Severe depression among Haiti's internally displaced populations: Prevalence and correlates in the context of gang violence.

<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Mental illness is the most common cause of disability and a major public health issue worldwide due to its increasing prevalence, the difficulty of therapeutic treatment and the possible progression of the disease.</p> <p><strong>Objectives:</strong> To determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the student population over a 5-year period and the connection between sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle habits of students and the occurrence of depressive symptoms.</p> <p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective study was conducted in the period 2018-2022 at the Institute for Health Protection of Students in Belgrade. Data was obtained by analyzing the questionnaire completed by student including the PHQ-9 questionnaire. The difference between students' socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle habits and the presence of depression was examined using the X2 test. Variables that were significant in the X2 test were included in a binary logistic regression. The data were analyzed with SPSS 20.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>34047 students participated, 17.53% of whom were identified as individuals with high risk for depression. In the study first graders showed more symptoms of depression than third graders. The students who showed symptoms of depression were typically female, lived with their parents, did not consume alcohol or smoke and exercised 2-3 times per week. In the logistical regression model, alcohol consumption was positively and significantly associated with the presence of depressive symptoms.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The preventive measures should focus on lower alcohol consumption and frequent physical activity. Regular systematic examinations and referral to a specialist for the individuals identified as high-risk for depression should be mandatory.</p>

The working population contributes significantly to the economic and social development of a country. Despite an increase in mental health concerns in the working population, research on the mental health of Bhutan's workforce is lacking. To evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and identify associated factors in the working population in Thimphu, Bhutan. A cross-sectional study was used to collect information from employees working in both the government and private sectors. The participants (aged 18-60 years) were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. A self-administered validated questionnaire was used to collect information. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). A total of 379 participants were recruited. The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms among the working population in Thimphu, Bhutan was 45.9%. Participants with primary school, high school, or a bachelor's degree or higher education had significantly lower odds of depressive symptoms than those with no education. Likewise, those in supervisory and operational roles had lower odds than executives. Lower odds of depressive symptoms were also found among those without kidney disease, those with a family history of severe mental illness, and those whose job needs were understood to a limited or great extent. In contrast, moderate-to-severe anxiety and high levels of depersonalization were strongly associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were highly prevalent among formal-sector workers in Thimphu, Bhutan, indicating a substantial burden of mental health concerns within this specific urban workforce. The findings suggest the need for targeted workplace mental health interventions, particularly those that address supervisory support and individual vulnerabilities related to health and psychosocial stressors. While this study contributes valuable insights, it reflects an urban, formal employment context, limiting its generalizability to Bhutan's broader or informal labor force. These findings highlight the critical need for incorporating mental health promotion into workplace policies, particularly within urban employment settings. Moreover, a national mental health policy should formally recognize the role of occupational settings in promoting psychological well-being and allocating resources accordingly.

The rising incidence of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) has presented a clinical challenge, as these patients can be refractory to traditional interventions. The aim of this study was to characterize clinical and demographic factors of endometriosis patients who were referred for the tilt table test. 297 endometriosis patients confirmed by laparoscopic biopsy and who completed a tilt table were identified via the electronic medical record (EMR). Descriptive statistics were performed and t-test comparisons represented between group differences. 26.2% of patients had a positive tilt table for POTS. Those with POTS were more likely to be younger ( p < 0.001), non-Hispanic ( p = 0.003), and be diagnosed with EDS ( p = 0.02). They were more likely to be prescribed cardiovascular agents and have an intrauterine device (IUD). There were no differences between groups for prevalence or severity of gastroparesis, depression, anxiety, or self-reported symptoms of autonomic dysfunction. Future study is warranted to determine the clinical significance of POTS in women with endometriosis.

Fatigue, depression, and impaired health-related quality of life in patients with vascular liver diseases: a multicentric European study☆.

Neurologists, as specialists in a high-stress field, which hold lots of mental and emotional stressors. The complexity of neurological conditions, the extended working hours, and the emotional burden of managing chronic or terminal patients contributes to a stressful work environment. Globally, studies have shown that healthcare professionals, particularly those in specialties of high demand like neurology, are at risk of depression and burnout. This study aims to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms among neurologists in Egypt. Help identify the risk factors that contribute to these depressive symptoms. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Egyptian neurologists working in both public and private healthcare institutions. Participants in the study completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess the severity of depressive symptoms. Data on demographics, job satisfaction, shift duration, workload and overall job satisfaction were also collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Out of 138 neurologists surveyed, nearly half (43.5%) reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Those with a prior diagnosis of depression were especially affected-more than 8 in 10 (82.4%, 95% CI 66.2%-91.7%) reported significant symptoms, compared to just over a third (37.5%, 95% CI 28.8%-47.1%) of those without a known history (p < 0.001). Higher depression scores were also linked to early career stage and longer working hours. Over half of the neurologists with less than three years of experience (53.1%) and those working more than 80h per week (56.3%) screened positive for moderate to severe depression. These findings highlight a high burden of depressive symptoms among Egyptian neurologists, particularly those early in their careers or with a prior history of depression, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and systemic workplace reforms.

On-road truckers face unique occupational stressors—long hours, irregular schedules, isolation, serious accident risk, and job insecurity—that can cumulatively increase vulnerability to depressive symptoms. While chronic stress is a well-documented risk factor for depression, the specific pathway through which occupational stress translates into depressive symptoms in this population remains underexplored. The purpose of a paper on the stress–depression pathway in on-road trucking is to explore the relationship between stress and depression in truck drivers, particularly in the context of their work environment. The paper aims to provide a conceptual model that explains how stressors related to trucking can lead to depression, and how understanding this relationship can inform interventions and support for truck drivers. The analysis of the conceptual model reveals that the influence of psychosocial stressors on fatigue and depressive symptoms in long-distance truck drivers (LDTD) contributes to depressive symptoms due to the body's inability to handle the stress effectively, leading to a cycle of negative mental health outcomes. In conclusion, the paper seeks to contribute to the body of knowledge in the field by offering insights into the psychological impact of trucking and by suggesting potential strategies to improve mental health among truck drivers. The paper concludes that understanding these interconnections is essential for developing effective strategies to support the mental health of long-distance truck drivers and reduce the prevalence of fatigue and depressive symptoms in this occupational group.

Depression in long-term care facilities (LTCF) is often influenced by physical health, social support, environmental conditions, and other related factors. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with depressive symptoms in LTCF in Lebanon. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 180 residents aged 65-97 years who were recruited through convenience sampling from 16 LTCF. Data were collected using standardized instruments, including the Nursing Home Short Depression Inventory (NH-SDI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI), Lebanese Insomnia Scale (LIS-18), Lebanese Anxiety Scale (LAS-10), and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 46.1%. Participants had a mean age of 77 ± 8 years; most were female (68.3%), and few were married (13.3%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that daily religious involvement was associated with a decreased risk of depressive symptoms (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-0.9, p = 0.04). In contrast, having multiple health conditions (> 2) (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.2-7.4, p = 0.02), a history of COVID-19 (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1-5.1, p = 0.02), frailty (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.1-9.0, p = 0.03), and anxiety symptoms (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.0-6.0, p = 0.04)were all associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms. In conclusion,depression is a multifactorial disorder that requires significant attention in residential care; elderly individuals with specific characteristics are at increased risk. Routine screening is advised to improve mental health outcomes and quality of life among elderly residents.

To determine the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among young people 7 years and 9 years after inclusion in the multicentre, prospective inception cohort (ICON) of newly diagnosed patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in Germany, and to identify factors associated with mental health problems at study inclusion and in the course of the disease. Patients and controls (healthy peers, eg, friends of the same age and sex) from the ICON cohort (both ≥13 years) were assessed for mental health using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 at 7-year and 9-year follow-ups. Demographic and clinical characteristics, treatments and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)) were documented at baseline and follow-up visits. Cross-sectional (analysis of variance or χ² tests at 7-year/9-year follow-up) and longitudinal analyses (generalised linear mixed models for PedsQL in follow-up from baseline) were conducted, respectively. A total of 344 patients (age 18.7±3.5 years, disease duration 9.2±1.8 years, 42% polyarthritis) and 224 controls (age 18.2±3.6 years) were evaluated. Moderate to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety were present in 13% and 10% of patients, respectively, compared with 7% and 2% of controls. Patients with moderate to severe psychological distress did not exhibit significantly higher physician-reported disease activity at inclusion and follow-up but reported worse patient-reported outcomes. These patients already showed reduced emotional functioning 3 months after diagnosis (p<0.001) and reported lower physical and emotional functioning (p<0.001) after the first year of specialised care compared with those without relevant mental health problems at long-term follow-up. Poor emotional functioning at the start of care for JIA may be an indicator of future mental health issues. Therefore, HRQoL should be routinely assessed at treatment initiation to identify at-risk patients early and provide targeted support.

Association between dietary fibre intake and depressive symptoms before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study examined the longitudinal associations between spousal caregiving dimensions (status, type, and transitions) and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults across North America, Europe, and East Asia to inform interventions and policies. We analyzed harmonized data from 5 international aging cohorts (HRS, ELSA, SHARE, KLOSA, and CHARLS; N = 53,728 observations) collected during 2010-2020. Spousal caregiving was assessed by status (caregiver/non-caregiver), type (ADL care, IADL care, or non-caregiver), and transitions (initiated care, sustained care, ended care, or remained non-caregiver). Generalized linear mixed models estimated associations between spousal caregiving and depressive symptoms while controlling for covariates. Spousal caregivers reported significantly higher prevalence of depressive symptoms than non-caregivers in 4 of 5 cohorts: ELSA (odds ratio [OR] = 1.49, 95% confidence intervals [95% CI]: 1.19-1.87), KLOSA (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.03-1.73), SHARE (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.15-1.44), and CHARLS (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.14-1.39). The pooled analysis yielded an OR of 1.25 (95% CI: 1.17-1.33). Compared to non-caregivers, depressive symptoms were higher for ADL caregivers (pooled OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.34-1.56). Both sustained care (pooled OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.12-1.42) and initiated care (pooled OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.12-1.36) showed significant associations with depressive symptoms compared to remaining non-caregivers. This cross-national examination indicates that spousal caregiving is widely associated with increased depressive symptoms. The consistent patterns across diverse cultural contexts underscore the need for targeted support services for spousal caregivers globally, particularly those providing intensive and prolonged care.

BackgroundA child’s hospitalisation may have long-term influences on parental mental health, which can affect child health.ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence of and examine factors associated with parents’ depression and anxiety symptoms over time.MethodsThis prospective cohort study in 14 countries measured parent mental health during their child’s hospitalisation, at discharge and 3 months postdischarge (2023–2024). We included parents ≥18 years staying at a Ronald McDonald House® during their child’s hospitalisation. Exposures were parent, family and child psychosocial and health factors and hospital experiences. Outcomes were parental depression and anxiety symptoms. We used mixed-effects logistic regression.Findings3350 parents, including 2594 (78.6%) mothers, 616 (18.1%) fathers and 131 (3.3%) other caregivers, participated during hospitalisation; 1751 (52%) at discharge, and 2395 (71%) postdischarge. Prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms was high during hospitalisation (49.7% and 69.0%, respectively) and decreased modestly at discharge (44.6% and 59.5%, respectively), and postdischarge (42.8% and 59.2%, respectively). Over time, probabilities of depression symptoms decreased among those with high, moderate and low levels of social support (50%, 27%, 5%, respectively), and self-care (29%, 27% and 22%, respectively). Probabilities of depression symptoms decreased among those with high or moderate perceived levels of family-centred care (high: 20% decrease; moderate: 11% decrease, compared with low). In contrast, probabilities of depression symptoms increased among those with high or moderate levels of unmet basic needs (high: 18% increase; moderate: 8% increase, compared with low) and poorer ratings of their child’s health (high: 68% increase; moderate: 32% increase, compared with low (healthier)). These trends were similar for anxiety symptoms.ConclusionsPrevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms is high among parents and only decreases modestly postdischarge.Clinical implicationsRoutine screening and ongoing services may lower the risk of prolonged parental mental health symptoms, but more research is needed.

The characteristics of depression and sleep status among elite Chinese badminton athletes.

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age. In addition to reproductive and metabolic abnormalities, PCOS is increasingly associated with various psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. Hormonal imbalance, infertility, obesity, and cosmetic manifestations like hirsutism and acne may contribute to psychological distress in affected women. Early identification of psychiatric co-morbidities is important for comprehensive management of PCOS. An outline of the prevalence and trend of psychiatric comorbidities amongst women with diagnosed PCOS, and to demonstrate the relationship between a clinical manifestation of PCOS and psychiatric disorders. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a single hospital and included 100 women diagnosed with PCOS who attended the gynaecology outpatient department. The diagnosis of PCOS was carried out using the Rotterdam criteria. Clinical assessment, including age, body mass index (BMI), menstrual history, and manifestations of hyperandrogenism, was described. The psychiatric evaluation was conducted via standardised screening techniques such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7). The SPSS software was used to analyse the data, and the p-value was set at 0.05 or lower. Results: In 100 women being examined, 79 percent ended up demonstrating at least a single co-morbidity of psychiatry. The most prevalent psychiatric disorder was depression, which was witnessed in 34 per cent of patients, and the second one was anxiety disorders, at 29 per cent; the remaining 16 per cent of patients exhibited mixed anxiety-depression symptoms. Clinical manifestation of PCOS like obesity, infertility, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularities had a significant association with psychiatric disorders (p &lt; 0.05). Women who were infertile and obese had a greater prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms than their counterparts. Conclusion: The article illustrates that psychiatric co-morbidities in women with PCOS are high, especially depression and anxiety disorders. Such clinical manifestations of infertility, obesity, and cosmetic considerations can be taken to be causes of great psychological distress. Mental health screening should also be incorporated into PCOS management, and it should be supported by a multidisciplinary intervention team comprising gynaecologists and mental health care providers to enhance overall patient outcomes. Keywords: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Psychiatric co-morbidity, Depression, Anxiety, Women's mental health, Reproductive endocrine disorders.

Intergenerational support, conflict, and postpartum depression trajectories among Chinese mothers: Family-based care and multilevel predictors.

Mental health in adults aged 50+ since the COVID-19 pandemic: Are we (all) back to 'normal'? evidence from England.

Conformity to traditional masculinity ideologies (TMIs)has consistently been linked to increased psychopathology. However, little is known about the association with formal psychiatric diagnoses. Cross-sectional data from a randomized controlled trial were analyzed. A total of 317 men (mean age = 31.8, SD = 7.2) completed an online questionnaire assessing conformity to TMIs and underwent the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5) in person. Participants had been pre-screened for depressive symptoms as part of the larger trial, resulting in a sample with an elevated prevalence of depressive symptoms. Inclusion criteria were male sex and gender, age between 25 and 50years, sufficient German-language skills, and no current or past psychopharmacological or psychological treatment. Overall, 200 participants (63.1%) met the criteria for at least one psychiatric diagnosis, in this pre-screened sample. Logistic regression analyses revealed that higher conformity to TMIs was associated with increased odds of receiving any psychiatric diagnosis (OR = 1.04, 95% CI [1.02, 1.05]), particularly depressive disorders (OR = 1.03, 95% CI [1.01, 1.04]) and substance-related and addictive disorders (OR = 1.03, 95% CI [1.01, 1.05]). No significant associations were found for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or anxiety disorders. Exploratory analyses suggested a significant association between conformity to TMIs and personality disorders, and an initially significant association with sleep-wake disorders that did not survive correction for multiple testing. Higher conformity to TMIs is associated with an increased risk of fulfilling the criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis, especially depressive and substance-related disorders. As such, the study highlights the clinical relevance of including TMIs in the assessment and treatment of men suffering from mental disorders.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT05435222 (Registered: 27.06.2022).

ABSTRACTObjectiveCandidates for metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) often exhibit a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms compared with the general population. Studies have shown improvements in depressive symptoms and a reduction in depression prevalence during the initial years following MBS. However, reports on the long‐term maintenance of these improvements are conflicting, and factors such as preoperative predictors and gender differences remain poorly understood.MethodsData were collected from 210 subjects pre‐MBS and at 1‐ and 5‐years post‐MBS. Health care providers measured Body Mass Index (BMI). All other data were collected via self‐report (questionnaires). Pre‐MBS factors assumed associated with depressive symptoms at 5 years included BMI, body dissatisfaction, appearance orientation, resilience, and outcome expectancies.ResultsThe sample comprised 77.6% women. Pre‐MBS there were no significant gender differences in depressive symptomatology or the likelihood of being depressed. At both one and 5 years post‐MBS, a higher proportion of men were categorized as probably depressed. From baseline to 5 years post‐MBS, depressive symptoms declined among women, whereas there was no change among men. Regardless of gender, preoperative depressive symptoms and resilience predicted postoperative depression. Among women, preoperative body dissatisfaction and expectations regarding weight change and appearance were initially associated with postoperative levels of depression.ConclusionsContrasting common findings, this study identified higher rates of post‐surgery depression in men than in women. Furthermore, the results indicate that post‐surgery depression may be bivariately associated with different factors depending on gender, although resilience predicted depressive symptoms irrespective of gender.

The mental health status of medical students regarding depressive symptoms suicidal ideation and mental stress has become the subject of increasing scientific research; however, in Germany, no nationwide surveys have so far been performed. The present study presents the results from the first nationwide survey on the mental health of medical students in Germany. The aim of this article is to present the general aspects on psychological and physical health as well as specific data regarding depressive symptoms of German medical students. The data were analyzed in asemester-based and gender-based comparison and possible risk or protective factors were evaluated. Applying an online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic of 8137 medical students from all German medical faculties and study semesters, we collected diverse sociodemographic variables as well as data on psychological and physical health status based on single item measures and questionnaires. Besides sociodemographic information this paper presents data on the physical and mental health status (using single item measures and the Beck Depression Inventory II, BDI-II) as well as correlating influencing factors. Group differences were measured by comparison of mean values and the multivariate dependencies between BDI-II scores and further covariates were analyzed. The survey was completed by 48.3% of the respondents. Of the respondents 13.8% stated that they were not physically healthy and 36.1% stated that they felt mentally unwell. Using the BDI-II questionnaire, at least mild depressive symptoms were identified in 51.1% of respondents in the first semester. Of the respondents 22% reported current suicidal thoughts. Potential risk and protective factors could be identified, which significantly correlated with the BDI-II scores. Among those risk factors were female gender, lower age, physical complaints, need of university support and the presence of amigration background. In contrast, social support, sports and social engagement seem to be potential protective factors. Our analyses showed that medical students have ahigher prevalence of depressive symptoms compared to the general population, whereby the survey during the pandemic hindered the direct comparison with pre-pandemic data. The possible risk and protective factors identified can serve as abasis for the development of preventive programs to improve the mental health of medical students.

This study aims to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of anxiety, depression and stress symptoms among doctors working in hospitals with COVID-19 treatment units in the Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka. Cross-sectional descriptive study. Hospitals with COVID-19 treatment units in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka. This study was conducted during the third wave of the pandemic in Sri Lanka in 2021. The study included all the doctors working in hospitals with COVID-19 treatment units in Anuradhapura. The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 was used to assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with anxiety, depression and stress symptoms. Doctors working in hospitals with COVID treatment units in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. None. Anxiety, depression and stress symptoms. Among the 385 participants, 52% (n=201) were male, with a mean age of 36.1 years (SD 7.2). The majority were married (76%, n=291). Nearly 50% had less than 5 years of work experience. Prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress was 38% (95% CI 32.8% to 42.7%), 34% (95% CI 30.1% to 39.8%) and 21% (95% CI 16.6% to 24.9%), respectively. Lack of professional fulfilment, excessive workload, lack of psychological support, being a junior staff member, inadequate guidance, lack of occupational safety equipment, working in a COVID unit, having young children, being quarantined during the pandemic and having a history of psychiatric illness were associated with anxiety, depression and stress symptoms. This study revealed that nearly half of doctors working in hospitals with COVID-19 treatment units experienced symptoms of anxiety, depression or stress, which may have a negative impact on healthcare service delivery, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.