Higher Incidence Of Depressive Symptoms Research Articles

Sport practice and depression during adolescence: special emphasis on performance level and sport discipline

ObjectivesDepression is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, with almost half of the adolescent population affected according to latest research. Given this serious burden of disease, research points towards interventions that could effectively fight this disease in this population subset. One of these pivotal interventions is physical activity, although the effects of different sport types and sport performance level on depression has not yet been studied in adolescent populations. Accordingly, the objective of the current study was to assess the relationship between depressive symptoms, sport type and performance level in a large adolescent population. DesignCros-sectional study assessing a large cohort of adolescents through self-reported data. Methods10,248 participants aged 11–19 years old answered questionnaires regarding depressive symptoms and sporting habits and were classified according to their sports performance level: from physically inactive to internationally competitive. ResultsGirls reported higher incidence of depressive symptoms than boys, difference that further increased during late adolescence. Performance level was related to depressive symptoms: inactive participants reported the highest depressive scores while internationally competitive athletes reported the lowest. However, there were no differences between competitive athletes of different performance levels. Further, sport type had a small influence on depressive symptoms. ConclusionsAll these findings result in a potential guideline for future research and community health recommendations: as long as sufficient physical activity levels are met and the adolescent engages in sporting activities, the protection against depressive symptoms remains largely unrelated to the sport type and the level at which he or she performs.

The association between urbanization and depression in the elderly: A network analysis from the complexity science perspective

ImportanceThe global increase in urbanization has coincided with a rise in depression prevalence. However, the effect of urbanization on depression remains controversial, especially for the elderly. ObjectiveTo clarify how urbanization impacts depression in the elderly from a network perspective. Design, setting, and participantsThis sectional cohort study used data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Main outcomes and measuresThe occurrence of depressive symptoms in urban and rural elderly residents. Network metrics of depressive symptoms. ResultsOf the 13,993 participants, lower incidence of depressive symptoms was observed in urban (26.3 %, 95 % CI, 24.7 %–27.8 %) than in rural (40.4 %, 95 % CI, 39.5 %–41.3 %, P < 0.0001) residents. However, higher incidence of depressive symptoms was observed in urban (26.3 %, 95 % CI, 25.2 %–28.4 %) than in rural (17.5 %, 95 % CI, 16.1 %–18.9 %, P < 0.0001) residents in a subset of 2898 pairs of participants after PSM. No difference in the network structure and metrics between urban and rural residents before (M = 0.071, p = 0.054, S = 0.037, p = 0.80) and after (M = 0.085, p = 0.133, S = 0.086, p = 0.47) PSM was detected. The networks structure revealed that negative affect was strongly connected to somatic symptoms and that the two anhedonic symptoms were also strongly connected. ConclusionsThe current study indicated the homogeneity of the ultimate nature of depression between rural and urban residents from the network perspective, supporting the viewpoint that urbanization might not impose influence on depression. Further researches delving deeper into the complexity of the issue may provide new insights into our understanding of depression in an urban environment among the elderly.

Impacts of the Early COVID-19 Pandemic on Depressive Symptoms and Mental Health Among Student-Athletes.

Social distancing protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in premature ending of athletic seasons and cancellation of upcoming seasons, placing significant stress on young athletes. Inability to play or forced early retirement has significant consequences on athlete's mental health, as demonstrated by an extensive body of injury literature. We hypothesize that premature suspension and cancellation of athletic events due to the COVID-19 pandemic leads to higher incidence of depressive symptoms among high-school and collegiate athletes. Further, athletes who strongly derive their sense of self-worth centered around athletics would have higher rates of depressive symptoms. High school and collegiate athletes were evaluated for depressive symptoms, emotional health and athletic identity measures through validated assessment instruments from May 2020 through July 2020. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Depression Computer Adaptive Test (PROMIS-10 Depression CAT), Veterans RAND-12 (VR-12), which comprises both a physical and mental health component, and Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) were utilized. Mental health assessments were completed by 515 athletes (52.4% male, 47.6% female; .84.5% collegiate, 15.5% high school). Female athletes scored significantly worse than males on VR-12 mental health assessments, as well as PROMIS-10 Depression scores; however, males scored significantly lower than females on VR-12 physical health assessments, irrespective of education level. Athletes who had strong associations with athletics as central to their personal identity exhibited worse psychologic impact on VR-12 mental health and PROMIS-10 Depression measures and female athletes in this cohort reported greater depressive symptoms than males. Social distancing protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic have limited athlete's ability to participate in sports at the training and competition level. Higher rates of depressive symptoms in high school and college athletes have resulted among female athletes and those who identify strongly as an athlete.

Association between Statin use and Incident Peripheral Artery Disease According to Race, Age, and Presence of Depression in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

BackgroundPeripheral artery disease (PAD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality and has been commonly described as a coronary heart disease equivalent. Statin medications are recommended for primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) among other indications. Therefore, understanding the longitudinal relationship of incident PAD is necessary to inform future research on how to prevent disease. Depression complicates cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients’ ability to properly adhere to their medications, yet the effect of depression on the relationship between statin use and incident PAD is understudied. People with PAD have a higher incidence of depressive symptoms than people without PAD. Black American and Hispanic populations are disproportionately affected by both PAD and depression yet research on the modifying effect of either race or depression on the relationship between statin use and onset of PAD is minimal. While statin utilization is highest for ages 75–84, there is minimal evidence of favorable risk–benefit balance. Consequently, in this project, we examined the relationship between statin use and incident peripheral artery disease and whether this relationship is modified by race/ethnicity, depressive symptoms, or age. MethodsWe used data on participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) from visit 1 (2000) through study visit 6 (2020) who had three separate measurements of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) taken at visit 1, visit 3, and visit 5. Incident PAD was defined as 1) incident lower extremity amputation or revascularization or 2) ABI less than 0.90 coupled with ABI decrease greater than 0.15 over the follow-up period. Statin use was noted on the study visit prior to incident PAD diagnosis while depressive symptoms were measured at exam 1, visit 3, and visit 5. Propensity score matching was implemented to create balance between the participants in the two treatment groups, i.e., statin treated and statin untreated groups to reduce the problem of confounding by indication. Propensity scores were calculated using multivariate logistic regression model to estimate the probability of receiving statin treatment. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to investigate the relationship between time-dependent statin use as well as other risk factors with incident PAD, overall and stratified by 1) race,2) depression status, and 3) age ResultsA total 4,210 participants were included in the final matched analytic cohort. There were 810 (19.3%) incident cases of PAD that occurred over an average (mean) of 11.3 (SD=5.7) years of follow-up time. In the statin treated group, and with the average follow-up time of 12.5 (SD=5.6) years. there were 281 (13.4%) cases of incident PAD with the average follow-up time of 10.1 (SD=5.5), whereas in the statin untreated group, there were 531 (25.2%) cases (p<0.001). Results demonstrate a lower risk of PAD event in statin treated group compared to untreated group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33-0.62) over the span 18.5 years. The interactions between 1) depression and 2) race with statin use for incident PAD were not significant. However other risk factors which were significant included Black American race that had approximately 30% lower hazard of PAD compared to non-Hispanic White (HR=0.70, 95% CI: 0.58-0.84); Age-stratified models were also fitted, and stain use was still a significant treatment factor for ages 45-54 (HR 0.45, 95% CI: 0.33-0.63), 55-64 (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.46-0.79), and 65-74 years (HR 0.61, 95% CI: 0.48-0.78) but not for 75-84 years. ConclusionStatin use was associated with a decreased risk of incident PAD for those under age 75. Neither race nor depression significantly modified the relationship between statin use and incident PAD however risk of incident PAD was lower among Blacks Americans. These findings highlight that the benefit of statin may wane for those over the age 75. Findings also suggest statin use may not be compromised in those living with depression.

Regional differences in the effects of healthy aging on depressive symptoms: a Korean longitudinal study of aging (2006-2020).

Depression is a widely prevalent, often recurrent condition. To analyze the regional differences in depressive symptoms over time, we investigated urban-rural differences in change in depression over time in South Korea and the association between healthy aging and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults. Data collected in the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, from 2006 to 2020, of adult participants aged ≥45 years without depressive symptoms were analyzed. Healthy aging was defined under five principal components: absence of chronic disease, good physical function, normal cognitive function, active social engagement, and good psychological adaptation. Depressive symptoms were measured using the short version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Using the Andersen-Gill model for recurrent time-to-event, we examined the effect of healthy aging on depressive symptoms, with a subgroup analysis based on the residential area. Of the 7,708 participants, 78.2% lived in urban areas and 39.4% achieved healthy aging. In 2008, rural residents had a higher incidence of depressive symptoms (rural 11.8%; urban 8.9%); however, after 2016, the depressive symptoms of urban residents gradually increased (rural 6.4%; urban 12.1%). Unhealthy aging (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.04, 95% confidence interval: 2.72-3.39) and urban residence (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.15, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-1.24) were risk factors for depressive symptoms. The subgroup analysis revealed that individuals who did not achieve healthy aging had an increased risk of depressive symptoms, regardless of their residential area (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: urban, 3.13 [2.75-3.55]; rural 2.59 [2.05-3.28]). As urbanization accelerates, urban residents have a higher risk of depressive symptoms than rural residents. Healthy aging is an essential factor in reducing depressive symptoms. To achieve healthy aging, appropriate interventions and policies that target the middle-aged adults and gradually extend to older adults are needed, considering individual and regional factors.

Subjective Cognitive Decline and Frailty Trajectories and Influencing Factors in Japanese Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study.

We studied frailty and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) trajectories in older Japanese adults and evaluated the influence of various factors on these trajectories. We analyzed data from 1157 non-demented adults aged 70 and above from 2013 to 2019. Frailty was assessed using the self-administered Kihon Checklist (KCL), a Japanese frailty index. SCD was evaluated using the questionnaire of the Subjective Memory Complaints scale. Through group-based joint trajectory models, we discerned three frailty trajectories: non-progressive (n = 775), moderate progressive (n = 312), and rapid progressive (n = 70); and three SCD trajectories: non-progressive (n = 302), moderate progressive (n = 625), and rapid progressive (n = 230). Individuals in the rapid progressive SCD trajectory had a 32.2% probability of also being in the rapid progressive frailty trajectory. In contrast, those in the non-progressive SCD trajectory had zero probability of being in the rapid progressive frailty trajectory. Both the rapid progressive frailty and SCD groups combined had a higher incidence of depressive symptoms and slow gait speed. Our results have found that frailty and SCD share a similar trajectory in Japanese older adults. Additionally, rapid progressive frailty and SCD were associated with the highest risk of depressive symptoms and slow gait speed. Thus, interventions targeting both frailty and cognitive decline should prioritize mental health enhancement and gait speed improvement.

Impact of a diabetes pay-for-performance program on nonincentivized mental disorders: a panel study based on claims database analysis

BackgroundDiabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases with subsequent complications. The positive effects of diabetes pay-for-performance (P4P) programs on treatment outcomes have been reported. The program provides financial incentives based on physiological care indicators, but common mental disorder complications such as depression are not covered.MethodsThis study employed a natural experimental design to examine the spillover effects of diabetes P4P program on patients with nonincentivized depressive symptoms. The intervention group consisted of diabetes patients enrolled in the DM P4P program from 2010 to 2015. Unenrolled patients were selected by propensity score matching to form the comparison group. Difference-in-differences analyses were conducted to evaluate the effects of P4P programs. We employed generalized estimating equation (GEE) models, difference-in-differences analyses and difference-in-difference-in-differences analyses to evaluate the net effect of diabetes P4P programs. Changes in medical expenses (outpatient and total health care costs) over time were analysed for the treatment and comparison groups.ResultsThe results showed that enrolled patients had a higher incidence of depressive symptoms than unenrolled patients. The outpatient and total care expenses of diabetes patients with depressive symptoms were lower in the intervention group than in the comparison group. Diabetes patients with depressive symptoms enrolled in the DM P4P program had lower expenses for depression-related care than those not enrolled in the program.ConclusionsThe DM P4P program benefits diabetes patients by screening for depressive symptoms and lowering accompanying health care expenses. These positive spillover effects may be an important aspect of physical and mental health in patients with chronic disease enrolled in disease management programs while contributing to the control of health care expenses for chronic diseases.

Association between drug craving and aggression in Chinese male methamphetamine-dependent patients with and without depressive symptoms.

Depressive symptoms and aggression are common in patients with substance use disorder. Drug craving is one of the main drivers of drug-seeking behavior. This study aimed to explore the relationship between drug craving and aggression in methamphetamine use disorder (MAUD) patients with and without depressive symptoms. Totally, 613 male patients with MAUD were recruited in this study. Patients with depressive symptoms were identified by the 13-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-13). Drug craving and aggression were assessed by the Desires for Drug Questionnaire (DDQ) and the Buss & Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), respectively. 374 patients (61.01%) were confirmed to meet the criteria of depressive symptoms. Patients with depressive symptoms had significantly higher DDQ and BPAQ total scores than those without depressive symptoms. DDQ desire and intention were positively correlated with verbal aggression and hostility in patients with depressive symptoms, whereas they were correlated with self-directed aggression in patients without depressive symptoms. In patients with depressive symptoms, DDQ negative reinforcement and a history of suicide attempts were independently associated with BPAQ total score. Our study suggests that male MAUD patients have a high incidence of depressive symptoms and that patients with depressive symptoms may have greater drug cravings and aggression. Depressive symptoms may play a role in the association between drug craving and aggression in patients with MAUD.

The Impact of Distance Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity and Well-Being of Czech and Polish Adolescents.

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe aim of this study was to identify the changes in the structure of weekly physical activity (PA) and well‐being among adolescent boys and girls between habitual education (HE) and distance education (DE) during the pandemic in secondary schools.METHODSThe research was carried out in 12 Czech and 18 Polish schools during 2019 to 2020 academic session for HE and 2020 to 2021 academic session for DE. The research involved 723 girls and 626 boys aged 15 to 18 years. The structure of the weekly PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire‐Long Form, while well‐being was assessed using the World Health Organization‐5 Well‐Being Index.RESULTSThere was a statistically significant decrease of PA among boys in school PA, transportation PA, recreation PA, vigorous PA, moderate PA, walking, and overall weekly PA during the DE resulting from the pandemic. In girls, during DE, a decrease was observed in school PA, vigorous PA, and overall PA. During DE, a high level of well‐being was reported by only 34.9% of girls (43.8% during HE) and 50% of boys (65.6% during HE).CONCLUSIONSThe observed low PA and high incidence of depressive symptoms in adolescents in distance education during pandemic constraints are a challenge for schools to change in supporting physical activity, eliminating similar negative impacts on school life in the future.

Association Between Migraine Comorbidity and Psychiatric Symptoms Among People With Newly Diagnosed Focal Epilepsy.

Little is known about psychiatric symptoms among patients with migraine and newly diagnosed focal epilepsy. The investigators compared symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality among people with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy with migraine versus without migraine. The Human Epilepsy Project is a prospective multicenter study of patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy. Depression (measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), anxiety (measured with the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale), and suicidality scores (measured with the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale [C-SSRS]) were compared between participants with versus without migraine. Data analysis was performed with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for normality assessment, the Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and linear regression. Of 349 patients with new-onset focal epilepsy, 74 (21.2%) had migraine. There were no differences between the patients without migraine versus those with migraine in terms of age, race, and level of education. There were more women in the group with migraine than in the group without migraine (75.7% vs. 55.6%, p=0.0018). The patients with epilepsy and comorbid migraine had more depressive symptoms than the patients with epilepsy without migraine (35.2% vs. 22.7%, p=0.031). Patients with epilepsy with comorbid migraine had more anxiety symptoms than patients with epilepsy without migraine, but this relation was mediated by age in logistic regression, with younger age being associated with anxiety. Comorbid migraine was not associated with C-SSRS ideation or behavior. Among a sample of patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy, 21.2% had migraine. Migraine comorbidity was associated with higher incidence of depressive symptoms. Future studies should be performed to better assess these relationships and possible treatment implications.

Retinal Microvascular Caliber and Incident Depressive Symptoms: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Cerebral microvascular dysfunction may contribute to depression via disruption of brain structures involved in mood regulation, but evidence is limited. The retina allows for visualization of a microvascular bed that shares similarities with the cerebral microvasculature. We investigated the associations between baseline retinal arteriolar and venular calibers (central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE), respectively) and incident depressive symptoms in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). We used longitudinal data on 4,366 participants (mean age = 63.2 years; 48.5% women, 28.4% Black) without baseline depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms, defined as Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score ≥16 and/or use of antidepressant medication, were determined between 2002 and 2004 (baseline; MESA visit 2) and at 3 follow-up examinations conducted every 1.5–2 years thereafter. Fundus photography was performed at baseline. After a mean follow-up period of 6.1 years, 21.9% (n = 958) had incident depressive symptoms. After adjustment for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and cardiovascular factors, a 1–standard-deviation larger baseline CRVE was associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms (hazard ratio = 1.10, 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 1.17), and a 1–standard-deviation larger baseline CRAE was not statistically significantly associated with incident depressive symptoms (hazard ratio = 1.04, 95% confidence interval: 0.97, 1.11). In this study, larger baseline CRVE, but not CRAE, was associated with a higher incidence of depressive symptoms.

Longitudinal associations between household solid fuel use and depression in middle-aged and older Chinese population: A cohort study

BackgroundPrevious studies found that ambient air pollution was associated with a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms. However, the longitudinal associations between household solid fuel use, which is the main source of household air pollution, and depressive symptoms remain unclear. This cohort study aimed to explore the associations between household solid fuel use and incidence of depressive symptoms in China. MethodsIn total, 8637 participants were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. The associations between baseline household solid fuel use and the incidence of depressive symptoms were examined using Cox proportional hazards regression models. ResultsDuring the 4-year of follow-up, 2074 of 8637 participants developed depressive symptoms. Compared with participants who used clean fuel for both heating and cooking, the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence intervals [95% CI]) for depressive symptoms incidence in participants who used solid fuels for two purposes (cooking and heating) was 1.15 (1.01, 1.31). In the solid fuel use subgroup analysis, use of solid fuels for cooking (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.02–1.24) was associated with a higher incidence of depressive symptoms after adjustments while use for heating (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.93–1.18) was not. Moreover, compared with persistent solid fuel users, switching from solid to clean fuels for cooking resulted in a lower risk of depressive symptoms before adjustments (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.71–0.95) and a non-significant association (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.77–1.04) afterwards. ConclusionsThe results suggest that household solid fuel use for cooking was associated with a higher incidence of depressive symptoms. Preventive strategies based on improving household cooking environment for depressive symptoms should be established.

Longitudinal Association Between Sleep Duration and Depressive Symptoms in Chinese Elderly.

AimThis study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal association between sleep duration and depressive symptoms among the elderly in China.MethodsA data set from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2011, 2013 and 2015 was adopted with a total of 22,847 respondents aged ≥60-years-old. A linear regression analysis with generalized estimating equations was employed to examine the longitudinal associations between duration of total sleep, nighttime sleep and daytime nap, and depressive symptoms.ResultsAn extra hour of total sleep including nighttime sleep and daytime nap was associated with lower incidence of depressive symptoms among the elderly after adjusting all confounders (OR=0.83, 95% CI: 0.82–0.84). In addition, an extra hour of nighttime sleep (OR=0.82, 95% CI: 0.80–0.83) or daytime nap (OR=0.93, 95% CI: 0.89–0.97) was also negatively associated with depressive symptoms among the elderly. After controlling the total sleep time, an extra hour of nighttime sleep was negatively associated with depressive symptoms (OR=0.88, 95% CI: 0.84 to 0.92), while an extra hour of daytime nap displayed a positive association with depressive symptoms (OR=0.88, 95% CI: 0.84 to 0.92). Compared with the moderate nappers, only extended nappers had significantly higher incidence of depressive symptoms (OR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.19 to 1.45).ConclusionFor the elderly in China, increasing their total sleep, nighttime sleep, and/or daytime nap duration would reduce the incidence of depressive symptoms. Moreover, after fixing the total sleep time, increasing nighttime sleep was more beneficial to the decrease of the incidence of depressive symptoms than daytime nap.

Association of 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 with depressive symptoms in patients with coronary heart disease: A prospective study

Background5-HTTLPR/rs25531 is suspected to be involved in the pathogenesis of both coronary heart disease (CHD)1 and depression. We aimed to investigate the role of 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 in the development of depressive symptoms among CHD patients in a longitudinal design. MethodsN = 265 participants with CHD diagnosis were included while hospitalized in a department of cardiology and genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR/rs25531. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)7 at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. Binary logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 with the prevalence of depressive symptoms at each time point as well as with the incidence and persistence of depressive symptoms at follow-up. Results“LALA” genotype was associated with a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms 12 months after study inclusion. “LALA” genotype was associated with a higher incidence of depressive symptoms 6 and 12 months after study inclusion. There was no association of 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 with the persistence of depressive symptoms. LimitationsInclusion criteria did not demand a particular cardiac event at baseline, which aggravated the interpretation of the time-specific results. The majority of the participants was of male gender which could cause bias. The present study only vaguely differentiated between ethnical groups which might cause bias regarding nationality-dependent allele distributions. ConclusionThe present study suggests a time-dependent association of the “LALA” genotype with depressive symptoms in CHD patients. 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 might be an important marker to detect risk groups for later onset depressive symptoms among CHD patients.

Morphofunctional characterization of elderly women according to depressive symptomatology

Introduction: Aging is an irreversible physiological process that promote changes on biological parameters that culminate in limitations in the execution of daily tasks Objective: Evaluate the morphofunctional parameters of the elderly with and without depressive symptomatology. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive exploratory study was carried out using the protocol of evaluation of the functional autonomy of the Latin American Development Group for Maturity (GDLAN Protocol), consisting of walking 10 meters (C10m), rising from the sitting position (LPS), rising from the ventral position (LPDV) and rising from a chair and moving around the house (LCLC). Results: No significant differences (p&gt;0.05) were found between the groups on functional tests and anthropometric parameters, however, statistical differences (p = 0.001) were found between the groups in the general GDLAM index. Additionally, a positive correlation (r2 : 0.778; p&lt;0.01) was observed between the scores of depressive symptomatology and the general index GDLAM indicating that impairments in functional fitness proportionally higher incidence of depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The results suggest that elderly women with a depressive symptom present lower physical fitness than elderly women without symptoms of depression, and that physical activity is necessary for both samples to contribute to the improvement of daily life activities.

Psychosocial Aspects of Pornography

Introduction: Pornography is the term given for non-relational sex without any requirements for relational intimacy. It has appeared in all cultures and civilizations over centuries. Research into the area of addictive sexual behaviors on the Internet incorporates the various constructs surrounding compulsive sexual behavior. Pornography and society: Excess viewing of pornography has been said to be associated with psychiatric comorbidities such as anxiety and depression, and even sexual dysfunction. Individuals with pornography addiction have lower degrees of social integration, increase in conduct problems, higher levels of delinquent behavior, higher incidence of depressive symptoms, and decreased emotional bonding with caregivers. Pornography is an expression of fantasies and is said to have the potential to rewire pleasure centers of the brain and alter structures and function. Conclusion: Pornography can bring about significant changes in the brain similar to what can be seen in drug addictions. Owing to the boom of technology and easy access to such material, it is imperative to provide specifically designed pornography addiction education programs to educate students about the adverse effects of pornography.

Carotid Artery Stiffness and Incident Depressive Symptoms: The Paris Prospective Study III

BackgroundArterial stiffness may contribute to late-life depression via cerebral microvascular damage, but evidence is scarce. No longitudinal study has evaluated the association between arterial stiffness and risk of depressive symptoms. Therefore, we investigated the association between carotid artery stiffness and incident depressive symptoms in a large community-based cohort study. MethodsThis longitudinal study included 7013 participants (mean age 59.7 ± 6.3 years; 35.8% women) free of depressive symptoms at baseline. Carotid artery stiffness (high-resolution echo tracking) was determined at baseline. Presence of depressive symptoms was determined at baseline and at 4 and 6 years of follow-up, and was defined as a score ≥7 on the validated Questionnaire of Depression, Second Version, Abridged and/or new use of antidepressant medication. Logistic regression and generalized estimating equations were used. ResultsIn total, 6.9% (n = 484) of the participants had incident depressive symptoms. Individuals in the lowest tertile of carotid distensibility coefficient (indicating greater carotid artery stiffness) compared with those in the highest tertile had a higher risk of incident depressive symptoms (odds ratio: 1.43; 95% confidence interval: 1.10–1.87), after adjustment for age, sex, living alone, education, lifestyle, cardiovascular risk factors, and baseline Questionnaire of Depression, Second Version, Abridged scores. Results were qualitatively similar when we used carotid Young’s elastic modulus as a measure of carotid stiffness instead of carotid distensibility coefficient, and when we used generalized estimating equations instead of logistic regression. ConclusionsGreater carotid stiffness is associated with a higher incidence of depressive symptoms. This supports the hypothesis that carotid stiffness may contribute to the development of late-life depression.

Abstract 112: Carotid Artery Stiffness Increases the Risk of Incident Depressive Symptoms: The Paris Prospective Study 3

Introduction: Late-life depression is related to poor quality of life, functional impairment, and increased risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease. Effective interventions for prevention and treatment of late-life depression need to be developed, which requires a better understanding of late-life depression risk factors. Arterial stiffness, an important cardiovascular disease risk factor, may contribute to late-life depression via cerebrovascular damage, but evidence is scarce. Aim: We investigated the association between carotid artery stiffness and incident depressive symptoms in a large community-based cohort study. Methods: This longitudinal study included 7,013 participants (60 (SD 6) years; 36% women) free of depressive symptoms at baseline. Carotid stiffness (high-resolution echotracking) was determined at baseline. Presence of depressive symptoms was determined at baseline and at 4 and 6 years of follow-up, and was defined as a score ≥7 on a validated 13-item questionnaire (Q2DA) and/or new use of antidepressants. Cox regression and generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used. Results: In total, 6.9% (n=484) of the participants had incident depressive symptoms at 4 or 6 years of follow-up. Greater carotid stiffness was associated with a higher incidence of depressive symptoms (Figure). Results were qualitatively similar when GEE was used instead of Cox regression. Conclusions: Greater carotid stiffness is associated with a higher incidence of depressive symptoms. This study supports the hypothesis that carotid stiffness contributes to the development of late-life depression.

The relationship between the dietary inflammatory index (DII®) and incident depressive symptoms: A longitudinal cohort study

BackgroundDiet is a common source of inflammation, and inflammation is associated with depression. We examined the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII®), a validated measure of inflammatory potential of the diet, and risk of depression in a cohort of older North American adults. MethodsThis longitudinal study, with a follow-up of 8 years, included 3648 participants (1577 males, 2071 females; mean age: 60.6 years) with/at risk of knee osteoarthritis. DII® scores were calculated using the validated Block Brief 2000 Food-Frequency Questionnaire. Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression-20 scale was used to define depressive symptoms. The relationship between baseline DII® score and incident depression was assessed through Cox's regression analysis, adjusted for potential confounders, and reported as hazard ratios (HRs). ResultsIn total, 837 individuals (310 men and 527 women) developed incident depressive symptoms over the course of 8 years. Participants in the most pro-inflammatory group (quartile 4) had approximately 24% higher risk of developing depressive symptoms compared to subjects with the most anti-inflammatory diet (HR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.01–1.53; p = 0.04). ConclusionThese results suggest that a pro-inflammatory diet may be associated with higher incidence of depressive symptoms in a cohort of older Americans. Transitioning to a more anti-inflammatory diet may reduce depression risk.

Depressive symptoms in people with disabilities; secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the United Kingdom and Greece

BackgroundEvidence suggests there is an association between depressive symptoms and disability. Objective/HypothesisThe objective of this study was to examine whether people with disabilities in the United Kingdom and Greece face more depressive symptoms than people without disabilities. The hypothesis was that people with disabilities in both countries are more likely to experience depressive symptoms. MethodsWe used data from the 2014 European Health Interview Survey (wave 2). After performing principal-component factor analysis, we carried out logistic regressions, in order to investigate differences in depressive symptoms between people with and without disabilities, and examine the factors affecting depressive symptoms for people with disabilities. ResultsPeople with disabilities in the UK were 2.8 times more likely to experience depressive symptoms compared to people without disabilities (95% C.I.: 2.51–3.05, p < .001), while in Greece, they were 2.2 times more likely to do so (95% C.I.: 1.90–2.64, p < .001). Our findings regarding people with disabilities showed that women, older people (in Greece), unemployed and inactive people (in Greece), and better-educated people (in the UK) were more likely to experience depressive symptoms. Married people, older people (in the UK), people living in densely-populated areas (in Greece), people who assessed their health as ‘average’ or ‘good’, and people who enjoyed social support (in Greece) were less likely to face depressive symptoms. ConclusionsDue to population-ageing and higher incidence of depressive symptoms in disabled people, it is important that policies are put in place to address the mental health needs of this population.