Discussion Of Depression Research Articles

“Inbox me, please”: Analysing comments on anonymous Facebook posts about depression and suicide

This study explored Facebook posts for receptive disclosure and discussion of depression and suicidality among contributors. We utilised an existing data set of Facebook commentary from 445 comments made on 156 anonymous Facebook posts. A Chi-square analysis revealed that Facebook commenters provided positive support to those sharing their experiences of depression and suicide ideation. Only a small percentage of the responses (< 3%) were negative reactions. Our findings suggest that anonymous-to-visible social media communications may provide some form of social support, which could support e-psychology interventions.

Predictive Modeling of Physician-Patient Dynamics That Influence Sleep Medication Prescriptions and Clinical Decision-Making

Insomnia remains under-diagnosed and poorly treated despite its high economic and social costs. Though previous work has examined how patient characteristics affect sleep medication prescriptions, the role of physician characteristics that influence this clinical decision remains unclear. We sought to understand patient and physician factors that influence sleep medication prescribing patterns by analyzing Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) including the narrative clinical notes as well as codified data. Zolpidem and trazodone were the most widely prescribed initial sleep medication in a cohort of 1,105 patients. Some providers showed a historical preference for one medication, which was highly predictive of their future prescribing behavior. Using a predictive model (AUC = 0.77), physician preference largely determined which medication a patient received (OR = 3.13; p = 3 × 10−37). In addition to the dominant effect of empirically determined physician preference, discussion of depression in a patient’s note was found to have a statistically significant association with receiving a prescription for trazodone (OR = 1.38, p = 0.04). EMR data can yield insights into physician prescribing behavior based on real-world physician-patient interactions.

Missed Opportunities for Postpartum Behavioral and Psychosocial Health Care and Acceptability of Screening Options

ObjectiveTo examine occurrence of health care provider discussion of postpartum women's behavioral and psychosocial health, acceptability of screening, and access to a provider with whom to comfortably discuss sensitive topics. DesignMail survey during the first postpartum year. SettingCommunity dwelling. ParticipantsPostpartum women (N = 168) from diverse backgrounds. MethodsUsing vital records, we drew a random sample that was stratified on race/ethnicity and income from a Southwestern U.S. community. Potential participants were mailed a questionnaire about health care and screening in the areas of depression, diet, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use during the postpartum period. ResultsWomen reported that discussion of depression most often occurred (51%) during health care encounters, and discussion of weight least often occurred (14%). More than 94% of women indicated they would “welcome” or “not mind” screenings for depression, diet, physical activity, alcohol use, or smoking at health care visits. More than 90% welcomed screening during their infants' pediatric health care visits. Most (86%) reported that screening on an electronic device at their health care visits was acceptable. Most (84%) were interested in completing a screening at home on a Web site. Also, 58% of women without health insurance compared with 24% of those with insurance indicated that they lacked a health professional with whom they could comfortably discuss sensitive topics such as depression. ConclusionWide gaps exist in postpartum behavioral and psychosocial health care. Most women find a variety of screening settings and methods acceptable.

To See and Not to See: The Consequences of a Strengths-Based Perspective A Commentary on Victoria Fitton's Case Study

I am pleased to respond to the paper “A case study: A discussion of depression, ambivalence, attachment, and culture portrayed in the therapeutic environment” for two reasons. As we are drawn into ...

A Case Study: A Discussion of Depression, Ambivalence, Attachment, and Culture Portrayed in the Therapeutic Environment

ABSTRACT This paper uses object relations theory to conceptualize and manage the complexities of a home-based case that was followed for a period of six months. It discusses maternal depression in relation to the caregiver role, self-harm, and self-determination. The client's ambivalence issues are addressed, with particular emphasis on transference and countertransference issues in the relationship and the use of transitional space and objects. Also discussed is the effect of maternal depression and ambivalence on mother-infant attachment, with the introduction of interaction-guidance as a treatment modality. An examination of cultural differences and the concomitant ethical implications that arose in the treatment process is provided. Finally, therapeutic implications and reflexivity are addressed.

The lived experience of depression in elderly African American women.

This article focuses on the lived experience of depression in 20 elderly African American women. Data on depression emerged from research that qualitatively explored experiences of depression, sadness, and suffering in 120 community-dwelling persons aged 80 and older, stratified by gender, ethnicity, and self-reported health. We placed women's narratives under three general themes: Depression was (a) linked with diminishment of personal strength, (b) related to sadness and suffering, and (c) preventable or resolvable through personal responsibility. Brief accounts illustrate how themes emerged in women's discussion of depression. African American women created a language for depression that was rooted in their personal and cultural history and presented in vivid vignettes through their life stories. Their belief systems and the language they used to describe depression are integral aspects of the lived experience of depression.

Examining Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs About Depression Among Latino Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

The purpose of this study was to explore knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about depression among Latinos with type 2 diabetes. Eight 90-minute focus groups were conducted, each moderated by a bilingual, bicultural woman. Participants included 45 self-identified Latino adults with diabetes. Discussion topics included diabetes management, perceived control, emotional barriers, conceptualization of depression, and help-seeking behavior. Themes pertinent to depression and emotional health were identified using a combined deductive/inductive approach and an iterative process of consensus coding. Participants' mean age was 40 years, 44% were male, and most were born in Mexico. The mean time with diabetes was 6.5 years. The primary theme identified was the bidirectional relationship between emotional health and diabetes. Diagnosis of diabetes led to feelings of hopelessness and upset, while difficulty with diabetes management led to feelings of anxiety and depression. Participants felt that being "stressed out" or sad directly affected their blood sugar. Participants described factors that influence the relationship between emotions and diabetes, including family and societal stressors, and they reported little discussion of depression with providers. Depression and emotional health are closely associated with diabetes in the minds of these Latino adults. It is important to ask patients with diabetes about their emotional health, to screen for depression, and to elicit preferences about treatment when indicated.

The Truth about Depression: Choices for Healing

CHARLES L. WHITFIELD, M.D.: The Truth about Depression: Choices for Healing. Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications, Inc, 2003, 324 pp., $12.95, ISBN 0-7573-0037-5. Charles Whitfield, MD, whose major medical specialty is substance abuse, has written a book geared for potential patients about treatment approaches to depression. His book can be reviewed on two levels; first, in terms of its utility to patients, and second, as a scientific discussion of depression and its causes. From the latter point of view, Whitfield presents over 800 references, the biggest group relating to child abuse and its effect on adult disorders. The author's major thesis is that child abuse is a severe problem and often leads to major mental illness including depression. This point is made over and over again through references. One must agree that the author has made his point: child abuse is bad, and the degree of its prevalence is probably under-recognized. Of course, this doesn't prove that all depression is caused by child abuse, or that it is the only or major factor for depression in a single individual-a point he concedes in his flow chart of the treatment of depression if no trauma is found. He provides up-to-date information on brain studies of depressed and traumatized individuals which is fairly accurate. He takes on several issues including the effectiveness of antidepressants and the toxicity of ETC. Admittedly, pharmaceutical companies have pushed SSRI's and other newer antidepressants, but it doesn't mean that they are only slightly better than placebos. Long term studies have shown that antidepressants, especially for major depressive disorders, have an improvement rate of 65%, compared to the 30% improvement rate of placebos. Other data indicate the inverse relationship between antidepressant use and suicides in adolescents. Equally disturbing is his blanket condemnation of ECT using Peter Breggin as his source. More objective evidence indicates no evidence of neurological damage from ECT. Whitfield seems to have limited understanding of the seriousness of severe depression and its 15% lifetime mortality. Often major interventions are required to save the life of a depressed individual, sometimes including hospitalization, aggressive medication, and even ETC. The treatment approaches offered imply criticism of some psychiatrists who fail to take a trauma history or to ask about abuse. There is the implication that one only needs to ask and this information will be forthcoming. The author either ignores or doesn't understand the effects of avoidance, guilt, repression, conscious ambivalence, let alone the complex relationship between a therapist and patient involved in a complicated discussion of child abuse. …

The Question of God: C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud Debate God, Love, Sex, and the Meaning of Life

The Question of God: C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud Debate God, Love, Sex, and the Meaning of Life

Brain imaging the psychoses

AbstractThe approach adopted by Posner &amp; Raichle in this book, with its strong emphasis on the cognitive level of description, is ideally suited to the study of psychotic illnesses. However, their discussion of depression and schizophrenia is based on a very small number of studies and involves ad hoc arguments derived largely from neuroanatomy. Their conclusions are almost certainly wrong.

A discussion of depression in children and adolescents.

A discussion of depression in children and adolescents.