Hamilton Depression Scale Scores Research Articles

The association between liver fibrosis and depression in patients after ischemic stroke

Background and objectiveLiver fibrosis has been considered a predictor of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to evaluate whether the degree of liver fibrosis is related to post-stroke depression (PSD) at 3 months follow-up.MethodsWe prospectively and continuously enrolled patients with first-ever ischemic stroke from June 2020 to January 2022. Liver fibrosis was measured after admission by calculating the Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) and stratified into two categories (< 2.67 versus ≥ 2.67). Patients with a 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale score > 7 were further evaluated using the Chinese version of the structured clinical interview of DSM-IV, for diagnosing PSD at 3 months.ResultsA total of 326 patients (mean age 66.6 years, 51.5% male) were recruited for the study. As determined by the FIB-4 score, 80 (24.5%) patients had advanced liver fibrosis. During the follow-up, PSD was observed in 91 patients, which accounted for 27.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.5%–30.5%) of the cohort.The prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis was higher in PSD patients than those without PSD (40.0% versus 24.0%; P = 0.006). After adjustment for covariates in the multivariate logistic analysis, advanced fibrosis was significantly associated with PSD (odds ratio [OR], 1.88; 95% CI, 1.03–3.42; P = 0.040). Similar results were found when the FIB-4 was analyzed as a continuous variable.ConclusionsThis study found that advanced liver fibrosis was associated with an increased risk of 3-month PSD. FIB-4 score may be valuable for screening depressive symptoms in ischemic stroke patients.

Effects of Combined Live Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus and Bacillus Cereus Tablets on Post-Stroke Depression and Serum Inflammatory Factorse.

Although probiotics have been shown to improve several mental-related diseases, their association with post-stroke depression (PSD) remains unclear. This research aimed to investigate the effect of combined live Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus and Bacillus cereus tablets on PSD and serum inflammatory factors. A total of 400 stroke patients treated from January 2020 to March 2022 in Shuyang Hospital were included and randomly divided into two groups: The observation group (n = 200) and the control group (n = 200). The control group was treated with conventional therapy, while the observation group was given combined live Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus and Bacillus cereus tablets on the basis of conventional therapy. The Hamilton Depression Scale score was used to assess the degree and incidence of depression in the two groups. Recurrence and complications of PSD in stroke patients after treatment were followed up. In addition, ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) was employed for the detection of serum levels of nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and logistics regression analysis was also performed for the correlation between the occurrence of PSD and NF-κB, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels. The analysis of clinical baseline data showed that the two groups of patients were comparable. After treatment, the Hamilton Depression Scale score in the observation group was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05), and the observation group had a lower incidence rate of PSD, follow-up recurrence rate and complications (p < 0.05). In addition, the observation group showed a significant decrease in the serum levels of NF-κB, IL-1β and TNF-α compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Further logistics regression analysis indicated that the levels of NF-κB (OR (odds ratio) = 3.337, p < 0.001), IL-1β (OR = 2.411, p < 0.001) and TNF-α (OR = 1.557, p < 0.001) were risk factors for the development of PSD. Combined live Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus and Bacillus cereus tablets can promote neurological recovery and remission of depression in stroke patients. Such effects may be achieved by regulating the levels of NF-κB, IL-1β and TNF-α.

Evaluation of sexual function and depression in female patients with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is one of the most important problems, especially for women. Studies point to disorders in the sexual functions of fibromyalgia patients that reduce their quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate sexual dysfunction and its relationship with disease severity and depression in women with fibromyalgia. This study included 98 female patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia and 54 healthy women. The Female Sexual Function Index was used to assess sexual dysfunction. Fibromyalgia disease severity was measured with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. Hamilton Depression Scale was filled in to evaluate the depression status of the patients. According to the female sexual function index data, female sexual dysfunction was found in 78 (79.6%) patients with fibromyalgia and only in 12 (22.2%) controls. When the female sexual function index scores of fibromyalgia patients with and without depression were compared, patients with additional depression had lower female sexual function index scores, and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.002). In the correlation analysis, the female sexual function index score showed a significant negative correlation with the hamilton depression scale (rho=-0.235, p=0.020) and fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (rho=-0.215, p=0.033) scores. This study highlights the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in female fibromyalgia patients and the significant correlation between sexual dysfunction and both disease severity and depression.

Incidence and Clinical Features of Venous Thromboembolism in Inpatients with Mental Illness.

We investigated the incidence and clinical features of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in inpatients with mental illnesses. We retrospectively analyzed records of inpatients with mental illnesses and confirmed VTE at The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University between August 2018 and July 2022. We recorded demographic characteristics, psychosis-related conditions, and thrombus distribution. Among 12939 patients diagnosed with mental illness, 156 (1.21%) presented with VTE at the first visit or during the disease course. Crude VTE incidence varied significantly across mental illnesses, being highest in patients with organic mental disorders (5.20%), followed by emotional disorders (1.10%), and others (P < 0.001). Distal and proximal deep venous thromboses (DVT) occurred in 79.17% and 20.84% of patients, respectively. The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) score was higher in patients with proximal DVT than in those with distal DVT (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, the HAMD score (odds ratio [OR] 1.173, confidence interval [CI] 1.100-1.251, P＜0.001) was a risk factor and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) (OR 0.862, CI 0.796-0.934, P＜0.001), a protective factor against DVT progression. VTE is not rare in patients with mental illnesses and is most commonly associated with organic mental disorders. Psychosis-related DVT typically shows a significantly high incidence of distal DVT. Prevention and early treatment in patients with severe depression and distal DVT can prevent DVT aggravation.

Anxiety and depression in patients with obstructive sleep apnea before and after treatment with continuous positive airway pressure

Aim To evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or weight reduction treatments on anxiety and depression. Background OSA is a life-threatening condition. Poor sleep quality, frequent arousals during sleep, and intermittent hypoxia that accompany patients with OSA could contribute to psychological disturbances. Patients and methods A total of 40 patients with OSA (19 males and 21 females) who were admitted to the Chest Department of Menoufia University Hospitals were included and divided into two groups based on different treatment: 20 patients were treated with CPAP and 20 patients were treated with weight reduction. Results There were no significant differences between both groups regarding age, sex, and BMI. The patients in both groups had high scores in Hamilton anxiety rating scale, Hamilton depression scale, and quality-of-life scale. CPAP and weight reduction treatment for 3 months resulted in significant improvements of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The Hamilton anxiety rating scale decreased from 11.7 ± 6.5 to 3.3 ± 1.8 in group 1 and from 9.6 ± 4.4 to 3 ± 2.1 in group 2, whereas the Hamilton depression scale score decreased from 16.5 ± 5.8 to 4.8 ± 2.1 in group 1 and from 17.5 ± 6.4 to 5.7 ± 2.6 in group 2 (both P&lt;0.001). There were significant improvements in the quality of life in the two groups after 3 months of treatment. Conclusion Anxiety and depression are associated with OSA which improved after CPAP and weight reduction treatment.

Iron transportation proteins Hepcidin and Ferroportin and alterations in depressive and anxiety disorders

Objective: Iron element has critical roles such as myelin synthesis and neurotransmitter synthesis. Critical enzymes and proteins strictly control iron metabolism. Alterations in the enzyme activities could modify iron metabolism. Metabolic and endocrine changes may influence iron turnover in patients with major depression and anxiety disorders. Materials and Methods: 30 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), 30 with anxiety disorders (ADs) according to the DSM 5 criteria, and 30 healthy controls were included. Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Scales were the clinical evaluation tools. Blood samples were collected 12 hours of fasting. Hepcidin and Ferroportin levels were measured with ELISA method. Results: Both Hepcidin and Ferroportin levels were lower in the MDD group compared to the ADs group, Hepcidin levels were found to be statistically significantly lower (p= 0.014). In addition, an inverse correlation was observed between the Hamilton Depression Scale score and Ferroportin levels (r= -0.214, p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Decreased Hepcidin and Ferroportin levels indicate metabolic effects in patients with MDD and disruption of the feedback mechanism between the two proteins. Considering the long duration of the disease in the MDD group in our study, the treatment period was also thought to be prolonged and the use of antidepressants might affect negative feedback.

Repeated measurements of depression and outcomes in patients receiving hemodialysis†

Abstract Objective: Depression appears to be common among the patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Therefore, how to comprehensively analyze the changes in depression and its impact on patient outcomes is an important research direction. The objectives of this study were to assess changes in depression and whether depression can be used to predict outcomes in patients receiving hemodialysis. Methods: In a longitudinal study, 317 patients receiving hemodialysis from two hospitals were investigated. Depression was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMDS) at baseline. Outcomes data (survival and mortality) were collected from baseline to the end of follow-up 2 years later. Mortality was assessed using Cox proportional hazards analysis. Results: The HAMDS score and percentage of high scores increased at three time points. Moreover, the changes were statistically significant. Surviving patients had significantly lower HAMDS scores. Through multivariate Cox regression analysis, age and depression can be used to predict mortality (P &lt; 0.05), and the relative risks (RRs) were 1.032 and 1.069, respectively. Conclusions: Depression in patients receiving hemodialysis is worse. Moreover, baseline depression is an independent predictor of outcomes. Patients receiving hemodialysis should be focused on improving their psychological complications. A systematic and individual psychological health promotion plan must also be incorporated into the health education plan for patients receiving hemodialysis.

Classification of major depression disorder via using minimum spanning tree of individual high-order morphological brain network

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is an overbroad and heterogeneous diagnosis with no reliable or quantifiable markers. We aim to combine machine-learning techniques with the individual minimum spanning tree of the morphological brain network (MST-MBN) to determine whether the network properties can provide neuroimaging biomarkers to identify patients with MDD. MethodEight morphometric features of each region of interest (ROI) were extracted from 3D T1 structural images of 106 patients with MDD and 97 healthy controls. Six feature distances of the eight morphometric features were calculated to generate a feature distance matrix, which was defined as low-order MBN. Further linear correlations of feature distances between ROIs were calculated on the basis of low-order MBN to generate individual high-order MBN. The Kruskal's algorithm was used to generate the MST to obtain the core framework of individual low-order and high-order MBN. The regional and global properties of the individual MSTs were defined as the feature. The support vector machine and back-propagation neural network was used to diagnose MDD and assess its severity, respectively. ResultThe low-order and high-order MST-MBN constructed by cityblock distance had the excellent classification performance. The high-order MST-MBN significantly improved almost 20 % diagnostic accuracy compared with the low-order MST-MBN, and had a maximum R2 value of 0.939 between the predictive and true Hamilton Depression Scale score. The different group-level connectivity strength mainly involves the central executive network and default mode network (no statistical significance after FDR correction). ConclusionWe proposed an innovative individual high-order MST-MBN to capture the cortical high-order morphological correlation and make an excellent performance for individualized diagnosis and assessment of MDD.

Risk Factors for Hiccups after Deep Brain Stimulation of Subthalamic Nucleus for Parkinson's Disease.

After deep brain stimulation (DBS), hiccups as a complication may lead to extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation, or affected prognosis. Currently, the causes and risk factors of postoperative hiccups are unclear. In this study, we investigated the risk factors for hiccups after DBS of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) for Parkinson's disease (PD) under general anesthesia. We retrospectively included patients who underwent STN DBS in the study, and collected data of demographic characteristics, clinical evaluations, and medications. According to the occurrence of hiccups within seven days after operation, the patients were divided into a hiccups group and non-hiccups group. The potentially involved risk factors for postoperative hiccups were statistically analyzed by logistic regression analysis. A total of 191 patients were included in the study, of which 34 (17.80%) had postoperative transient persistent hiccups. Binary univariate logistic regression analysis showed that male, higher body mass index (BMI), smoker, Hoehn and Yahr stage (off), preoperative use of amantadine, hypnotic, Hamilton anxiety scale and Hamilton depression scale scores, and postoperative limited noninfectious peri-electrode edema in deep white matter were suspected risk factors for postoperative hiccups (p &lt; 0.1). In binary multivariate logistic regression analysis, male (compared to female, OR 14.00; 95% CI, 1.74-112.43), postoperative limited noninfectious peri-electrode edema in deep white matter (OR, 7.63; 95% CI, 1.37-42.37), preoperative use of amantadine (OR, 3.64; 95% CI, 1.08-12.28), and higher BMI (OR, 3.50; 95% CI, 1.46-8.36) were independent risk factors for postoperative hiccups. This study is the first report about the risk factors of hiccups after STN DBS under general anesthesia for PD patients. The study suggests that male, higher BMI, preoperative use of amantadine, and postoperative limited noninfectious peri-electrode edema in deep white matter are independent risk factors for postoperative hiccups of STN-DBS for PD patients. Most hiccups after STN-DBS for PD patients were transient and self-limiting.

Expression of type 1 cannabinoid receptor gene in bipolar disorder

BackgroundThe Endocannabinoid System (ECBs) may have a crucial role in bipolar disorder (BD). Previous reports have not detected abnormalities in the expression of the cannabinoid receptor gene CNR1, encoding for CB1. However, we hypothesized that differentiating between mania and depression may uncover differences in CNR1 expression levels. MethodsWe recruited 44 subjects with BD type I (BD-I), in mania (n = 22) and depression (n = 22) and 25 Healthy Controls (HC). CNR1 gene expression was analyzed using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Data were analyzed using frequentist non-parametric and Bayesian approaches (generalized location-scale model based on lognormal and gamma distributions). ResultsUsing the frequentist non-parametric approach, the depression group had lower CNR1 expression compared to the mania group (p = 0.004). In addition, there was a negative correlation between CNR1 expression and Hamilton Depression Scale score (rho = −0.37; p = 0.007). Bayesian analyses further revealed that CNR1 expression in the mania group was higher and less variable than among HC (>95% probability), while CNR1 expression in the depression group was lower and more variable than among HC (100% probability). LimitationsLack of participants with bipolar disorder in the euthymic phase, lack of toxicology screening and evaluation of CNR1 variants. ConclusionCNR1 expression is higher and less variable in mania than in depression. It is highly probable that these differences also distinguish individuals in different illness phases from healthy controls. Future studies are needed to clarify the role of the endocannabinoid system in bipolar disorder.

Mental Health Support Program for Healthcare Professionals in a Pandemic Hospital in Turkey and Its Results on Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia and Sexual Disorders.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put enormous stress on the health care workers, threatening not only their physical health but also their mental well-being. No mental health support program (MHSP) addressing depression and anxiety in healthcare workers (HCWs), has been shown to be effective in Turkey previously. We aimed to measure the effect of our MHSP among healthcare workers who applied for psychological help associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. An MHSP has been created for healthcare professionals working in a pandemic hospital during the COVID-19 period. Health workers were recruited between July and September 2020. Anxiety, depression, and insomnia levels were evaluated with HAM-A (Hamilton Anxiety Scale), HDRS (Hamilton Depression Scale), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) before and after the intervention. Sexual complaints were questioned by a consultant psychiatrist. MHSP (n=31), and treatment as usual (TAU, n=27) groups were compared using repeated-measures ANOVA. Sociodemographic data, medical history of COVID-19, and psychiatric diagnoses were similar between the groups. There was no difference in baseline HAM-A, HDRS, and ISI scores (p>0.05). At the end of the study, there was a significant difference between study groups regarding anxiety scores (For post-treatment, MHSP=8.0±2.6 vs. TAU=17.9±3.1, p<0.001) and depression symptoms (For post-treatment, MHSP=8.8±2.7 vs. TAU=20.0±2.4, p<0.001) but not in insomnia levels (For post-treatment, MHSP=6.5±2.4 vs. TAU=7.3±2.4, p=0.499). Likewise, both groups reported similar levels of improvement in reduced sexual drive. Our study results suggest that the MHSP effectively alleviates the psychiatric complaints of healthcare professionals. It is recommended to have mental support teams for healthcare professionals in hospitals.

Features of gut microbiota in patients with anorexia nervosa.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychological disorder, which is characterized by the misunderstanding of body image, food restriction, and low body weight. An increasing number of studies have reported that the pathophysiological mechanism of AN might be associated with the dysbiosis of gut microbiota. The purpose of our study was to explore the features of gut microbiota in patients with AN, hoping to provide valuable information on its pathogenesis and treatment. In this cross-sectional study, from August 2020 to June 2021, patients with AN who were admitted into Peking University Third Hospital and Peking University Sixth Hospital ( n = 30) were recruited as the AN group, and healthy controls (HC) were recruited from a middle school and a university in Beijing ( n = 30). Demographic data, Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores of the two groups, and length of stay of the AN group were recorded. Microbial diversity analysis of gut microbiota in stool samples from the two groups was analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. The weight (AN vs. HC, [39.31 ± 7.90] kg vs. [56.47 ± 8.88] kg, P < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI, AN vs. HC, [14.92 ± 2.54] kg/m 2vs. [20.89 ± 2.14] kg/m 2 , P < 0.001) of patients with AN were statistically significantly lower than those of HC, and HAMD scores in AN group were statistically significantly higher than those of HC. For alpha diversity, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups; for beta diversity, the two groups differed obviously regarding community composition. Compared to HC, the proportion of Lachnospiraceae in patients with AN was statistically significantly higher (AN vs. HC, 40.50% vs. 31.21%, Z = -1.981, P = 0.048), while that of Ruminococcaceae was lower (AN vs. HC, 12.17% vs. 19.15%, Z = -2.728, P = 0.007); the proportion of Faecalibacterium (AN vs. HC, 3.97% vs. 9.40%, Z = -3.638, P < 0.001) and Subdoligranulum (AN vs. HC, 4.60% vs. 7.02%, Z = -2.369, P = 0.018) were statistically significantly lower, while that of Eubacterium_hallii_group was significantly higher (AN vs. HC, 7.63% vs. 3.43%, Z = -2.115, P = 0.035). Linear discriminant effect (LEfSe) analysis (LDA score >3.5) showed that o_Lachnospirales, f_Lachnospiraceae, and g_Eubacterium_hallii_group (o, f and g represents order, family and genus respectively) were enriched in patients with AN. Microbial function of nutrient transport and metabolism in AN group were more abundant ( P > 0.05). In AN group, weight and BMI were significantly negatively correlated with the abundance of Bacteroidota and Bacteroides , while positively correlated with Subdoligranulum . BMI was significantly positively correlated with Firmicutes; HAMD scores were significantly negatively correlated with Faecalibacterium. The composition of gut microbiota in patients with AN was different from that of healthy people. Clinical indicators have correlations with the abundance of gut microbiota in patients with AN.

Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation Could Improve the Effective Rate on the Quality of Sleep in the Treatment of Primary Insomnia: A Randomized Control Trial.

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (t-VNS) in the treatment of primary insomnia. (2) Methods: This is a single center, randomized, double-blind study. A total of 30 patients diagnosed with primary insomnia were randomly divided into two groups to receive 20 Hz t-VNS in either the auricular concha area (treatment group) or periauricular area (control group), twice a day for 20 min during a one-month study period. The effective rate of treatment, defined as a ≥50% reduction of the Pittsburgh Sleep Index Scale (PSQI) after treatment, was compared between the two groups as the primary outcome. Response rate (defined as ≥10% change in the PSQI score), and changes in the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores were also assessed. (3) Results: After one month of treatment, the PSQI score of the treatment group decreased significantly (p = 0.001). The effective rate of the treatment group (73% vs. 27%, p = 0.027) was significantly higher than that of the control group. No statistical differences in changes of HAMA and HAMD scores were detected between the two groups. There were no complications in all patients. (4) Conclusion: T-VNS appeared to be a safe and effective treatment for primary insomnia.

Effect of insomnia in the major depressive disorder

BackgroundPeople with sleep problems are more likely to have mental disorders. This study aimed to assess the effect of insomnia on the prognosis of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).MethodsWe divided the patients into three groups according to the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores. In addition, we compared the results of the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) scores. We evaluated the effect of insomnia at the 2nd, 4th, and 8th-week follow-up on the prognosis of MDD.ResultsFifty-five patients between 19 and 58 years old, with a diagnosis of MDD via the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 (DSM-5). The ISI scores of the moderate and severe group decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the 2nd week compared to the baseline. The HAMD scores in all groups improved significantly in the 2nd week.ConclusionsThis study was inspired to assess insomnia as a comorbid disorder for patients with MDD, which may bring poor treatment consequences.

To Study the Effect of Individualized Nursing Model Based on MDT Concept on Limb Function Recovery and Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer.

Objective To study the value of the individualized nursing model based on the concept of multidisciplinary team (MDT) on recovery of limb function and quality of life in patients with breast cancer. Methods A total of 110 breast cancer patients admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to December 2021 were selected as the research objects. The 110 breast cancer patients were divided into the research group (n = 55) and the control group (n = 55) according to the random number table method. The control group received routine care. The research group implemented individualized nursing based on the MDT concept on the basis of routine nursing. The disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores before nursing and 1 month after nursing were studied in the two groups, Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) score, Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) score, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-B (FACT-B) score. Results After 1 month of nursing, the DASH score of the research group was lower than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05), and after 1 month of nursing, the HAMA score of the research group was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). After 1 month of nursing, the HAMD scale score of the research group was lower than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). After 1 month of nursing, the FACT-B score of the research group was higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion The individualized nursing model based on the MDT concept has high application value for breast cancer patients. This nursing model can improve the function of limb movement, relieve the patient's anxiety and depression, and improve the patient's quality of life. This nursing model is worthy of clinical promotion.

Correlation of catecholamine content and clinical influencing factors in depression among psoriasis patients: a case-control study

ObjectiveOur study sought to investigate the clinical influencing factors of psoriasis patients with depression, and analyze whether the content of monoamine neurotransmitters in plasma was correlated with depression incidence among psoriasis patients.MethodsNinety patients with psoriasis and 40 healthy volunteers (aged from18 to 60) were recruited and interviewed with a piloted questionnaire in both groups to obtain relevant information. The catecholamine in plasma from the two groups was analyzed by radioimmunoassay. The data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software.ResultsThe mean Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and mean Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) scores of the psoriasis patients were higher than the control group. Dopamine content in the plasma was lower (comparing psoriasis patients without depression and the control group, and was negatively correlated with HAMD, AIS, and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores in the psoriasis patients with depression. There was no significant difference in the epinephrine and norepinephrine contents in all groups. PASI scores were positively correlated with HAMD scores in psoriasis patients. The low dopamine content, Dermatology Life Quality Index, and high PASI scores were the risk factors for depression among the psoriasis patients.ConclusionPsoriasis patients have a significantly higher risk of depression than healthy people, and higher PASI scores were linked to a higher incidence of depression. The dopamine levels of patients were influenced by both psoriasis and depression. The risk factors for depression in psoriasis patients are low dopamine levels in the plasma, severe skin lesions, and lower quality of life.

Yijinjing Qigong intervention shows strong evidence on clinical effectiveness and electroencephalography signal features for early poststroke depression: A randomized, controlled trial.

ObjectiveAlthough Traditional Chinese Yijinjing Qigong Exercise (YJJQE) as mind–body intervention is popularly used among adults to ameliorate depressive symptoms in China, no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are available to evaluate the effects of YJJQE in patients with poststroke depression (PSD). This study aims to explore the clinical efficacy and the neurological and psychiatric mechanism in brain network functional connectivity underlying electroencephalography (EEG).Materials and methodsA total of 60 patients, diagnosed with mild PSD, were randomly (1:1) assigned to YJJQE group (n = 30) and control group of routine segmental rehabilitation training group (n = 30) for a 60-min exercise session once a day for 3 weeks. All outcome measures were collected at baseline and 3-weeks ending intervention. The primary outcome was the 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24) score, evaluation at more time points for 1 month of follow-up. The secondary outcomes were EEG data in four frequency domains (δ, θ, α, and β), global efficiency (GE), local efficiency (LE), GE/LE curve [areas under the curve (AUC)], Phase Lag Index (PLI), (HAMD-24) Score and EEG correlation analysis.ResultsAll patients showed no significant differences in baseline data. After 3 weeks and 1 month of follow-up, the YJJQE group demonstrated significant decreasing changes compared to the control group on the HAMD-24 scores (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the YJJQE group also showed a significant reduction in θ wave, and an increase in both GE and LE. Compared to the control group, the YJJQE Qigong group showed significantly greater functional connectivity in the δ, θ, and β frequency bands in the brain network of the degree of phase synchronization (p < 0.001). HAMD-24 Score and EEG correlation analysis negative correlation in the Qigong group θ wave (p < 0.001).ConclusionOur findings demonstrated that YJJQE is estimated to effectively alleviate the depressed mood of patients with PSD by promoting the efficiency in information transmission of network functional connectivity and its integration ability in different brain regions. Therefore, the YJJQE would be useful as a non-pharmacological treatment to prevent PSD.Clinical trial registration[http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=55789], identifier [ChiCTR2000035588].

Cerebral blood flow in adolescents with drug-naive, first-episode major depressive disorder: An arterial spin labeling study based on voxel-level whole-brain analysis.

PurposeThe major depressive disorder (MDD) can be a threat to the health of people all over the world. Although governments have developed and implemented evidence-based interventions and prevention programs to prevent MDD and maintain mental health in adolescents, the number of adolescents with this condition has been on the rise for the past 10 years.MethodsA total of 60 adolescents were recruited, including 32 drug-naive adolescents with first-episode MDD and 28 healthy controls (HCs). Alterations in the intrinsic cerebral activity of the adolescents with MDD were explored using arterial spin labeling (ASL) while differences in the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) of the two groups were assessed based on voxel-based whole-brain analysis. Finally, correlations between the regional functional abnormalities and clinical variables were investigated for adolescents with MDD.ResultsCompared with HCs, MDD patients had a lower rCBF in the left triangular part of the inferior frontal gyrus (IFGtriang) but a higher one in the right Precental gyrus (PreCG). Negative correlations were also noted between the CBF in the left IFGtriang and the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) scores of MDD patients.ConclusionElucidating the neurobiological features of adolescent patients with MDD is important to adequately develop methods that can assist in early diagnosis, precaution and intervention.

Effects of long-term supplementation of probiotics on cognitive function and emotion in temporal lobe epilepsy.

Cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric disorders are very common in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). These comorbidities complicate the treatment of epilepsy and seriously affect the quality of life. So far, there is still no effective intervention to prevent the development of epilepsy-associated comorbidities. Gut dysbiosis has been recognized to be involved in the pathology of epilepsy development. Modulating gut microbiota by probiotics has shown an antiseizure effect on humans and animals with epilepsy. Whether this treatment strategy has a positive effect on epilepsy-associated comorbidities remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to objectively assess the effect of probiotics on cognitive function and neuropsychiatric performance of patients with TLE. Participants enrolled in an epilepsy clinic were randomly assigned to the probiotic and placebo groups. These two groups were treated with probiotics or placebo for 12 weeks, and then the cognitive function and psychological performance of participants were assessed. We enrolled 76 participants in this study, and 70 subjects were finally included in the study (35 in the probiotics group and 35 in the placebo group). Our results showed significant seizure reduction in patients with TLE treated with probiotics. No significant differences were observed on cognitive function (including intelligence and memory) between groups. For neuropsychiatric performances, supplementation of probiotics significantly decreased the Hamilton Anxiety Rating and Depression Scale scores and increased the 89-item Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory score in patients with TLE. In conclusion, probiotics have a positive impact on seizures control, and improve anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with TLE.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week trial of vitamin D augmentation in major depressive disorder associated with vitamin D deficiency

BackgroundRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) of vitamin D (VitD) supplementation for depression have yielded inconsistent results. We conducted the first RCT of VitD supplementation with multipoint serum 25(OH)D assessments in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients with concurrent severe VitD deficiency. MethodsWe randomized antidepressant-free depressed adults with mean baseline 25(OH)D of 11.5 ng/ml to VitD (60,000 IU every 5 days; n = 31) or placebo (n = 28) for 12 weeks. All patients also received escitalopram (10–20 mg/day). Patients were rated at baseline and at the end of weeks 4, 8, and 12. Serum 25(OH)D was estimated at baseline, week 8, and week 12. ResultsIn an intent-to-treat analysis, mean Hamilton Depression Scale scores dropped from 25.7 to 5.7 and from 25.8 to 5.0 in VitD and placebo groups, respectively (primary outcome; P = 0.92). VitD and placebo groups did not differ on other objective and subjective ratings of depression, or on global ratings. Similar findings characterized completer analyses. No significant correlations were observed between 25(OH)D levels and depression ratings across the course of the study. Importantly, endpoint escitalopram doses were 4 mg/day higher in placebo than in VitD patients, and 4 mg/day higher in VitD deficient than in VitD sufficient patients. LimitationsA ceiling effect with escitalopram may have prevented the discovery of benefits with VitD supplementation. ConclusionsVitD supplementation does not improve antidepressant outcomes with flexibly dosed escitalopram. VitD deficient depressed patients may require higher antidepressant doses to experience benefits similar to those whose deficiency is corrected by VitD supplementation.