Depression Scores In Women Research Articles

Depression scores and its relationship with sexual quality of life in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study.

Diabetes is an important public health problem with increasing prevalence worldwide. However, the prevalence of diabetes in women is increasing. Women with diabetes have many physical and psychological complications. It has been reported that complications experienced by women with diabetes negatively affect both their sexual and mental health. This study aimed to determine the sexual quality of life (SQoL) and depression scores in women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), the relationship between them, and to examine the factors predicting the SQoL. This study was analytical and cross-sectional. This study was conducted with 440 women with diabetes (206 women with type 1 and 234 women with type 2 diabetes) who came to the endocrine policlinic of a university hospital in Izmir, western Türkiye, between April and October 2023. Data were collected using the "Individual Description Form," "Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire" and "Beck Depression Inventory." Correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship between SQoL and depression scores. When women with T1D and T2D were compared, it was determined that women with T2D had worse SQoL and higher depression scores (P < .05). Both T1D and T2D women were found to have a strong negative correlation between SQoL and depression scores (r = -0.753; -0.837; P < .05). Age (B = -0.291), body mass index (BMI; B = -2.747), type 2 diabetes (B = -3.074), and depression scores (B = -1.898) were predictive factors of SQoL in women with diabetes (R2 = 0.670; P < .05). In our study, it was determined that depression scores were increased in women with diabetes mellitus with decreased SQoL. When T1D and T2D were compared, T2D had worse SQoL and higher depression scores. It also revealed that age, BMI, T2D, and depression scores affected SQoL. Healthcare professionals especially nurses should provide education and counseling to women with T1D and T2D about sexual life and mental health.

Investigation for Anxiety and Depression Situation in Couples Receiving in vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) with Donor Sperm and Associated Influencing Factors.

This study aimed to explore the current situation of anxiety and depression on day of transfer in couples receiving in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) with donor sperm and analyze its influencing factors. This study selected 187 IVF-ET administered couples who received donor sperm from our Hospital from August 2021 to July 2022. On the day of IVF-ET with donor sperm transplantation, patients were investigated with general data questionnaire, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) to analyze their anxiety and depression scores and their influencing factors. Scores of anxiety and depression on the day of transplantation in patients receiving IVF-ET with donor sperm were 43.98±6.80 and 46.03±10.61 respectively, which were higher compared to levels of Chinese health norm (P<0.05). The anxiety score of patients' spouses was 41.23±6.69 and depression score was 44.23±11.65, which were higher compared to levels of Chinese health norm (P<0.05). Score of anxiety and depression of women was significantly higher compared to those of their spouse (P<0.05). Anxiety and depression scores of women in non-pregnant group were significantly higher compared to those in pregnant group (P<0.05). Regression analysis showed that education level and annual family income were influencing factors of anxiety and depression scores of IVF-ET with donor sperm couples on the day of transfer, and number of eggs taken and transfer times were influencing factors of depression scores of IVF-ET with donor sperm patients on the day of transfer. Psychological state of couples receiving IVF-ET with donor sperm was significantly affected, especially in female side. Medical staff should focus on patients with low education level, low family income, and more times of transfer and egg retrieval, and take targeted intervention measures to keep them in good psychological state, which is conducive to improving pregnancy outcome.

Gender differences in periodontal status of depressive and non-depressive individuals

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the gender-related differences in the relationship between periodontal diseases and depression in male and female adults. Methodology: 171 females with periodontal disease (71 subjects with gingivitis and 100 subjects with periodontitis) and 168 males with periodontal disease (72 subjects with gingivitis and 96 subjects with periodontitis) were included in the study. Clinic periodontal parameters (probing pocket depth, gingival index, plaque index, and bleeding on probing) were used in the periodontal examination. Depressive symptoms were determined by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). According to BDI scores, 150 depressed subjects (77 females and 73 males) and 189 non-depressed subjects (94 females and 95 males) were present. Results: There were similar BDI scores observed in female and male participants. All periodontal parameters were higher in males than females. While plaque index and gingival index were higher in depressed females than non-depressed females, probing depth was similar in female subgroups. Besides, all periodontal parameters were similar in male subgroups. When the relationship between periodontal status and depression scores in women was evaluated, women with periodontitis had higher BDI scores than women with gingivitis. In male subjects, there was no difference in BDI scores in individuals with periodontitis and/or gingivitis. Conclusion: It can be said that depression is a risk factor that negatively affects periodontal status for females, who were more vulnerable to stress and pain than males. How to cite this article: Uçan Yarkaç F, Göktürk Ö. Gender differences in periodontal status of depressive and non-depressive individuals. Int Dent Res 2023;13(1):1-6. https://doi.org/10.5577/idr.2023.vol13.no1.1 Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.

Physical activity and mental health in Brazilian university students: An analysis in different sexes during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Study aim: To identify symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in Brazilian university students of both sexes and the association of physical activity parameters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2021. Data on occupational and social variables and mental health symptoms were investigated using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, Hamilton depression rating scale, and Perceived Stress Scale questionnaires. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: In total, 277 college students over eighteen years old participated in the study (66% female; 46.7% brown race). Higher scores and symptoms of anxiety and depression were observed in women (p &lt; 0.0001). Anxiety symptoms were negatively associated with physical activity levels in women. Sedentary time, including sitting correlated with depression scores in women (r = 0.171; p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: University students are a risk group for the appearance of symptoms related to mental health. In addition, these disorders occur more frequently in females, and sedentary habits, such as more time sitting, were related to higher scores in depression and anxiety.

Evaluation of the Anxiety and Depression Scores in Women with Uncomplicated Pregnancies in the Era of Coronavirus Disease 2019: The Experience of a Single Tertiary Center

Aim: The recent outbreak of coronavirus has become an extremely significant health issue on a global scale, and its impact on the psychological status of pregnant women is still under investigation. This study aimed to assess the anxiety and depression scores of uncomplicated pregnancies in the age of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).&#x0D; Materials and Method: A total of 98 pregnant women were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups according to the trimesters of pregnancy. The 21-item Beck anxiety and Beck depression scales were completed by all participants. Anxiety and depression scores and the demographic information of the groups were compared.&#x0D; Results: The anxiety level of group 3 was found to be significantly higher than those of groups 2 and groups 1 (p &lt; 0.001). The mean depression score of group 3 was significantly higher than that of group 1. The depression scores of patients from different educational levels were similar; however, it was observed that the higher educational level of patients was significantly correlated with higher anxiety scores (p &lt; 0.001). &#x0D; Conclusion: Our study showed that during COVID-19, the depression and anxiety scores of pregnant women approaching childbirth may be significantly higher than those of women with early pregnancies. The inclusion of psychological support in routine antenatal care for pregnant women in the third trimester should be considered to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

Subclinical depression and anxiety impact verbal memory functioning differently in men and women —an fMRI study

BackgroundDepressive symptoms are known to affect memory efficiency in various populations. More specifically, several studies conducted in patients suffering from schizophrenia have indicated that memory efficiency is affected by depressed mood in female patients and by anxiety in male patients. We investigated, using neuroimaging techniques, whether similar gender-specific associations with subclinical depression and anxiety could be observed in a non-clinical sample. MethodForty-five healthy Spanish-speaking individuals (23 females) were administered a verbal memory task. Lists of high- and low-frequency words were presented. Immediate free recall was requested after the learning of each list, and a yes/no recognition task was completed during the acquisition of the fMRI data. ResultsRegression analyses revealed that higher depression scores in women, and higher anxiety scores in men, were associated with poorer recall. In women, higher depression scores were further associated with decreased cerebral activity in the right temporoparietal junction, left inferior occipitotemporal gyrus, bilateral thalamus, and left anterior cingulate during correct recognition of target words. In men, anxiety scores were not associated with any cerebral activity. ConclusionsSubclinical depression in women appears to affect memory efficiency by impacting cerebral regions specifically recruited for the cognitive demands of the task, as well as cerebral regions more generally involved in arousal, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Anxiety in men might impact the encoding memory processes. The results, although preliminary, suggest that gender differences may need to be taken into account when developing strategies for the cognitive and pharmacological remediation of memory impairment.

Distinct Protocols of Physical Exercise May Improve Different Aspects of Well-being in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

The purpose of this study to assess the effects of different protocols of physical exercise on the domains of the quality of life (QoL), sexual function, anxiety, and depression scores in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Data of 112 women with PCOS were extracted from 2 trials with different protocols of physical exercise: continuous aerobic training (ContinuousAT, n = 23), intermittent aerobic training (IntermittentAT, n = 22), and progressive resistance training (ResistanceT, n = 43) alongside a control group (CG, n = 24). Volunteers who completed self-report questionnaires-Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) for QoL-preprotocol and postprotocol of physical exercise were included. Within groups, from baseline to week 16, all ContinuousAT, IntermittentAT, and ResistanceT protocols promoted improvements in multiple FSFI domains and HADS scores. However, ResistanceT did not improve the QoL aspects. Between groups, from other physical training protocols, the IntermittentAT was most effective for QoL and FSFI domains as well as HADS scores. It is concluded that all interventions were effective and improved indicators of sexual function, anxiety, and depression. When comparing protocols, interval training with high-intensity stimuli and active recovery was more effective.

The Relationship between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Psychological Symptoms

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic and endocrine disease among women of reproductive-age, which cause prone to psychological symptoms. Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between PCOS and psychological symptoms. Method: This case control study was conducted in the Gynecology Clinic of a Private University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey in 2016. The study conducted on patients with PCOS who received therapy in Gynecologic Oncology Center of a Private University Hospital in Ankara, Turkey. A total of 80 women with PCOS were administered The Survey Form, Beck Anxiety Index, and Beck Depression Index. Results: The PCOS group showed significantly higher scores of anxiety and depression symptoms compared to controls (p&lt;,05). Age, education, marital status and income level were significantly associated with anxiety and depression scores of women with PCOS (p&lt;,05). Conclusion: Women with PCOS are at risk for anxiety and depression. These results emerged the need of emotional support into clinical process with appropriate interventions as an additional therapy to improve life quality for women with PCOS. Further studies are need to broader understanding of this area.

Levels of anxiety and depression related to COVID-19 among physicians: An online cross-sectional study from Turkey

Aim: In this study, we aimed to determine anxiety and depression levels related to COVID-19 infection of assistant physicians who were taking medical specialty training in a medical faculty hospital. Material and Methods: We performed this cross-sectional study in a medical faculty hospital located in Turkey’s Eastern Anatolia region. The universe of the survey was composed of all assistant physicians (342 persons) who were taking medical specialty training in this hospital. We aimed to reach the entire universe without selecting a sample. Of the physicians, 264 have been accessed (responsiveness rate 77.2%). In combination with sociodemographic questions, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Test (STAI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used. STAI measured state anxiety value, whereas BDI depression findings. Results: Women accounted for 51.9% of the study participants and the mean age of those was 29.7 ± 3.5. Of the physicians, 81.1% thought that the COVID-19 infection influenced themselves spiritually and 84.1% of participants were afraid of getting an infection because of being a healthcare worker, while 98.5% of transmitting the infection to their relatives or environment. The anxiety and depression scores of women were determined to be significantly higher than the scores of men. We found a significant difference between anxiety and depression and regret about choosing a medical profession, thoughts of leaving the assistantship. Discussion: Anxiety and depression levels of female physicians were significantly higher than male physicians. In our study, a large proportion of physicians (84.1%) were found to be afraid of getting infected with COVID-19 and transmitting the infection to any of their relatives (98.5%). In this study, no significant relationship was established between marital status and anxiety and depression levels.

Investigating related factors to psychological symptoms of infertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment.

BACKGROUND:The impact of infertility and assisted reproductive treatment on the mental health of infertile couples is documented, and the identification of its predictor factors can be helpful in identifying susceptible individuals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with psychological symptoms of infertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Using convenience sampling method, this cross-sectional study was conducted on 212 couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatments. The levels of mental disorders (depression, anxiety, and stress) of the couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatments were assessed via self-report questionnaire of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales. Data analysis was performed using paired t-test, independent t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Pearson correlation coefficient, Spearman correlation, and multivariate linear regression.RESULTS:The mean scores of stress, anxiety, and depression in women (14, 9.93, and 10.7) were significantly higher than that in men (9, 5.51, and 6.6). Correlation coefficient of stress, anxiety, and depression scores in women was inversely correlated with their age. Moreover, stress, anxiety, and depression scores in men were significantly correlated with the duration of infertility. In both men and women, stress, anxiety, and depression scores were inversely correlated with the level of education and economic situation.CONCLUSION:The results showed that during assisted reproductive treatment, women are more likely to experience psychological problems than their spouses. In addition, underlying factors such as age, duration of infertility, and educational level do not similarly cause of lower mental health in men and women.

Brexanolone for Postpartum Depression: Clinical Evidence and Practical Considerations.

Our aim was to review the efficacy, safety, and pharmacology of brexanolone (Zulresso), a new antidepressant with a novel mechanism of action, in the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). Pertinent data and information were obtained via PubMed (1993 to August 2018). Articles published in English that evaluated the safety and efficacy of brexanolone and other off-label PPD treatments were included. Literature regarding epidemiology and pathophysiology of PPD was also selected. Brexanolone, administered as an intravenous infusion over 60hours, produced a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scores compared with placebo at both 60 and 90μg/kg/hour in patients with moderate to severe PPD. Brexanolone groups had higher response and remission rates compared with placebo. Common adverse effects were somnolence, dizziness, and headache. A small percentage (4%) of patients required cessation of therapy due to excessive sedation or loss of consciousness. Although the evidence for brexanolone as a novel treatment for PPD looks promising, a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) program requirement and the logistics of prolonged infusions serve as barriers to treatment. A discussion of these obstacles as well as pharmacokinetics, monitoring, and dosing is provided. Brexanolone is a novel antidepressant indicated for the treatment of PPD. Clinical trials demonstrated that brexanolone significantly reduces depression scores in women with moderate to severe PPD. Due to risk of oversedation and loss of consciousness, a REMS program will be put in place to mitigate the risk of adverse events.

Correlation between Depression with Serum Levels of Vitamin D, Calcium and Magnesium in Women of Reproductive Age.

Introduction: Micronutrient deficiency is one of the common problems in women of reproductive age. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the correlation between the depression with serum levels of vitamin D, calcium and magnesium in women of reproductive age.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study .In this study 100 women 15-44 years old with inclusion criteria of the study were called through an invitation in Urmia Motahari hospital in Iran. Demographic and obstetric information as well as the short form Beck Depression Inventory were completed, and then ten ml of venus blood was obtained from the subjects after about 12 hours of fasting. The data were analyzed, by SPSS software.Results: The mean of the depression score was 5.24, and the mean (SD) of the serum levels of vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium were 15.53 (13.41) (ng/ml), 9.14 (0.24) (mg/dL), and 2.07 (0.13) (mg/dl), respectively. Women's depression scores showed a significant inverse correlation with the serum level of vitamin D (r= -0.21, P= 0.03).Conclusion: It is recommended that interventional programs should be carried out for women of reproductive age to improve their vitamin D status.

A Stepped-Collaborative Perinatal Depression Model.

BACKGROUND: Perinatal depression (PD) screening has been defined for decades, but treatment remains ill-defined, with few mental health (MH) providers helping depressed women during this delicate time. The nurse practitioner (NP) is in a position to help women through PD with the use of a collaborative treatment model. AIMS: This DNP (doctor of nursing practice) inquiry investigated a stepped collaborative care model (CCM) to see whether the PD model improved time from referral to evaluation and decreased depression scores over a 6-month treatment period for women who came to an NP MH practice. METHOD: After obtaining approval from the institutional review board and the clients, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was administered to 37 women at psychiatric evaluation and subsequent MH visits over a 6-month period. Time from referral to evaluation and depression scores were analyzed. RESULTS: The CCM met the goal of 30 days from referral to evaluation. Prenatal clients had a statistically significant decrease in depression scores, and postpartum client scores were clinically significant. CONCLUSION: A CCM among care providers facilitates prompt intake to treatment time within 1 month of identification of depression, and a decrease in depression scores in women measured by sequential depression screen scores. The study may provide ideas for evidence-based NP practice by use of the model to treat depression in this group of women.

Primipar Gebe Kadınlara Verilen Eğitimin Doğum Sonrası Depresyon Üzerine Etkisi

Amaç: Annenin ve bebeğin sağlığını korumak için doğum sonu depresyonun önlenmesi, erken tanı ve tedavisinin sağlanması önemlidir. Doğum sonu depresyonu önlemeyi amaçlayan müdahalelerden birisi de eğitim çalışmalarıdır. Bu araştırma primipar gebelere, doğum sonu döneme hazırlık eğitiminin doğum sonrası depresyon riski üzerine etkisini değerlendirmek amacıyla yapılmış kontrol gruplu deneysel bir çalışmadır. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Araştırmanın örneklemini kontrol grubunda 97, müdahale grubunda 85 kişi olmak üzere 182 kadın oluşturmuştur. Çalışma için etik kurul onayı ve kadınlardan bilgilendirilmiş onam alınmıştır. Müdahale grubundaki kadınlara gebeliklerinin 28-32. Haftalarında doğum sonu döneme hazırlık eğitimi verilmiştir. Verilerin değerlendirilmesinde ki-kare, Fisher, MC Pearson, Student t ve Mann Whitney U testleri kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: Çalışmaya katılan müdahale grubundaki kadınların toplam depresyon puanının (53,00±16,70) kontrol grubuna (61,54±22,33) göre daha düşük olduğu, iki grup arasındaki farkın önemli olduğu belirlenmiştir (p<0,05). Ayrıca kendine zarar verme, uyuma ve yeme bozukluğu alt boyutlarında iki grup arasında bir farklılık görülmezken (p>0,05), duygusal değişkenlik, suçluluk ve anksiyete alt boyutlarında depresyon puanının müdahale grubunda önemli ölçüde düşük olduğu bulunmuştur (p<0,05). Müdahale grubundaki kadınlardan kırsal bölgede yaşayan, ortaokul ve altı eğitim seviyesine sahip olan, çalışmayan, gelir durumu düşük, 23 yaş ve altında olanların depresyon puanının kontrol grubuna göre daha düşük olduğu ve gruplar arasındaki farkın da önemli olduğu tespit edilmiştir (p<0,05). Sonuç: Sonuç olarak doğum sonu döneme hazırlık eğitiminin doğum sonrası depresyon riski üzerine etkili olduğu söylenebilir. Objective: In order to protect the health of mother and her infant, it is important to prevent postpartum depression, to diagnose it earlier and to supply the necessary treatment. One of the interventions aimed at preventing postpartum depression is education studies. This is a experimental study with control group which was conducted in order to determine the effect of Postpartum Preparedness Education given to the primiparous pregnant women on postpartum depression risk. Material and Methods: The study sample consisted of 182 women (97 in control group and 85 in intervention group). Ethics Committee Approval was acquired for the study and informed consent was obtained from the women. The women in the intervention group were given Postpartum Preparedness Education between the 28th and 32nd gestational weeks. Chi-square, Fisher's Exact, MC Pearson, Student's t and Mann Whitney U tests were used in order to analyze the data. Results: It was determined that total depression score of women in intervention group (53.0±16.7) is lower than that of women in control group (61.5±22.3) and the difference between the two groups is significant (p<0.05). In addition, while there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of sub dimensions such as selfharm, sleeping and eating disorders (p>0.05), depression score of women in intervention group were much lower in terms of sub dimensions such as mood changes, guiltiness and anxiety (p<0.05). It was also found that depression scores of women in intervention group who live in rural area, whose education level is secondary school or less, who don't work, who have low-income status and who are 23 years old or younger were lower than those of control group and the difference between the groups was significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: As a result, it can be said that Postpartum Preparedness Education given to the pregnant women is effective on postpartum depression risk.

Longitudinal associations between physical activity and depression scores in Swedish women followed 32 years.

Physical activity is negatively associated with depressive symptoms. However, few studies consider dynamic associations of changes in physical activity and reciprocal relationships. This study aimed to perform comprehensive evaluations of relationships between physical activity and depression scores in women followed from mid- to late life. The Prospective Population Study of Women in Gothenburg, Sweden, provided repeated measures of self-reported physical activity and depressive symptoms between 1974 and 2005 (baseline N = 676, 84.5% response rate). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, and physical activity was evaluated by the Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale. Latent growth curve analyses were used to evaluate associations of change, and cross-lagged models were used to study the reciprocal relationship between physical activity and depression scores. At baseline, lower levels of physical activity were related to higher depression scores. Individuals with decreasing physical activity over time evidenced higher depression scores at 32-year follow-up. Higher average baseline depression score was related to declining levels of physical activity at subsequent examinations. Reduced physical activity may be a long-term consequence of depression. It is important to address individual changes in physical activity and not merely absolute levels of physical activity in relationship to depression.

Correlation of beta‐arrestin1 levels in mononuclear leukocytes with depression scores for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (1144.2)

OBJECTIVE: Depression is very common in reproductive women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This study examined whether a measurement for beta‐arrestin1 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBMC) could aid in the diagnosis of PMDD and support the results from questionnaires. DESIGN AND METHODS: 18‐42 years old non‐pregnant women at the luteal phase with the symptoms of PMS/PMDD, but not taking any antidepressants, were studied. The protein levels of beta‐arrestin1 in the PBMC were determined by ELISA and compared with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores. The different criteria for Axis 1 mental disorders were compared. RESULTS: The criteria for Axis 1 mental disorders were significantly higher and beta arrestin1 protein levels in mononuclear leukocytes were significantly lower in women with depression (PMDD) as compared to no‐depression (PMS) group. The reduction in beta arrestin1 protein levels was significantly correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: These findings support the implication of beta‐arrestin1 protein in the pathophysiology of depression in women with PMDD. Beta‐arrestin1 measurements in women with PMDD may potentially serve for biochemical diagnostic purposes and might be useful as evidence‐based support for questionnaires.Grant Funding Source: U54 MD 007593 (NIMHD)

Increased Risk for Abnormal Depression Scores in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Increased Risk for Abnormal Depression Scores in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Three job-related stress models and depression: a population-based study

To estimate the current prevalence of major depression in a sample of working population, and to examine the associations between job strain, effort-reward imbalance and family-work conflicts and major depression. A sample of employees who were between the ages of 25 and 65 years and who were working in Alberta at the time of survey was recruited using the method of random digit dialing (n = 4,302). Data about job stress, effort-reward imbalance and work-family conflicts and depression were collected via telephone. Depression was assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression. The 2-week prevalence of major depression based on the DSM algorithm was 3.2%. The prevalence of severe depression was 0.8%. Job strain, effort-reward imbalance and work-family conflicts were strongly associated with continuous depression score. Effort-reward imbalance was significantly associated with depression scores in women, but not in men. Effort-reward imbalance was significantly associated with depression scores in participants with job strain ratio >1, but not in those with a lower job strain ratio. The association between work to family conflict and depression score was stronger in participants with a job strain ratio greater than one than in those whose job strain ratio was one or less. The three job-related stress models are widely used in occupational health research. They are equally important in predicting depression and interact with each other. Improving work environment based on these models holds potentials to reduce the synergetic effects, therefore, improving employees' mental health.

Increased Risk for Abnormal Depression Scores in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and depression both have a high prevalence in reproductive-aged women. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of abnormal depression scores in women who meet currently recognized definitions of PCOS compared with women in a well-defined control group. The search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE Classic plus EMBASE, PsycINFO, Current Contents-Clinical Medicine and Current Contents-Life Sciences and Web of Science. Cochrane software Review Manager 5.0.24 was used to construct forest plots comparing risk of abnormal depression scores in those in the PCOS and control groups. Studies with well-defined criteria of women with PCOS and control groups of women without PCOS, with demographic information including age and body mass index (BMI), were included. Of 752 screened articles, 17 met the selection criteria for systematic review and 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Data were abstracted independently by three reviewers. All studies were cross-sectional and most used the Rotterdam criteria for the diagnosis of PCOS (n=10). The odds ratio (OR) for abnormal depression scores was 4.03 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.96-5.5, P<.01) in women with PCOS (n=522) compared with those in the control groups (n=475). A subanalysis showed that the odds for abnormal depression scores was independent of BMI (OR 4.09, 95% CI 2.62-6.41). Several validated tools were used to screen for depression; the common tool used was the Beck Depression Inventory. The results of our study suggest the need to screen all women with PCOS for depression using validated screening tools. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk for abnormal depression scores independent of BMI.

Quality of Life in the Vulvar Clinic

This pilot study aimed to investigate baseline quality of life, anxiety, and depression scores in women attending a multidisciplinary vulvar clinic and to assess whether attendance was associated with improvement in quality of life and psychological symptoms. Two well-validated questionnaires, namely, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS), were completed by women attending a vulvar clinic at their first and a subsequent review visit. Twenty-three women aged between 19 and 77 years completed the study, and their scores were calculated and compared. At the initial visit, 15 (65%) of 23 women scored 6 or higher on the DLQI, indicating that their vulvar disease affected their quality of life to a moderate, very large, or extremely large degree. On review, 12 (52%) of 23 women scored 6 or higher, showing a significant improvement in DLQI between visits (p <.005). The HADS-A (anxiety) score at the initial visit was 8 or higher in 12 (52%) of 23 women, suggesting clinically significant psychological distress. The anxiety score did not statistically change at the review visit. HADS-D (depression) score was initially 8 or higher in 6 (26%) of 23 women but, similar to the anxiety scores, was not statistically different at review. Most women attending the vulvar clinic have a reduced quality of life. Attending a dedicated multidisciplinary clinic is associated with an improvement in quality of life, but anxiety and depression scores are unchanged. This study is limited by small numbers, and further larger studies are required.