Greater Risk For Depressive Symptoms Research Articles

Total physical activity but not diet quality associated with postnatal depressive symptoms amongst women living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods

Lifestyle behaviors such as healthy diet and some forms of physical activity have been linked to lower risk of depressive symptoms in the general population. However, little is known regarding their associations with postnatal depressive symptoms. Given that postnatal women (particularly those living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods) are more likely to have poorer diet quality, lower physical activity levels and greater risk of depressive symptoms, this study sought to determine the associations between diet quality, total and domain specific physical activity and depressive symptoms amongst postnatal women from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. It was hypothesized that higher diet quality and levels of leisure-time physical activity would be associated with lower depressive symptoms. In 2007–2008, cross-sectional data were collected from 246 women living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Victoria, Australia. Participants completed self-report measures of diet (using a 17 item dietary questionnaire), domain specific physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and depressive symptoms (Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale). Linear regression analyses were used to determine the associations between diet quality, physical activity and postnatal depressive symptoms. There was a significant inverse association between total physical activity (B, −0.009; 95% CI, −0.016 to −0.001; P = .023) and postnatal depressive symptoms. No association was found between other domain-specific physical activity (i.e. leisure-time, domestic or transport-related physical activity), or diet quality and postnatal depressive symptoms. Acknowledging the cross-sectional nature of this study, these findings suggest that total physical activity may play a more important role than diet quality in the relationship with postnatal depressive symptoms.

Functional connectivity across social inclusion and exclusion is related to peer victimization and depressive symptoms in young adults

BackgroundPeer victimization is associated with increased risk for depression, as well as increased neural response to social exclusion in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the amygdala. Altered functional connectivity (FxC) of fronto-limbic circuitry is associated with risk for various affective disorders. The present study examined the relationship between fronto-limbic FxC during social exclusion, prior peer victimization experience and depressive symptoms. MethodsThree mutually exclusive groups were formed: peer victimized (with a history of peer victimization), defenders (history of defending peers), and controls (no prior peer victimization experience) (n = 15/group; Mage = 17.7 years). Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging data were collected while participants completed the Cyberball paradigm (simulating the experience of social exclusion). FxC between the Medial Prefrontal Cortex (MPFC), ACC, right insula and left amygdala, was compared between groups and examined in relation to depressive symptoms. ResultsPrior peer victimization experience was associated with differences in fronto-limbic FxC across social inclusion and exclusion. Defenders displayed distinct shifts in FxC across the transition from being included to excluded. Peer victimized individuals exhibited a unique pattern of amygdala-specific FxC during inclusive interaction with peers, and in the continuous FxC across inclusion and exclusion. FxC of the MPFC-amygdala across inclusion and exclusion moderated the relationship between peer victimization and depressive symptoms. LimitationsSmall sample size and cross-sectional design limit interpretation of the findings. ConclusionsPeer victimized individuals who exhibit continuous positive FxC of the MPFC-left amygdala across inclusion and exclusion may be at greater risk for depressive symptoms.

Adhering to a vegetarian diet may create a greater risk of depressive symptoms in the elderly male Chinese population

BackgroundA vegetarian diet may be a risk factor for depression, but this relationship was unclear in the elderly Chinese population. MethodsSelf-report data were gathered from 1051 elderly persons using the Cohort of Elderly Health and Environment Controllable Factors, which was created in West Anhui, China. The depressive symptoms were set as binary, ordinal, and continuous outcomes, respectively, whereas the dietary structures were computed as an ordinal variable and a dummy variable. Multiple logistic regression, ordinal regression, and linear regression were used to assess the relationship by adjusting the potential confounding variables with p-values of <0.1 in univariate analysis. ResultsThe elderly participants who had a vegetable-based diet had the highest GDS scores of 8.78 ± 6.894 (p = 0.001) and the highest rate of depression (32.9%, p = 0.003). After adjustment for the potential confounders, elderly men who had a vegetable-based diet had a higher rate of depression (OR[95%CI]: 1.62[1.07–2.46], 4.71[1.38–16.03]), more severe symptoms of depression (OR[95%CI]: 8.85[2.94–34.12]), and higher GDS scores (β[95%CI]: 1.46[0.70–2.22], 2.97[1.28–4.67]) than male participants who had a meat-based diet, but this was not the case in women. LimitationsAll data were self-reported. The study lacked quantitatively evaluated dietary intake. The duration of the current dietary structures and comorbidities were not reported. The cross-sectional study made the causal role uncertain. ConclusionsVegetarian diets may pose a greater risk of depressive symptoms among the elderly Chinese population, especially elderly men. Given the cross-sectional nature of this study, the causal role was uncertain. Further prospective studies, in particular among elderly women, are needed.

Neural Cognitive Control Moderates the Relation between Negative Life Events and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents

The present longitudinal study examined the role of neural cognitive control in the relation between negative and positive life events and depressive symptoms in adolescents. The sample comprised 138 adolescents (52% male, Mage = 13.49 at baseline) and their parents. At Time 1, adolescents participated in a functional neuroimaging session in which neural cognitive control was measured as hemodynamic activity during an inhibitory control task, and parents reported on adolescents’ positive and negative life events within the past year. Adolescents and parents reported on adolescent depressive symptoms at Time 1, Time 2 (1 year later), and Time 3 (2 years later). Conditional latent growth curve model was used to test the main and interaction effects of neural cognitive control and positive/negative life events on the growth factors of depressive symptoms. Higher neural cognitive control moderated the relation between negative life events and the intercept of depressive symptoms. Adolescents with higher neural cognitive control did not experience higher depressive symptoms when confronted with more negative life events, whereas their counterparts with lower neural cognitive control did. The interaction effect between neural cognitive control and positive life events on depressive symptoms was not significant. Results suggest that neural cognitive control acts as a protective factor such that adolescents with higher neural cognitive control are protected against depressionogenic effects of negative life events, whereas adolescents with lower cognitive control are at greater risk for depressive symptoms in response to negative life events.

Body weight and weight perception among African and Caribbean university students: Correlation with depression symptoms

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between body weight, weight perception, and depressive symptoms in African and Caribbean university students. In a cross-sectional survey the total sample included 4 964 undergraduate university students (mean age 21.8, SD = 3.4, age range = 18-30 years) from five African and three Caribbean countries. Data on the students’ actual and perceived body weight, as well as depression symptoms, were collected. In logistic regression, perceived rather than measured overweight predicted depressive symptoms in male students with normal weight. For female students, perceived overweight predicted depression symptoms regardless of actual body weight. Male students who overestimated their body weight were at greater risk of depressive symptoms. Body weight self-perceptions appear to influence experience of mood disorder among African and Caribbean country students.

SUICIDAL IDEATION IN MEDICALLY ILL OLDER ADULTS: THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTROL STRATEGIES

Suicide rates are elevated among older men globally. Suicides in this age group often reflect concerns about threats to the older adult’s independence and sense of control. Physical illness and associated functional limitations are common in late life, but most individuals adapt by altering their strategies for exerting control (Heckhausen et al., 2010). Evidence suggests that those who do not adapt may be at risk for depression and suicidal thinking (Fiske et al., 2013). In this pilot study, N = 7 adults aged 50–85 with a heart attack or a new diagnosis of heart failure within the past six months were assessed for health-related limitations, control strategies, and affective states at baseline and 6-week follow up. The Wilcoxson sign rank test was used to test the hypothesis that more limited use of control strategies would be associated with greater risk of depressive symptoms, hopelessness and suicidal ideation. At baseline, 87% of participants endorsed clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms (CESDR) and 14% scored above the recommended cutoff on the Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale. Results indicated that both Selective Primary Control (SPC) strategies and Compensatory Primary Control (CPC) strategies (e.g., getting help from others or modifying the task) were significantly linked to hopelessness and suicidal ideation at baseline. At the 6-week follow up, both SPC and CPC were associated with depressive symptoms and hopelessness. These findings suggest that it may be important to focus on strategies older adults may use to cope with functional impairments.

Abstract 12706: Novel Correlates of Depressive Symptoms in Family Caregivers of Heart Failure Patients

Introduction: Family Caregivers (FCGs) of persons with heart failure (HF) often experience depressive symptoms. Greater understanding of associated factors is essential to direct HF FCG interventions. Purpose: This study examined correlates of depressive symptoms in FCGs of HF patients including individual factors, caregiving demands, family context, and genotype (serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region [5-HTTLPR]) associated with a predisposition to depression. Methods: HF FCGs (n=127; mean age 55.3 ± 11.5 years, 92% women, 58% African American) were recruited. Measures were: demographics, family functioning (FAD), caregiving demands (Oberst Caregiving Demands, caregiver strain [CS], caring for others), sleep quality (PSQI) and depressive symptoms (CES-D). In a subsample (n= 82), 5-HTTLPR genotype was determined. Analyses included correlations and regression models for the full sample and the 5-HTTLPR genotype allele groups (XL/L, any S) separately. Results: Mean CES-D scores were 15.2 ± 10.4; 41.7% scored &gt; 16 indicating depressive symptoms. Bivariate correlations (p&lt;.05) were found between CES-D scores and caring for others, FAD, mental and physical CS, and Oberst and PSQI scores. Regression models accounted for 42.7% (F 5,106 =17.55, p&lt;.001) of the variability in CES-D scores with PSQI (p&lt;.001), Oberst (p=.006), FAD (p=.005), caring for others (p=.003), and race (p=.01) retained as predictors. In the 5-HTTLPR analyses of the XL/L group, only FAD and PSQI were associated with CESD (n=42; adjR 2 =.339, F( 2,39 )=11.527, p&lt;.001). For the any S allele group, caring for others, and strain were associated with depressive symptoms (n=40; adjR 2 =.54, F ( 3,46 )=20.160, p&lt;.001). Conclusions: Greater depressive symptoms in HF FCGs were predicted by worse sleep, greater burden, worse family functioning, and white race. Caregiver demand/strain had less effect on depressive symptoms in the XL/L allele group whereas these factors affected the any S-type group. Allele variants of the 5-HTTLPR may interact with caregiving burden to affect depressive symptoms differentially and may help identify caregivers at greater risk for depressive symptoms. Improving sleep and reducing caregiving demand may be important targets for intervention.

PROSPECTIVE ASSOCIATIONS OF INSOMNIA COMPLAINTS WITH DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS 3 MONTHS FOLLOWING A MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Elevated depressive symptoms following a myocardial infarction (MI) have been linked to poorer cardiac prognosis and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). While a number of psychosocial risk factors have been associated with greater risk of depressive symptoms following a MI, sleep disturbances have been understudied in this population. The present study examined the prospective association between insomnia at 4-6 weeks post-MI and depressive symptoms 3 months following a MI.

Correlation between depressive symptoms and subjective mastication ability and ability to pronunciation among Korean elderly.

OBJECTIVESThe present study examines the relationship between depressive symptoms and subjective chewing and pronunciation ability in Korean seniors. Our goal is to provide the data required to develop appropriate oral health interventions programs for seniors.METHODSThe Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) is widely used depressive symptoms assessment. A Korean version was used for the 2009 Community Health Survey, which was consulted to extract the present study’s participants comprising 50,694 Korean seniors (males, 20,582; females, 30,112) aged ≥65 years. Those with a CES-D score ≥16 were rated ‘depressed.’ SAS version 9.3 was used for the data analysis.RESULTSPrevalence of depressive symptoms increased as the participants socioeconomic status decreased, number of health issues increased, health behavior worsened, and chewing and pronunciation discomfort increased. Males with chewing difficulties were found to have 1.45 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29 to 1.63) greater risk of depressive symptoms than those without, while males with pronunciation discomfort were found to have 1.97 times greater risk of depressive symptoms than those without (95% CI, 1.76 to 2.20). Females with chewing difficulty were found to have 1.50 times (95% CI, 1.39 to 1.61) greater risk of depressive symptoms than those without, and females with pronunciation discomfort were found to have 1.55 times greater risk of depressive symptoms than those without (95% CI, 1.44 to 1.67).CONCLUSIONSIntervention programs designed to help with oral health management and alleviate depressive symptoms in seniors are urgently needed. As the prevalence of depressive symptoms may vary geographically, research examining potential variance at city, district, and town levels would be beneficial.

How should we screen for depression following a natural disaster? An ROC approach to post-disaster screening in adolescents and adults

BackgroundThe present study's aim was to provide the foundation for an efficient, empirically based protocol for depression screening following a natural disaster. Utilizing a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analytic approach, the study tested a) what specific disaster-related stressors (i.e., property damage, loss of basic services) and individual-related constructs (i.e., PTSD symptoms, trauma history, social support) conveyed the greatest risk for post-natural disaster depression, b) specific cutoff scores across these measures, and c) whether the significance or cutoff scores for each construct varied between adolescents and adults. MethodsStructured phone-based clinical interviews were conducted with 2000 adolescents who lived through a tornado and 1543 adults who survived a hurricane. ResultsFindings suggested that in both adolescents and adults, individual-related constructs forecasted greater risk for depressive symptoms following a natural disaster compared to disaster-related stressors. Furthermore, trauma history and PTSD symptoms were particularly strong indicators for adolescent depressive symptoms compared to adult depressive symptoms. Adolescents and adults who reported vulnerable scores for social support, trauma history, and lifetime PTSD symptoms were approximately twice as likely to present as depressed following the natural disaster. LimitationsFindings from the present study were limited to post-disaster assessments and based on self-reported functioning 6–12 months following the natural disaster. ConclusionsThe present study synthesizes the extensive body of research on post-disaster functioning by providing a clear framework for which questions may be most important to ask when screening for depression following a natural disaster.

Doing Gender Online: New Mothers' Psychological Characteristics, Facebook Use, and Depressive Symptoms.

Online social networking sites, such as Facebook, have provided a new platform for individuals to produce and reproduce gender through social interactions. New mothers, in particular, may use Facebook to practice behaviors that align with their mothering identity and meet broader societal expectations, or in other words, to "do motherhood." Given that Facebook use may undermine well-being, it is important to understand the individual differences underlying new mothers' experiences with Facebook during the stressful first months of parenthood. Using survey data from a sample of 127 new mothers with Facebook accounts residing in the U.S. Midwest, we addressed two key questions: (a) Are individual differences in new mothers' psychological characteristics associated with their use and experiences of Facebook? and (b) Are new mothers' psychological characteristics associated with greater risk for depressive symptoms via their use and experiences of Facebook? Regression analyses revealed that mothers who were more concerned with external validation of their identities as mothers and those who believed that society holds them to excessively high standards for parenting engaged in more frequent Facebook activity and also reported stronger emotional reactions to Facebook commentary. Moreover, mothers who were more concerned with external validation were more likely to have featured their child in their Facebook profile picture. Mediation analyses indicated that mothers who were more prone to seeking external validation for their mothering identity and perfectionistic about parenting experienced increases in depressive symptoms indirectly via greater Facebook activity.

Editorial: Refining Prevention: Genetic and Epigenetic Contributions.

Editorial: Refining Prevention: Genetic and Epigenetic Contributions.

Prevalence and Correlates of Depressive Symptoms in Korean Adults: Results of a 2009 Korean Community Health Survey

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms in the largest number of Korean individuals examined to date. We analyzed cross-sectional data collected from 229,595 Korean adults aged 19 yr and above who participated in a Korean Community Health Survey conducted in 2009. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used as the measurement tool for depressive symptoms (CES-D score over 16) and definite depression (CES-D score over 25). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associations between sociodemographic factors and depressive symptoms. The percentages of depressive symptoms and definite depression in the total study population were 11% (7.8% for men, 14.0% for women) and 3.7%, (2.4% for men, 5.0% for women), respectively. Female gender, older age, disrupted marital status, low education and income level, multigenerational household composition and metropolitan residence were associated with greater risk of depressive symptoms. The present study provides a valid prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms, using the largest representative sample of the Korean general population to date. Various sociodemographic factors contribute to the prevalence and effects of depressive symptoms in Korea.

Depressive symptoms and obesity: Assessing and addressing the black dog in the room

Depressive symptoms and obesity: Assessing and addressing the black dog in the room

Men and Their Father Figures: Exploring Racial and Ethnic Differences in Mental Health Outcomes.

Though gender, racial, and ethnic disparities in health in the United States are well documented, it is less clear how these factors intersect to produce patterns of mental health outcomes among men. This study examined the presence of father figures in the lives of African American, Caribbean black and non-Hispanic white American males until the age of 16; assessed the current socio-demographic factors of these men as adults; and explored whether these factors lead to variations in mental health outcomes. Regression models were used to examine the correlates of socio-demographic, psychosocial, and retrospective father figure measures for depressive symptoms and non-specific psychological distress among African American (n = 999), Caribbean black (n = 506), and non-Hispanic white men (n = 193) from the National Survey of American Life. Findings revealed racial and ethnic group differences by age, employment status, education, and household income on depressive symptoms (measured using the CES-D scale) and non-specific psychological distress (using the Kessler-6 scale). Findings suggested that being raised by a grandfather placed both African American and Caribbean black men at greater risk for depressive symptoms and non-specific psychological distress under certain socio-demographic conditions. This study is unique in that it considers the influence of father figures on the mental health outcomes of adult males across three racial and ethnic groups. We conclude with a discussion of the implications for future mental health research and practice with men of color.

Heart Failure and Incident Late‐Life Depression

To assess whether heart failure (HF) increases the risk of developing depression and whether the use of loop diuretics in persons with HF alters this risk. Population-based cohort study between 1993 and 2005. Ommoord, a district of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Five thousand ninety-five older adults free of depression at baseline. Detailed information on HF and depression was collected during examination rounds and through continuous monitoring of medical and pharmaceutical records. HF was defined according to the criteria of the European Society of Cardiology. Depressive episodes were categorized as clinically relevant depressive symptoms and depressive syndromes, including major depressive disorders defined according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression. HF was associated with greater risk of depressive symptoms and syndromes (HR=1.41, 95% CI=1.03-1.94) and depressive syndromes only (HR=1.66, 95% CI=1.09-2.52). In participants with HF, the use of loop diuretics was associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms and syndromes (HR=0.46, 95% CI=0.22-0.96) and depressive syndromes only (HR=0.41, 95% CI=0.16-1.00). HF is an independent risk factor for incident depression in elderly persons. Patient with HF require careful follow-up to monitor and prevent the onset of depression. Effective treatment of the debilitating symptoms of HF may prevent depression.

Depression and Anxiety Among First-Generation Immigrant Latino Youth

We examined how the migration and acculturation experiences of first-generation Latino youth contributed to their psychological well-being. Data came from the LAMHA (Latino Adolescent Migration, Health, and Adaptation) study, which surveyed 281 first-generation Latino immigrant youth, ages 12 to 19. Using logistic regression, we evaluated how migration stressors (i.e., traumatic events, choice of migration, discrimination, and documentation status) and migration supports (i.e. family and teacher support, acculturation, and personal-motivation) were associated with depressive symptoms and anxiety. We found that migration stressors increased the risk of both depressive symptoms and anxiety. Time in the United States and support from family and teachers reduced the risk of depressive symptoms and anxiety. Compared with documented adolescents, undocumented adolescents were at greater risk of anxiety, and children in mixed-status families were at greater risk of anxiety and marginally greater risk of depressive symptoms.

Folate, Vitamin B12, Homocysteine, and Depressive Symptoms in a Population Sample of Older Chinese Adults

To investigate the independent associations between folate, B12, and homocysteine levels and depressive symptoms in older adults. Cross-sectional study. Resident population in southeast Singapore. Six hundred sixty-nine community-living noninstitutionalized Chinese adults aged 55 and older. Laboratory values of folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine were examined for their independent relationships with depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score > or =5). Respondents with depression (n=178) had lower mean serum folate concentrations (21.5 nmol/L) than those without (n=491, 24.0 nmol/L, P=.04). There was a linear relationship between descending quartiles of folate concentrations and increasing odds of association with depressive symptoms, independent of other risk factors (demographic, psychosocial, alcohol and smoking, chronic morbidity, functional status, nutritional risk, albumin, anemia, depression-inducing medications, use of antidepressants and vitamin supplements), including B12 and homocysteine (P for trend=.02). The odds ratio (OR) of association between low folate (lowest quartile: <14.6 nmol/L) and depressive symptoms independent of other risk factors, including homocysteine and B12, was 1.72 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.11-2.66). Vitamin B12 across a range of values did not show a linear association, but B12 deficiency (<180 pmol/L) appeared to be significantly associated with depressive symptoms (OR=2.68, 95% CI=1.20-6.00), independent of folate and homocysteine. Decreasing and low levels of serum folate and deficient levels of B12 were associated with greater risk of depressive symptoms in older Chinese adults.

Stress and Depression among Older Residents in Religious Monasteries: Do Friends and God Matter?

The purpose of this investigation was to explore how friendship and attach-0 ment to God provide protective benefits against stress and depression. Participants included 235 men and women, age 64 and older, residing in religious monasteries affiliated with the Order of St. Benedict. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were completed to assess main and moderating effects of friendship and attachment to God relative to the influence of stress on depressive symptomology. Lower degree of friendship closeness (beta = -.12, p < .10) and greater insecurity with God (beta = -.15, p < .01) were directly associated with greater depressive symptoms. A significant three-way interaction (Stress x Friendship x Attachment to God) also existed relative to depressive symptoms (beta = .14, p < .05). Three "stress-buffering" mechanisms emerged relative to the influence of stress on depressive symptomology. First, a greater degree of friendship closeness in combination with less secure attachment to God represented a greater risk for depressive symptoms. Second, greater friendship closeness in combination with greater secure attachment to God reduced the risk for depressive symptoms. Third, lower degree of friendship closeness combined with less secure attachment to God diminished the noxious effects of stress on depressive symptoms. This has implications relative to how social and spiritual resources can be used to reduce stress and improve quality of life for older adults residing in religious communities.

Objective Cancer-Related Variables Are Not Associated With Depressive Symptoms in Women Treated for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Women with breast cancer are thought to be vulnerable to depression for reasons associated with impact of diagnosis, treatment, and metabolic/endocrine changes. While the literature shows that most of these women do not become clinically depressed, 15% to 30% report elevated depressive symptoms that may be clinically important. The purpose was to identify and determine the relative importance of predictors of depressive symptoms in women treated for early-stage breast cancer. A total of 2,595 women (< or = 4 years following completion of initial treatment for early-stage breast cancer) provided data on cancer-related variables, personal characteristics, health behaviors, physical functioning/symptoms, and psychosocial variables. Participants were divided into high or low depressive groups using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale screening form. Results of the binary logistic regression analysis were significant (overall R2 = 32.4%). Before entry of psychosocial variables, younger age, being unmarried, poorer physical functioning, and more vasomotor and gastrointestinal symptoms were significant risk factors for elevated depressive symptoms (R2 = 16.1%), but objective cancer-related variables were not. After inclusion of psychosocial variables in the model (DeltaR2 = 16.3%), none of the preceding variables remained significant. Greater risk for depressive symptoms was associated with stressful life events, less optimism, ambivalence over expressing negative emotions, sleep disturbance, and poorer social functioning. Depressive symptoms in women treated for early-stage breast cancer are not associated with objective cancer-related factors. Rather, they are most strongly linked with many subjective psychosocial variables.