Depressive Symptomatology Research Articles

Lipid parameters and depression in patients with chronic tinnitus: A cross-sectional observation

BackgroundPathophysiological theories assume importance of metabolic abnormalities in patients with major depression - and possibly chronic tinnitus. Although chronic tinnitus frequently correlates with depression, links between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and depression are uninvestigated. MethodsTwo-hundred patients with chronic tinnitus (Mage = 55; 51% female) were examined. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), HDL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), non-HDL, as well as LDL/HDL and TC/HDL ratios were analysed. Questionnaires included depression subscales of the ICD-10 Symptom Rating, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS_D), and the Berlin Mood Questionnaire (BSF). Multivariate analyses of covariance and linear regression models - which controlled age, tinnitus-related distress and perceived stress - investigated between-subgroup differences (p < 0.05) and linear associations between HDL indices and depression (p < 0.01). ResultsHDL levels did not differ for tinnitus-symptom durations, smoking and alcohol use levels, statin or antihypertensive drug use, and body-mass indices. Relative to non-to-mildly depressed patients with chronic tinnitus, patients with moderate-to-severe depression (n = 45; 23%) had significantly lower HDL levels (d = −0.35) and higher LDL/HDL (d = 0.39) and TC/HDL ratios (d = 0.40). Across participants, HDL-levels were negatively associated with depression as measured by the HADS_D and BSF_indifference scales. ConclusionsIn keeping with general depression research, low serum HDL levels correlate with depressive symptomatology in patients with chronic tinnitus. This association may be influenced by proximal (e.g. modulations of HPA-axis activity) or distal factors (e.g. maladaptive coping behaviours) – both of which should be conceptualized within psychological stimulus-processing frameworks.

The Role of Subgenual Resting-State Connectivity Networks in Predicting Prognosis in Major Depressive Disorder

BackgroundA seminal study found higher subgenual frontal cortex resting-state connectivity with 2 left ventral frontal regions and the dorsal midbrain to predict better response to psychotherapy versus medication in individuals with treatment-naïve major depressive disorder (MDD). Here, we examined whether these subgenual networks also play a role in the pathophysiology of clinical outcomes in MDD with early treatment resistance in primary care. MethodsForty-five people with current MDD who had not responded to ≥2 serotonergic antidepressants (n = 43, meeting predefined functional magnetic resonance imaging minimum quality thresholds) were enrolled and followed over 4 months of standard care. Functional magnetic resonance imaging resting-state connectivity between the preregistered subgenual frontal cortex seed and 3 previously identified left ventromedial, ventrolateral prefrontal/insula, and dorsal midbrain regions was extracted. The clinical outcome was the percentage change on the self-reported 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology. ResultsWe observed a reversal of our preregistered hypothesis in that higher resting-state connectivity between the subgenual cortex and the a priori ventrolateral prefrontal/insula region predicted favorable rather than unfavorable clinical outcomes (rs39 = −0.43, p = .006). This generalized to the sample including participants with suboptimal functional magnetic resonance imaging quality (rs43 = −0.35, p = .02). In contrast, no effects (rs39 = 0.12, rs39 = −0.01) were found for connectivity with the other 2 preregistered regions or in a whole-brain analysis (voxel-based familywise error–corrected p < .05). ConclusionsSubgenual connectivity with the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex/insula is relevant for subsequent clinical outcomes in current MDD with early treatment resistance. Its positive association with favorable outcomes could be explained primarily by psychosocial rather than the expected pharmacological changes during the follow-up period.

Effects of physical activity on levels of anxiety, depression, and stress during the social isolation caused by COVID-19

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a new strain within the coronavirus family, which manifests itself in a varied and aggressive manner. The scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic has favored episodes of stress generated by prolonged isolation. Adherence to the practice of physical activity promotes beneficial effects on mental disorders, proving effective in this critical moment. The study's objective was to verify the effects of physical activity on levels of anxiety, stress, and depression during the period of social isolation. It is a cross-sectional study that identified the symptomatology of anxiety, stress, and depression, using the DASS-21. A total of 551 participants responded to the questionnaire online. The results showed that participants who did not engage in exercise before COVID-19 (n = 182) had higher levels of depression (p = .005), while those who engaged in physical activity (n = 323) showed lower indicators of anxiety (p = .010), stress (p = .021), and depression (p = .001). The study revealed that the frequent and continued practice of physical activity minimizes symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression caused by the prolonged period of social isolation, favoring mental health benefits.

Drinking behavior patterns may be associated with persistent depressive symptoms after alcohol abstinence in alcohol use disorder.

This study examined the association between drinking behavior patterns and depressive symptoms after alcohol abstinence in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). We recruited 102 AUD inpatients with baseline depressive symptoms, indicated by scores ≥6 on the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report Japanese Version (QIDS-SR-J) pre-detoxification. Post-4-week abstinence, remission was defined as QIDS-SR-J scores <6. Patients were classified into remitted (n = 51) and persistent (n = 51) groups. Comparative analyses were conducted using patient profiles and the Drinking Behavior Pattern 20-item Questionnaire (DBP-20). Logistic regression identified factors related to post-abstinence persistent depression. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined DBP-20 cutoff scores differentiating between persistent and remitted depression. The persistent group exhibited higher scores in the DBP-20 "coping with negative affect" subscale. Logistic regression showed low education, unemployment, and using alcohol for coping as significant factors for persistent depression. Conversely, an automatic drinking pattern indicated natural remission post-abstinence. A subscale score of ≥8 in alcohol use for coping, especially among unemployed patients, predicted persistent depression (sensitivity 86.8%, positive predictive value 73.3%). Unemployed patients with AUD using alcohol to cope with negative affect may experience residual depression even after detoxification. In contrast, patients with AUD with predominantly automatic drinking behavior may exhibit natural remission post-abstinence.

Effect of Acute Ketamine Treatment on Sympathetic Regulation Indexed by Electrodermal Activity in Adolescent Major Depression.

Ketamine is a potential rapid-onset antidepressant characterized by sympathomimetic effects. However, the question of ketamine's use in treating adolescents' major depressive disorder (MDD) is still discussed. Thus, we aimed to study the acute effect of ketamine infusion treatment on sympathetic regulation using electrodermal activity (EDA) in addition to an assessment of depressive symptomatology in MDD adolescents. Twenty hospitalized adolescent girls with MDD (average age: 15.0 ± 1.46 yrs.) were examined before and two hours after a single intravenous infusion of ketamine. EDA was continuously recorded for 6 min, and depressive symptoms were assessed before and two hours after ketamine administration. The evaluated parameters included skin conductance level (SCL), nonspecific electrodermal responses (NS-SCRs), MADRS (questions no. 1-10, total score), and CDI (items A-E, total score). EDA parameters showed no significant changes after the ketamine treatment, and depressive symptoms were significantly reduced after the ketamine infusion. The analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between index SCL and CDI-A, CDI-E, and the total CDI score and between index NS-SCRs and MADRS no. 4 before the ketamine treatment. In conclusion, ketamine improved depressive symptomatology without a significant effect on EDA, indicating its potential safety and efficiency as an acute antidepressant intervention in adolescent MDD.

Same sleep disorder but different sleep patterns: individual differences in sleep health and depressive symptomatology in veterans with obstructive sleep apnea.

Poor sleep health, a composite measure of key sleep characteristics, may relate to increased depressive symptoms among individuals treated for obstructive sleep apnea. The current investigation examined the association between sleep health and depressive symptomatology. In a pilot sample of 13 symptomatic OSA military Veterans with adequate CPAP adherence (mean age = 54.8, 76.9% male, 100% White), empirically validated cutoffs were applied to actigraphy-derived sleep variables: duration, efficiency, timing, and regularity. Participants with zero optimal sleep scores had significantly higher depressive scores (M = 19.0, SD = 3.0) than participants with 1 or 2 (M = 9.8. SD = 4.3, p = .016) and 3 or more optimal sleep scores (M = 11.3, SD = 4.9, p = .038). These preliminary findings suggest that better sleep health was associated with lower depressive symptomatology. Future work should replicate these preliminary findings in a larger sample.

Compassion training influences heart-rate variability within severe depression

BackgroundHeart-rate variability (HRV) is a marker of parasympathetic nervous system activity, and is a robust predictor of improved mental and physical health. Current psychotherapeutic interventions are effective at reducing self-report depressive symptoms, but few have improved HRV within a sample of severe depressive symptomatology. MethodThis study explores the impact of a brief Compassion Focused Therapy exercise (CFT) on HRV response. ResultsResults indicate that a brief CFT exercise can successfully target depressive physiology via increasing HRV, at two distinct timepoints, pre- and post- a two-week self-directed training period, even when controlling for respiration. Specifically, we first show that CFT can significantly increase HRV. Second, we show that CFT exercise can increase a subset of participants’ HRV level above a clinical cut-off value of low resting-HRV. Third, we describe how participant engagement with the CFT audio during the two-week training was very low, with 50% of individuals not accessing the audio during this period. Finally, during the CFT practice at post-two-week training, HRV was shown to decrease across time, potentially indicating a greater participant engagement in the ‘threat’ component of the exercise. LimitationsAlmost 50% of the sample did not listen to the CFT exercise during the two-week training period, a feature that has implications for self-directed delivery of experimental and treatment interventions. ConclusionsCFT can significantly improve HRV for those with severely depressed symptoms at the state-level, and future work should continue to examine CFT's effectiveness for those with depression.

The effects of intranasal oxytocin on the efficacy of psychotherapy for major depressive disorder: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Although both pharmacotherapy and psychological treatments are considered to be efficacious in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), one third of patients do not respond to treatment and many experience residual symptoms post-treatment. In this double-blind placebo-controlled randomized control trial (RCT), we assessed whether intranasal oxytocin (OT) augments the therapeutic efficacy of psychotherapy for MDD and improves the therapeutic alliance. Twenty-three volunteers (12 female) with MDD underwent 16 sessions of interpersonal therapy. Prior to each session, volunteers self-administered 24 International Units of intranasal OT (n = 12; Syntocinon) or placebo (n = 11). Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology at pre- and post-treatment, and at a six month follow-up. Multilevel modeling found a significant effect of OT on the negative slope of depressive symptoms over time (p < 0.05), with medium-large effect sizes at post-treatment (Cohen's d = 0.75) and follow-up (Cohen's d = 0.82). Drug intervention also predicted the intercept when examining the weekly ratings of the therapeutic alliance (p < 0.05), such that volunteers receiving OT, relative to placebo, reported improved therapeutic alliance at session 1. The agreement of goals between therapists and participants, a facet of the therapeutic alliance, mediated the relationship between drug intervention and clinical outcome. In this pilot study, the administration of intranasal OT, relative to placebo, improved the therapeutic alliance at the beginning of therapy and therapeutic efficacy of psychotherapy in persons with MDD. Future RCTs should attempt to replicate these findings in larger samples with different therapeutic modalities (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02405715).

Sex differences in the association between peripheral inflammation and melancholia symptoms

Melancholia represents a particular subtype of depressive symptomatology. Unlike Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Melancholia has not been conclusively associated with peripheral inflammation, although there may be some methodological reasons confounding that finding. To overcome some of those methodological limitations, the correlation between one index of peripheral inflammation (C-Reactive Protein: CRP) and Melancholia was investigated in a community sample of 40 male and 51 female participants (aged 18–75 years) who provided a blood sample and self-report data on an established measure of Melancholia (MEL). Results indicated that females had significantly higher concentrations of CRP than males, and that there were different patterns of association between the MEL items and CRP for males and females. Although the predominant differences were for the MEL symptoms of cognitive confusion (females only) and feelings of low self-worth (males only), each sex had distinct networks of associations between CRP and the eight MEL items used here. These findings may provide some explanation of the lack of clear results regarding the CRP-Melancholia link in the previous literature, and also argue for development of clinical assessment and treatment approaches that differ for males and females.

IPVAW male perpetrators convicted in Spain: a typology and characterization based on latent class analysis.

Men who assault their partners present deficits in the social skills necessary for adequate interpersonal interaction. Not all of them have the same difficulties, thus they do not constitute a homogeneous group. Various studies have proposed different typologies of abusers based on their sociodemographic characteristics, criminal history, intensity and extent of violent or psychopathological traits. The majority of these investigations have been conducted in community samples, prompting the question of their validity in samples of men convicted of gender violence. The aim of this study was to establish a typology of men convicted in Spain for a gender violences crimes. A total of 365 men participated and were subdivided into three classes of abusers based on their childhood, family experiences with violence, criminal history, sexist attitudes and attitudes toward violence, intensity and type of violence, psychopathological state and attachment style. Coinciding with the results found in other research, 30% of the participants were classified as generally violent. They engaged in severe forms of physical, psychological and sexual violence and were more likely to do so than the rest. Additionally, they are more likely to present psychopathological problems and an antisocial character. Twenty-one percent were classified as dysphoric/borderline. They are characterized by minor forms of psychological violence, borderline or depressive symptomatology and an anxious attachment style. The remaining 49% were classified as familial or normalized abusers. This group exhibits moderate attitudes toward violence and sexism, resulting in less psychological and physical aggression. They do not present psychopathological problems and are likely to present a secure attachment style. It is argued that determining the psychological characteristics of each type of abuser would contribute to improving and adapting intervention protocols in Spain, leading to a significant improvement in the current issue of abuse.

Changes in depression symptom profile with gender-affirming hormone use in transgender persons

BackgroundWomen show higher prevalence of depression and different symptomatology than men, possibly influenced by sex hormones. Many transgender persons, who face a high risk of depression, use Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT), but the impact of GAHT on depressive symptom profiles is unknown. MethodsThis study examined depressive symptoms in transgender persons before GAHT and after 3- and 12 months of GAHT. We used the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self Report to assess depressive symptoms, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to assess symptom clusters, and linear mixed models to assess changes in symptom clusters. ResultsThis study included 110 transmasculine (TM) and 89 transfeminine (TF) participants. EFA revealed four symptom clusters: mood, anxiety, lethargy, and somatic symptoms. Changes in total depressive symptoms significantly differed between TM and TF groups. After 3 months of GAHT, TM participants reported improvement in lethargy (−16 %; 95%CI: −29 %; −2 %), and after 12 months TF participants reported worsening in low mood (24 %; 95%CI: 3 %; 51 %), but absolute score changes were modest. Neither group showed changes in anxiety or somatic symptoms. LimitationsThis study had limited sample sizes at 12 months follow-up and did not include relevant biological or psychosocial covariates. DiscussionChanges in depressive symptoms after GAHT use differ in TM and TF persons: TM persons report slight improvements in lethargy, whereas TF persons report a slight increase in low mood. Starting GAHT represents a significant life event with profound social and physical effects, and further research should assess social and biological effects of GAHT on mood-related symptoms.

Cost-Utility of Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy (ABCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in the Management of Depressive, Anxious, and Adjustment Disorders in Mental Health Settings: Economic Evaluation Alongside a Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesThe main objective of this paper was to examine the cost-utility of attachment-based compassion therapy (ABCT) compared to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and treatment-as-usual (TAU) on patients with depressive and/or anxious disorder, or adjustment disorder with depressive and/or anxious symptomatology in terms of effects on quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as well as healthcare costs from a public healthcare system perspective.MethodA 6-month randomized controlled trial was conducted. Ninety Spanish patients with mental disorders (depressive, anxious, or adjustment disorders) received 8 weekly group sessions of TAU + ABCT, TAU + MBSR, or TAU alone. Data collection took place at pre- and 6-month follow-up. Cost-utility of the two treatment groups (ABCT vs MBSR vs TAU) was compared by examining treatment outcomes in terms of QALYs (obtained with the EQ-5D-3L) and healthcare costs (data about service use obtained with the Client Service Receipt Inventory).ResultsBoth MBSR and ABCT were more efficient than TAU alone, although the results did not reach statistical significance. Compared to ABCT, MBSR produced an increase both in terms of costs (€53.69, 95% CI [− 571.27 to 513.14]) and effects (0.004 QALYs, 95% CI [− 0.031 to 0.049]); ICUR = €13,422.50/QALY). Both interventions significantly reduced the number of visits to general practice compared to TAU.ConclusionsThis study has contributed to the evidence base of mindfulness- and compassion-based programs and provided promising information about the cost-utility of MBSR for patients with emotional disorders. However, the small sample size and short follow-up period limit the generalizability of the findings.PreregistrationClinicaltrials.gov; NCT03425487.

Suicide ideation and male-female differences in major depressive disorder

Objective This study aimed to explore male-female differences in suicide ideation (SI) and suicide risk factors in major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods We analysed 482 adults (sample 1) and 438 elderly outpatients (sample 2) with MDD. Sample 1 was treated with different antidepressant combinations (escitalopram; bupropion plus escitalopram; venlafaxine plus mirtazapine) and assessed by means of the Concise Health Risk Tracking (SI), Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, Altman Mania Rating Scale and Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire. Sample 2 was treated with venlafaxine and assessed using the Hamilton scale for depression, Anxiety Sensitivity Index and Penn State Worry Questionnaire for anxiety, Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation and Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. Results In sample 1, females had greater depression severity (O.R 0.961 99%CI: 0.929 − 0.995), males reported more alcohol abuse (O.R 1.299 99%CI: 1.118 − 1.509) and active SI (O.R 1.109 99%CI: 1.005 − 1.255). In sample 2 men showed more severe SI (O.R 1.067; 99%CI: 1.014 − 1.122) and weight loss (OR = 5.89 99%CI: 1.01 − 34.19), women more gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusions In these selected samples, although women had more severe depression, men had more suicide risk factors. Such differences might contribute to men’s increased suicide risk.

Adjunctive Brexpiprazole for Patient Life Engagement in Major Depressive Disorder: A Canadian, Phase 4, Open-Label, Interventional Study: Brexpiprazole d'appoint pour l'engagement dans la vie des patients souffrant de trouble dépressif majeur: une étude interventionnelle canadienne ouverte de phase 4.

To characterize the effects of adjunctive brexpiprazole on patient life engagement and depressive symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) using patient-reported outcomes. An 8-week, Phase 4, open-label, interventional study was conducted at 15 Canadian trial sites between April 2021 and May 2022. Adult outpatients with MDD (at least moderately severe) and inadequate response to 1-2 antidepressants continued their current antidepressant and received oral adjunctive brexpiprazole 0.5-2 mg/day. Co-primary endpoints were change from baseline to Week 8 in Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report (IDS-SR) 10-item Life Engagement subscale score, and IDS-SR 30-item total score. Safety was assessed by standard variables. Of 122 enrolled patients, 120 (98.4%) were treated (mean [SD] dose: 1.2 [0.4] mg/day) and analyzed, and 111 (91.0%) completed the study. Statistically significant least squares mean improvements to Week 8 were observed on IDS-SR10 Life Engagement subscale score (baseline mean [SD]: 16.1 [4.7]; change [95% confidence interval]: -8.11 [-9.34, -6.88]; p < 0.001) and IDS-SR total score (baseline mean [SD]: 41.3 [9.8]; change [95% confidence interval]: -17.38 [-20.08, -14.68]; p < 0.001). Improvements were observed from Week 2, onwards. Treatment-emergent adverse events with incidence ≥5% were fatigue (n = 13, 10.8%), headache (n = 13, 10.8%), insomnia (n = 12, 10.0%), nausea (n = 9, 7.5%), tremor (n = 8, 6.7%), and weight increase (n = 7, 5.8%). Six patients (5.0%) discontinued due to adverse events. Mean (SD) change in body weight from baseline to last visit was +1.9 (3.4) kg. Using an exploratory patient-reported outcome measure, patients with MDD and inadequate response to antidepressants who received open-label adjunctive brexpiprazole showed early and clinically meaningful improvement in patient life engagement, which should be further assessed in a prospective randomized controlled trial. Patient-rated depressive symptoms (on the validated 30-item IDS-SR) also improved. Adjunctive brexpiprazole was well tolerated, and no new safety signals were observed. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04830215.

Patient Perceptions of Microbiome-Based Therapies as Novel Treatments for Mood Disorders: A Mixed Methods Study: Perceptions des patients sur les thérapies basées sur le microbiome pour les troubles de l'humeur : une étude à méthodes mixtes.

Medications are critical for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). Unfortunately, 30% to 40% of individuals do not respond well to current pharmacotherapy. Given the compelling growing body of research on the gut-brain axis, this study aims to assess patient perspectives regarding microbiome-based therapies (MBT) such as probiotics, prebiotics, dietary changes, or fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in the management of MDD and BD. This single-centred observational study used quantitative and qualitative assessments to examine patient perceptions of MBT. Participants diagnosed with MDD or BD completed an anonymous questionnaire obtaining demographics, prior medication history, and symptom burden. Self-assessment questionnaires specific to each diagnosis were also used: Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report (QIDS-SR), Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM), and General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7). A logistic regression model analysed the association of MBT acceptance with disorder type, QIDS-SR, and GAD-7 scores. A bootstrap method assessed the proportion of MBT acceptance. The qualitative assessment consisted of 30-minute interviews to elicit perceptions and attitudes towards MBT. The qualitative assessment achieved information power with n = 20. Results from the 63-item MBT questionnaire (n = 43) showed probiotics (37.2%) as the top choice, followed by FMT (32.6%), dietary change (25.6%), and prebiotics (4.6%). A majority of participants (72.1%) expressed willingness to try MBT for their mood disorder, however, logistic regression analysis did not identify statistically significant predictors for MBT acceptance among disorder type, QIDS-SR, and GAD-7. There is an increased focus on the gut microbiota's role in mood disorders' etiology and treatment. Promising research and patient interest underscore the necessity for exploring and educating on patient perspectives and the factors influencing attitudes towards MBT.

The Role of Lurasidone in Managing Depressive Symptoms in People with Schizophrenia: A Review.

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by positive, negative, affective, and cognitive symptoms. Affective symptoms in patients with schizophrenia have traditionally been overlooked or even neglected because they are not considered as fundamental as positive and negative symptoms in the choice of medication. This paper aims to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of lurasidone in the treatment of depressive symptoms of schizophrenia. Lurasidone appears to be particularly effective on the depressive symptomatology of schizophrenia while also alleviating the positive and negative symptoms associated with the illness. The efficacy of lurasidone in treating patients with first-episode psychosis who present with predominant depressive symptoms suggests that this medication may be a valuable treatment option not only for established cases of schizophrenia but also for individuals in the early stages of the illness. The good tolerability of lurasidone is an important factor that may positively influence treatment decisions.

Grip strength buffers the harmful association between multimorbidity and depression among middle-aged and older adults

BackgroundGrip strength (GS) is associated to both multimorbidity and depression, however its possible moderating effect is unknown. This study aimed to investigate GS moderating effect on the association between multimorbidity and depression. MethodsData from SHARE wave 8 was used. Participant were 41457 middle-aged and older adults (17954 men) from 18 European countries. A regression analysis was conducted for the moderating effect of sex- and age-specific GS quartiles (W) on the association between number of chronic diseases (X1) or multimorbidity (X2) and depression symptoms (Y). ResultsMore chronic diseases were associated with greater depressive symptomatology (men: B = 0.39, 95 % CI: 0.35, 0.42; women: B = 0.42, 95 % CI: 0.39, 0.45). On the other hand, being in a higher GS quartile was associated with fewer depression symptoms, and this association was stronger the higher the quartile was. Having a higher GS represented a decrease in depression symptoms associated with multimorbidity for men (quartile 1: B = 0.85, 95 % CI = 0.74, 0.95 vs. quartile 4: B = 0.49, 95 % CI = 0.38, 0.61) and women (quartile 1: B = 1.08, 95 %CI = 0.97, 1.19 vs. quartile 4: B = 0.59, 95 %CI: 0.47, 0.70). ConclusionsStrategies aiming to reduce the impact of multimorbidity on mental health should promote muscle-strengthening physical activity among middle-aged and older adults.

Young Mothers and Dating Violence: An Examination of Depressive Symptomatology and Interpersonal Competency

Abstract Purpose Young mothers are an understudied group at high risk for dating violence (DV) victimization and perpetration. Prior research has investigated depressive symptomatology as a predictor of DV in female adolescents and young women; however, minimal research focuses on young mothers, and the specific mechanisms influencing the relationship between depressive symptomatology and DV for young mothers remain elusive. Interpersonal competency is one potential mechanism given its role in creating healthy foundations for romantic relationships. The present study examined interpersonal competency as a potential mechanism linking depressive symptomatology and DV victimization and perpetration in a sample of young mothers. We hypothesized young mothers with elevated depressive symptomatology would report higher rates of DV victimization and perpetration, and that these associations would be mediated by interpersonal competence. Methods Young mothers ages 18–21 in the United States (n = 238) completed questionnaires pertaining to our primary variables of interest via an online, cross-sectional survey. We conducted a mediation analysis to examine the average causal mediation and average direct effects. Results DV experiences were related to depressive symptomatology and interpersonal competency. Interpersonal competency was not a mediator; however, direct effects were present between depressive symptomatology and DV victimization and perpetration. Conclusions Our results suggest that prevention interventions should target depressive symptomatology (i.e., hopelessness, feeling easily bothered, social isolation) and interpersonal competency (i.e., initiation, disclosure, emotional support) to reduce young mothers’ DV experiences.

Robot therapy aids mental health in patients with hematological malignancy during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a protective isolation unit

Patients with hematological malignancy experience physical and psychological pain, such as a sense of isolation and confinement due to intensive chemotherapy in a protective isolation unit (PIU). We examined whether the intervention of a robotic puppy, aibo (manufactured by Sony), could improve patients' mental health as an alternative therapy for pet therapy, which is not feasible in PIU. This study included 21 patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) (n = 16) or autologous HSCT (n = 5). The patients were randomly divided into the aibo and control groups. Psychological effects were regularly assessed by measuring the levels of salivary stress hormone chromogranin A (CgA), serum oxytocin, and serum cortisol and the quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report (QIDS-SR) scores. The aibo group demonstrated a significant decrease in CgA level, while the control group showed the opposite trend. In addition, changes in serum oxytocin and cortisol levels indicated that aibo helped reduce stress. There was no significant difference in the QIDS-SR scores between the two groups; however, the psychomotor activity in the aibo group improved significantly. These findings suggest that aibo intervention during a stay in a PIU can improve the mental health of patients with hematological malignancies who have undergone HSCT.

He Who Seeks Finds (Bodily Signals): German Validation of the Interoceptive Attention Scale (IATS) and its Relationship with Subclinical Psychopathology

Alterations in interoception have been linked to psychopathology. Recent findings suggest that both the attention to and the accuracy of, interoceptive perceptions may be oppositely related to subclinical symptomatology. Thus, providing well-validated tools that tap into these interoceptive processes is crucial for understanding the relation between interoceptive processing and subclinical psychopathology. In the current study (N = 642), we aimed to (1) validate the German version of the Interoceptive Attention Scale (IATS; Gabriele et al., 2022), and (2) test the differential association of self-reported interoceptive attention and accuracy with subclinical symptomatology, including alexithymia, depressive, and anxious symptomatology. We observed that a one-factor solution is a well-fitting model for the IATS. Further, the IATS showed good internal consistency, convergent, and divergent validity, but poor test-retest reliability. Self-reported interoceptive attention and accuracy were unrelated to each other. However, IATS scores were positively related to all measures of psychopathology (except depressive symptomatology), whereas self-reported interoceptive accuracy scores showed negative or nonsignificant relations with these. Our data suggest that the IATS is a good instrument to measure self-report interoceptive attention in the German population. Further, we highlight the need to distinguish between constructs of interoception to better understand the relation between interoception and psychopathology.