % had difficulties with taking care of themselves, 54.8 % could not engage in habitual activities. At the same time, 78.1 % of patients experienced pain or discomfort, and 58.9 % had moderate anxiety or depression. Conclusions. COVID-19 has led to a significant decrease in the quality of life in patients with asthma and COPD. This may be associated with a worsening of the course of the disease and increase in the number of exacerbations of these pulmonary pathologies, resulting in significant limitation of mobility, growing pain or discomfort, as well as the occurrence of severe anxiety or depression.

Toxicological Evaluation and Central Nervous System Depressant Activities of Lizard Dung in Rat Model

Toxicological Evaluation and Central Nervous System Depressant Activities of Lizard Dung in Rat Model

Eye movement characteristics of emotional face recognizing task in patients with mild to moderate depression.

Depression is a complex affective disorder characterized by high prevalence and severe impact, commonly presenting with cognitive impairment. The objective diagnosis of depression lacks precise standards. This study investigates eye movement characteristics during emotional face recognition task (EFRT) in depressive patients to provide empirical support for objective diagnosis. We recruited 43 patients with depression (Depressive patients, DP) from a psychiatric hospital and 44 healthy participants (Healthy Control, HC) online. All participants completed an EFRT comprising 120 trials. Each trial presented a gray screen for 800 ms followed by a stimulus image for judgment. Emotions were categorized as positive, neutral, or negative. Eye movement trajectories were recorded throughout the task. Latency of First Fixation (LFF), Latency of First Fixation for Eye AOI, and Latency of First Fixation for Mouth AOI were used as representative indicators of early attention, Proportion of Eye AOI, and Proportion of Mouth AOI as measures of intermediate attention, Accuracy (ACC) and Reaction Time (RT) as behavioral indicators of late-stage attention. In this study, these metrics were employed to explore the differences between patients with depression and healthy individuals. Compared to healthy participants, individuals with depression exhibit longer first fixation latencies on the eyes and mouth during the early attention stage of emotional face recognition, indicating an avoidance tendency toward key facial recognition cues. In the mid-to-late attention stages, depressive individuals show an increased fixation ratio on the eyes and a decreased fixation ratio on the mouth, along with lower accuracy and longer response times. These findings suggest that, relative to healthy individuals, individuals with depression have deficits in facial recognition. This study identified distinct attention patterns and cognitive deficits in emotional face recognition among individuals with depression compared to healthy individuals, providing an attention-based approach for exploring potential clinical diagnostic markers for depression.

Functions of a Complex Variable with a Large Parameter and Construction of Regions

In this article, the aim of the study is to assess the importance of psychological support in the early rehabilitation of patients after a stroke. The study involved 30 patients who had suffered an ischemic stroke. From the results, we see that a stroke dramatically changes a person's life and upon admission, 10% had a severe degree of depression, moderate depression was observed in 73%, and mild depression was in 17%. Daily work with a psychologist during the rehabilitation process significantly improved their psychoemotional state, reducing the level of depression. It also gave motivation for further rehabilitation. So, upon discharge, we observe that 67% of patients increased strength in the affected limbs to a mild degree, the Rivermead mobility index increased significantly and amounted to 12.83.36 points, out of a maximum of 15 points. This suggests that patients have become more mobile and independent. Effective rehabilitation after a stroke requires not only medical and physical therapy, but also the mandatory inclusion of psychological support as part of a comprehensive approach. This increases the chances of successful recovery and adaptation of the patient.

Transformative Therapies for Depression: Postpartum Depression, Major Depressive Disorder, and Treatment-Resistant Depression.

Depressive disorders present an enormous global public health burden. A notable treatment gap exists between the prevalence of depression and our ability to provide rapid-acting, effective treatment that achieves remission. Brexanolone and zuranolone, the first US Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for postpartum depression, signify a critical advancement in addressing the unmet needs of a vulnerable patient population. Psilocybin shows promise for treatment-resistant depression and for those who have struggled to find relief with existing treatments. This review discusses transformative therapies that represent significant advancements in postpartum depression, major depressive disorder, and treatment-resistant depression.

ANTICONVULSANT EFFECT OF ISOLATED COMPOUNDS FROM THE LEAVES OF GLOBIMETULA BRAUNII ENGLER VAN TIEGH (LORANTHACEAE) IN MICE AND CHICKS

The anticonvulsant evaluation of globrauneine A (1), globrauneine C (2) globrauneine D (3), globrauneine F (4), lupeol (5), β-sitosterol (6), (1R,5S,7S)-7-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) ethyl]-2,6-dioxabi-cyclo [3. 3.1]-nonan-3-one (7), dodoneine (8), quercetin (9) and rutin (10) from Globimetula braunii leaves were analyzed with the aid of pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure test in mice (PTZ) and maximal electroshock seizure test in chicks (MEST), while the neurotoxicity was evaluated using the beam walking assay in mice. 50% of the tested mice were protected by Globrauneine A (1) and dodoneine (8) against PTZ-induced mortality. The mean onset of clonic spasm of the unprotected animals was increased by Quercetin (9) and also the mice were differentially protected against mortality. The tested compounds also produced significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in the mean onset of seizure against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure. The chicks were not protected by the tested compounds against MEST and the recovery time was not significantly reduced. In the beam assay, with the exception of dodoneine (8), the number of foot slips and the time taken to complete the task was not significantly changed by the tested isolated compounds, suggesting that the observed activities are not due to general CNS depression. The results suggest mild protective effects of these isolated compounds against seizure which might be useful in the control of petit mal epilepsy.

Stress, Anxiety, and Depression During Pregnancy: A Survey Among Antenatal Women Attending Primary Health Centers.

Background/Objectives: Maternal mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression (SAD) in antenatal women are major public health challenges. This study aimed to determine the levels of SAD in antenatal women and associate the selected variables with them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected primary health centers (PHC) in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The pregnant women were selected using systematic randomization, and their SAD levels were assessed using the perceived stress scale (PSS), the state anxiety scale (SAS), and the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. Linear regression was used to associate factors related to stress, anxiety, and depression. Results: Out of 346 antenatal women, 4% had a high level of stress and 27.2% had a moderate level of stress. Regarding the level of anxiety, 2.6% of them had high anxiety, and 32.9% had moderate anxiety. Around 32 (9.2%) women had moderate depression, and 4 (1.2%) had severe depression. The mean score of SAD was 11.99, 28.88, and 4.73, respectively. A linear regression proved that there was an association between stress and age, occupation, gestational age (GA), gravida, para, abortions, and social support (SS) (p < 0.05). Anxiety was associated with age, GA, gravida, para, abortions, past obstetrical complications, and SS (p < 0.05). Depression was related to age, education, occupation, para, abortions, past obstetrical complications, and SS (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Due to the prevalence of SAD in pregnancy, the screening of these conditions and awareness creation about the associated factors can help to identify potential risks earlier and prevent maternal and fetal complications.