History Of Depression Research Articles

Biopsychosocial factors intersecting with weekly sleep difficulties in the menopause transition

ObjectivesSleep difficulties are common in the menopause transition and increase risk for a variety of physical and psychological problems. The current study investigated potential interactions between psychosocial variables and within-person changes in ovarian hormones in predicting perimenopausal sleep problems as well as the potential interactions between poor sleep and psychosocial factors in predicting worsened mood, affect, and attention. Study designThe sample included 101 perimenopausal individuals. Participants completed 12 weekly assessments of self-reported sleep outcomes, depressive mood and affect, and attention function, and of estrone glucuronide (E1G) and pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG) levels (urinary metabolites of estradiol and progesterone, respectively); they also had 24-h tracking of vasomotor symptoms. Other psychosocial variables such as trauma history and stressful life events were assessed at baseline. ResultsA history of depression, baseline depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, and more severe and bothersome vasomotor symptoms predicted worsened sleep outcomes. Recent stressful life events, trauma history, and person-centred E1G and PdG changes did not predict sleep outcomes. However, there was an interaction whereby person-centred E1G decreases predicted lower sleep efficiency in those with higher baseline depressive symptoms. Higher baseline depression and trauma history also amplified the effect of vasomotor symptoms on sleep outcomes. In evaluating the effect of poor sleep on psychological and cognitive outcomes, stressful life events emerged as a moderating factor. Finally, trauma history and poor sleep interacted to predict worsened attention function. ConclusionsThe current study suggests that certain individuals may be at greater risk of perimenopausal sleep problems and the resulting negative effects on mood and cognition.

Low back pain among college students in a public Saudi university: A cross-sectional study.

Low back pain (LBP) is the most prevalent orthopedic condition worldwide. University students are more likely to have this issue due to their demanding and time-consuming course load. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of LBP and the factors that lead to it among students at the Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU). This cross-sectional study targeted undergraduate students using an online self-administered questionnaire. A descriptive analysis method was conducted. Of the 830 students who completed the survey, 71.4% were females. About two-thirds were aged between 18 and 22 years. Our study shows that 68.2% had complained of recent LBP. The most significant prevalent factor associated with LBP among IMAMU students, 94.2%, was prolonged sitting. Heavy object lifting is 93.2%, and unhealthy seating/body position is 90.2%, which comes in second and third place. Those who complained about the discomfort of their lecture hall seats were shown to be dramatically more likely (5.549 times more) to develop LBP than students who did not. Students with a positive history of depression were significantly more prone (2.565-fold) to LBP. A positive family history of LBP and smoking cigarettes were found to increase the chance of developing LBP. LBP among IMSIU students is high, mainly because of prolonged sitting, heavy object lifting, and unhealthy sitting and/or body position. There is a strong association between LBP and a positive family history of LBP, smoking, and uncomfortable seats. Prevenive measures, such as an intervention program for university students, are required.

Clinical Correlates of Premenstrual Suicidal Ideation Among Women in Makkah Population.

Introduction Suicidal ideation (SI), planning, and attempts have been found to be more common in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This study assessed the association between PMS, PMDD, and SI within the Makkah population,in Saudi Arabia. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study that simply characterizes the prevalence of a health outcome in a specified population was done on 733 women using an online questionnaire. Data about demographics, menstrual cycle, PMS, past psychiatric history, prior history of PMDD, and previous drug treatment for PMDD were collected. The chi-square and Fisher exact tests were applied. Results Of the participants, 540 (73.7%) had an age represented the age of 18-25 years old, 551 (75.2%) were single, 592 (80.8%) did not have children, 352 (48.0%) had a four-year college education, and 552 (75.3%) had a monthly income of less than 5000 SR. Exactly 704 (96.0%) were menstruating, 539 (73.5%) had regular menstrual cycles, 640 (87.3%) reported low shock trauma, 201 (27.4%) reported a history of anxiety, and 541 (73.8%) reported an impact of premenstrual disorders on mental health. Of them, 662 (90.3%) experienced premenstrual symptoms, 53 (7.2%) had a previous diagnosis of premenstrual symptoms, and 62 (8.5%) had a history of a suicide attempt. Those aged 18 to 25 years, who have no children, have a monthly income of less than 5000, are unemployed, have irregular menstruation, have medical interventions due to premenstrual symptoms, have a lifelong history of depression or anxiety, and have a history of high shock trauma had a significantly higher prevalence of a history of a suicide attempt. These factors were independent predictors on regression analysis. Conclusion The link between PMD and the likelihood of suicide attempts highlights how crucial it is to treat severe PMDs in the context of mental health.

The unseen burden: the tangled web of paternal postpartum depression and childhood resilience

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health disorder that has received little attention (both clinically and experimentally) and is underdiagnosed. PPD is most associated with mothers after giving birth. However, it may also affect fathers for unknown reasons. Poverty, a family history of depression, and hormonal changes are all risk factors for PPD in fathers. Although not much is known about paternal PPD, research indicates that it is often 8.7% prevalent in the first year, peaking between 3 and 6 months after childbirth (9.2%).

Antenatal and postpartum depression in women who conceived after infertility treatment: a longitudinal study

ABSTRACT Background Although the association between a history of infertility treatment and perinatal depression has been investigated, most research has been cross-sectional and has not used diagnostic assessment tools. Aims This study investigates longitudinally the association between a history of infertility treatment and perinatal depression using WHO-Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0 (WHO-CIDI 3.0) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Methods This study used data (N = 2,435) from the control group of a randomised controlled trial on a sample of pregnant women. Survival analysis was used to examine the influence of infertility treatment on perinatal depressive disorder evaluated by WHO-CIDI 3.0. The EPDS scores at four time points (T1 [baseline]: 18 ± 2 weeks gestation, T2: 32 weeks gestation, T3: 1 week postpartum, T4: 3 months postpartum) were analysed using generalised mixed model analysis. Results The risk of experiencing a major depressive episode evaluated by WHO-CIDI 3.0 did not significantly differ between women conceiving through infertility treatment and those conceiving spontaneously (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.64, p = 0.109). The longitudinal analysis demonstrated that EPDS scores significantly increased at T3 and T4 among women conceiving through infertility treatment compared with those conceiving spontaneously (adjusted estimates of fixed effect from T1 to T3: 1.17, p < 0.01; from T1 to T4: 0.71, p = 0.022). Conclusion Women conceiving through infertility treatment were not found to have a higher risk of diagnosable perinatal depressive disorder than those conceiving naturally. However, a history of infertility treatment can marginally increase sub-clinical postpartum depressive symptoms.

Analysis of Salivary Neuropeptides in Anxiety and Depression Using the Luminex MAGPIX® System.

Anxiety and depressive disorders are highly prevalent mental health conditions, affecting millions worldwide.Advancements in neurobiology have identified the effects of various neuropeptides in modulating mood and stress responses.Some of the well-researched neuropeptides in plasma are oxytocin (OXT), alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), beta-endorphin, neurotensin, and substance P.In this study, we used methods of liquid biopsy to acquire saliva samples to analyze the concentrations of neuropeptides associated with depression. The study was conducted in Bratislava, Slovakia, from January to June 2022. Participants were 20 subjects treated for depression and anxiety without medication; the control group consisted of 20 healthy individuals with no personal history of depression or anxiety. Salivary samples were collected using buccal swabs to measure the concentrations of the examined neuropeptides. Laboratory analysis was based on detecting fluorescent signals performed on the Luminex MAGPIX® System (Luminex Corporation, Austin, Texas).Means and standard deviations were calculated for individual neuropeptide levels.To determine if there are statistically significant differences in neuropeptide levels between individuals with and without depression, independent t-tests and a one-way ANOVA were conducted. Our findings indicate a significant decrease in all studied neuropeptides in subjects compared to healthy controls. Reductions in mean levels were observed for OXT (7.3), alpha-MSH (3.9), beta-endorphin (2.9), neurotensin (15.1), and a 6.9-fold decrease for substance P.Alpha-MSH and beta-endorphin showed higher variability in measured levels within both groups. The results of this study indicate that the levels of the studied salivary neuropeptides, OXT, alpha-MSH, beta-endorphin, neurotensin, and substance P, are statistically significantly reduced in individuals with depression compared to healthy controls.

The association of depression with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality risk among transgender and gender diverse and cisgender patients

BackgroundTransgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals have elevated mental and physical health disparities and a greater mortality risk compared to their cisgender (non-TGD) counterparts. MethodsWe assessed differences in the association of depression with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among TGD and cisgender Veterans Administration patients. A sample of 8981 TGD patients, matched 1:3 with cisgender patients (n = 26,924) patients, was created from administrative and electronic health record data from October 1, 1999 to December 31, 2016. Cox proportional regression models stratified by gender modality (i.e., TGD and cisgender) were used to assess the hazard of all-cause and CVD mortality associated with a history of depression. ResultsAdjusted models demonstrated that depression was significantly associated with a greater hazard of all-cause mortality among both TGD (aHR:1.18, 95 % CI: 1.04–1.34) and cisgender (aHR:1.22, 95 % CI: 1.17–1.28) patients. Similar to all-cause mortality, depression was significantly associated with a greater hazard of CVD mortality among cisgender patients ≥65 years (aHR = 1.23, 95 % CI = 1.13–1.35). Findings for TGD patients showed a similar pattern, though results were not significant. LimitationsHazards may be underestimated since depression may be underdiagnosed. Further, we were unable to adjust for other health-related risk factors tied to mortality (e.g., smoking). ConclusionOverall, depression was associated with a greater hazard of all-cause mortality among both TGD and cisgender patients. Future work should assess the equity of reach, quality, and outcomes of treatment for depression for TGD populations given the lack of attention to addressing the needs of this important patient demographic.

Comorbidity of concussion and depression alters brain functional connectivity in collegiate student-athletes

Depression and concussion are highly prevalent neuropsychological disorders that often occur simultaneously. However, due to the high degree of symptom overlap between the two events, including but not limited to headache, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, they may be treated in isolation. Thus, clinical awareness of additive symptom load may be missed. This study measures neuropsychological and electroencephalography (EEG) alpha band coherence differences in collegiate student-athletes with history of comorbid depression and concussion, in comparison to those with a single morbidity and healthy controls (HC). 35 collegiate athletes completed neuropsychological screenings and EEG measures. Participants were grouped by concussion and depression history. Differences in alpha band coherence were calculated using two-way ANOVA with post hoc correction for multiple comparisons. Comorbid participants scored significantly worse on neuropsychological screening, BDI-FS, and PCSS than those with a single morbidity and HC. Two-way ANOVA by group revealed significant main effects of alpha band coherence for concussion, depression, and their interaction term. Post-hoc analysis showed that comorbid participants had more abnormal alpha band coherence than single morbidity, when compared to HC. Comorbidity of concussion and depression increased symptom reporting and revealed more altered alpha band coherence than single morbidity, compared to HC. The abnormalities of the comorbid group exclusively showed decreased alpha band coherence in comparison to healthy controls. The comorbidity of depression and SRC has a compounding effect on depression symptoms, post-concussion symptoms, and brain functional connectivity. This research demonstrates a promising objective measure in comorbid individuals, previously only measured via subjective symptom reporting.

Prevalence and risk factors of depression in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems, including the central nervous system. Depression is one of the neuropsychiatric manifestations of juvenile SLE . Objective To estimate the prevalence of depressive disorders in juvenile SLE and identify its potential risk factors. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in juvenile SLE patients at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital, Palembang. Sociodemographic data and medications were recorded. Disease activity of SLE was assessed using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Physical activity was measured using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). All subjects were screened for depression using the Childhood Depression Inventory (CDI) questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine risk factors for depressive disorders. Results We included 72 patients, of whom 67 (93.1%) were female. Mean age of the patients was 12 years 4 months (SD 2 years 6 months); most (67; 93.1%) were 10-18 years of age. Depression was found in 24 patients (33.3%). SLEDAI scores of ?3 (flare) were found in 54 patients (75%) and low physical activity was found in 62 (86.1%) patients. The prevalence of depression based on the Children's Depression Inventory was 33.3%. A SLEDAI score of ?3 and low physical activity were significantly associated with depression (P=0.009 and P=0.025, respectively). On multiple linear regression analysis, only SLEDAI score of ?3 remained significantly associated with depression (P= 0.017; OR 12.6; 95%CI 1.6–101.7). Gender, age, family economic status, father's education, mother's education, family history of depression, and duration of illness were not associated with depression. Conclusion A SLEDAI score indicating flare (?3) and low physical activity are significantly associated with an increased risk of depression. A SLEDAI score is an independent risk factor for depression when all other significant risk factors are considered.

Predicting Walking Capacity Outcomes After Moderate to High Intensity Locomotor Training in Chronic Stroke.

Moderate-to-high intensity locomotor training (M-HIT) is strongly recommended in stroke rehabilitation but outcomes are variable. This study aimed to identify baseline clinical characteristics that predict change in walking capacity following M-HIT in chronic stroke. This analysis used data from the HIT-Stroke Trial (N=55), which involved up to 36 sessions of either moderate or high intensity locomotor training. A prespecified model assessed how well baseline motor impairment (Fugl-Meyer lower limb motor scale [FM-LL]), comfortable gait speed (CGS), and balance confidence (Activities Balance Confidence scale [ABC]), independently explain changes in 6-minute walk distance (Δ6MWD), while controlling for treatment group. Exploratory analysis tested additional baseline covariates using the all-possible regressions procedure. The prognostic value of each potential covariate was assessed by its average contribution to the explained variance in Δ6MWD (Δ pseudo-R 2 ). With the prespecified model, 8-week Δ6MWD was significantly associated with baseline FM-LL (β=5.0 [95% CI: 1.4, 8.6]) and ABC (β=0.7 [0.0, 1.4]), but not CGS (β=-44.6 [-104.7, 15.6]). The exploratory analysis revealed the top 7 covariates with the highest mean Δ pseudo-R 2 were: FM-LL, pain-limited walking duration, ABC, the use of an assistive device, fatigue, depression, and recent walking exercise history >2 days per week. On average, participants with less motor impairment and higher balance confidence have greater walking capacity improvements after M-HIT in chronic stroke. Additional negative prognostic factors may include pain-limited walking duration, use of an assistive device, fatigue, depression, and recent walking exercise but these exploratory findings need to be confirmed in future studies.

O PAPEL DA ENFERMAGEM NA PREVENÇÃO, EDUCAÇÃO, ASSISTÊNCIA E COMO LIDAR COM A DEPRESSÃO PÓS-PARTO

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mental health condition that affects many women after the birth of their children, with significant consequences for the mother’s health and the baby’s development. This article addresses the fundamental role of nurses in the prevention and treatment of PPD within primary health care. It is widely recognized that nurses are in a strategic position to identify risk factors associated with PPD early, such as a history of depression, high levels of stress, and lack of adequate social support. In addition to early identification, nurses are essential in screening, monitoring and intervening with women who are at risk or already have symptoms of PPD. The assistance offered by nurses includes emotional support and education about PPD, helping to reduce the stigma surrounding the condition and promoting the mental well-being of mothers. Collaboration between nurses and other healthcare professionals is crucial to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care, from the prenatal to postpartum period. Strengthening these practices in primary care is vital to improving maternal and child health outcomes, ensuring that women receive the support they need to cope with and overcome PPD.

Substance use patterns and mental health comorbidities in youth with a history of depression or suicidality: Findings from TX-YDSRN

BackgroundThere is a robust relationship between depression and substance use in youth, with higher levels of substance use associated with greater depressive symptomatology. However, previous research has examined individual substances, without consideration of psychiatric comorbidities. Here, we investigate patterns of substance use among depressed and/or suicidal youth within the context of psychiatric comorbidities. Methods945 youth with depression and/or suicidality from the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN) were assessed for current use of alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and other drugs and comorbid psychiatric diagnoses. We used latent class analysis to identify patterns of past-year substance use, then examined if demographics or psychiatric disorders predicted class membership. ResultsWe identified three patterns of substance use: non-use (63.4 %), moderate likelihood of using alcohol, nicotine and cannabis (23.8 %), and high likelihood of using all substances (12.7 %). Compared to non-users, individuals in the moderate and high likelihood classes were more likely to be older. Individuals in the high likelihood class were more likely to have a substance use disorder, ADHD, and higher suicidality scores. LimitationsWe cannot ascertain the causal or temporal ordering of substance use and psychiatric diagnoses due to the cross-sectional nature of the study. ConclusionsUsing a brief, self-report measure of substance use, we identified three classes of substance users differing in probability of past-year use, which were predicted by older age and some psychiatric comorbidities. While research on universal screening of substance use in youth remains limited, we discuss who may benefit from such screening among depressed youth.

Risk of depression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A nationwide cohort study in South Korea

Depression is frequently reported in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) due to the disastrous prognosis of progressive motor impairment, but the risk of depression in ALS is still unclear. Therefore, we investigated the risk of depression in ALS and analyzed the effect of ALS-related physical disability on the risk of developing depression using the Korean National Health Insurance Service (KNHIS) database. A total of 2241 ALS patients, as defined by the International Classification Diseases (ICD, G12.21) and Rare Intractable Disease codes (V123), and 1:10 sex- and age-matched controls were selected from the KNHIS. After applying exclusion criteria (non-participation in national health screening, history of depression, or having missing data), 595 ALS patients and 9896 non-ALS individuals were finally selected. Primary outcome is newly diagnosed depression during follow-up duration defined by ICD code (F32 or F33). A Cox regression model was used to examine the hazard ratios (HRs) after adjustment for potential confounders. During the follow-up period, 283 cases of depression in the ALS group and 1547 in the controls were recorded. The adjusted HR for depression in ALS was 9.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.87−10.60). The risk of depression was slightly higher in the disabled ALS group (aHR 10.1, 95% CI 7.98−12.67) than in the non-disabled ALS group (aHR 8.78, 95% CI 7.42−10.39). The relative risk of depression was higher in younger patients than in older patients, and in obese patients than in non-obese patients. Our study showed that ALS patients have an increased risk of depression compared to non-ALS individuals.

Anticipated prehospital decision delay in response to different symptom clusters in acute coronary syndrome: Results from the Spanish Cardiobarometer study

Background and objectiveReducing patient decision delay – the time elapsed between symptom onset and the moment the patient decides to seek medical attention – can help improve acute coronary syndrome survival. Patient decision delay is typically investigated in retrospective studies of acute coronary syndrome survivors that are prone to several biases. To offer an alternative approach, the goal of this research was to investigate anticipated patient decision delay in the general population in response to different symptom clusters. MethodsWe developed scenarios representing four commonly experienced symptom clusters: classic (chest symptoms only), heavy (a large number of very intense symptoms including chest pain), diffuse (mild symptoms including chest pain), and weary (mild symptoms without clear chest involvement). The scenarios were administered in random order in a representative survey of 1002 adults ≥55 years old from the non-institutionalized general population in Spain. We measured help-seeking intentions, anticipated patient decision delay (waiting >30 min to seek help), and symptom attribution. ResultsPatient decision delay was most common in the diffuse scenario (55%), followed by the weary (34%), classic (22%), and heavy (11%) scenarios. Attributing the symptoms to a cardiovascular cause and intentions to call emergency services were least frequent in the weary and diffuse scenarios. Women were less likely to intend to seek help than men in the classic (OR = 0.48, [0.27, 0.85], diffuse (OR = 0.67, [0.48, 0.92]), and weary (OR = 0.66, [0.44, 0.98]) scenarios, despite being more likely to attribute symptoms to cardiovascular causes. Participants with traditional cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension) reported faster help-seeking, whereas participants with obesity and history of depression were more likely to delay. DiscussionThe diverse manifestations of acute coronary syndrome generate fundamentally different appraisals. Anticipated patient decision delay varies as a function of socio-demographic characteristics and medical history, supporting findings from studies with patients who experienced ACS. Measuring anticipated patient decision delay in the general population can help reveal potential barriers to help-seeking and capture effects of population interventions.

Enlightening the Relationship Between Epilepsy and Depression

The most common concomitant mental illness with epilepsy is depression. According to population-based research, its lifetime prevalence ranges from 6% to 30%, and among patients monitored at tertiary hospitals, it can reach 50%. According to estimates, the risk of suicide is ten times higher than that of the general population. No one disputes the link between epilepsy and depression, but new research has now shown that a history of depression is linked to a 4- to 6-fold increased risk of epilepsy. There is the possibility of a "bi-directional" interaction between these two illnesses or the existence of shared pathogenic pathways that make it easier for one to arise when the other is present. The emotional cost of chronic disease, genetic predispositions, and common neurobiological pathways including neurotransmitter dysregulation are some of the variables that contribute to this comorbidity. Antiepileptic medications (AEDs) can also affect mood, either making depression symptoms worse or making them better. Despite its relatively high prevalence, depression remains unrecognized and untreated, and unfortunately its treatment is based on empirical and uncontrolled data. Keywords: epilepsy, depression, neurobiology, bidirectional relationship, antiepileptic drugs, quality of life.

Risk factors for cognitive decline in non-demented elders with amyloid-beta positivity

BackgroundAs a currently incurable but preventable disease, the prevention and early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has long been a research hotspot. Amyloid deposition has been shown to be a major pathological feature of AD. Notably, not all the people with amyloid-beta (Aβ) pathology will have significant cognitive declines and eventually develop AD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the risk factors for cognitive decline in Aβ-positive participants.MethodsWe included 650 non-demented participants who were Aβ-positive at baseline from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. Mixed effects and COX regression models were applied to assess 37 potential risk factors. Mixed effects models were employed to assess the temporal associations between potential risk factors and four cognitive assessment scales. COX regression models were used to assess the impact of potential risk factors on cognitive diagnosis conversion. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to the above models. Additionally, we used the Cochran-Armitage trend test to examine whether the incidence of cognitive decline increased with the number concurrent of risk factors.ResultsSix factors (low diastolic pressure, low body mass index, retired status, a history of drug abuse, Parkinsonism, and depression) were the identified risk factors and four factors (a history of urinary disease, musculoskeletal diseases, no major surgical history, and no prior dermatologic-connective tissue diseases) were found to be suggestive risk factors. The incidence of cognitive decline in the Aβ-positive participants gradually increased as the number of concurrent risk factors increased (p for trend = 0.0005).ConclusionsOur study may facilitate the understanding of the potential pathological processes in AD and provide novel targets for the prevention of cognitive decline among participants with Aβ positivity.

Incidence and Predictors of Postpartum Depression Diagnoses among Active-Duty U.S. Army Soldiers.

Introduction: Understanding the incidence and predictors of postpartum depression (PPD) among active-duty service members is critical given the importance of this population and its unique stressors. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all active-duty U.S. Army soldiers with a record of at least one live-birth delivery between January 2012 and December 2013. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between demographic, health-related, and military-specific variables and diagnoses of PPD in the total population (N = 4,178) as well as in a subpopulation without a record of depression before delivery (N = 3,615). Results: The overall incidence of PPD diagnoses was 15.9% (N = 664 cases) among the total population and 10.4% (N = 376 cases) among those without prior depression. Statistically significant predictors of PPD in the adjusted model included lower pay grade, a higher number of prior deployments, a higher number of child dependents, tobacco use, and a history of depression or anxiety before or during pregnancy. For soldiers without a history of depression, lower pay grade, and a history of anxiety before or during pregnancy were significantly associated with PPD. Conclusions: Knowing the predictors of overall and novel onset PPD diagnoses in this population could help establish clearer guidelines on PPD prevention, screening, management, and return to duty.

Short-Term Blood Pressure Variability among Young Adults at High or Low Risk for Depression.

Background: Depression has been shown to have adverse effects on blood pressure (BP) and is associated with high blood pressure variability (BPV). In turn, high short-term BPV has been related to eventual cardiovascular risk. But it is not clear how early in adulthood the detrimental effects of depression on BPV may be discerned, if being at high risk for depression also compromises BPV, and whether the clinical features of depression moderate its adverse effects. We investigated these three issues among young adults using an office-like setting. Methods: In total, 218 subjects with a history of childhood-onset major depressive episodes (probands), 206 never-depressed full biological siblings of the probands (high-risk siblings), and 166 emotionally healthy unrelated controls received a psychiatric evaluation and three standardized-sitting BP measurements 5 min apart. Short-term BPV was defined as the maximum difference between measures (range) for each case. The statistical methods included analyses of variance/covariance, chi-square tests, and multiple regression. Results: Systolic and diastolic BP decreased over consecutive measurements (p < 0.001). After controlling for age, the probands, siblings, and controls did not differ significantly in terms of BPV. However, the number of lifetime depressive episodes did predict the diastolic BP range (p = 0.005): probands with the highest number of depressive episodes had the largest short-term diastolic BPV. Conclusions: On a group level, the adverse effects on BPV of having experienced or being at high risk for depression are not yet evident during young adulthood. However, the number of major depressive episodes, which is an index of lifetime depression burden, predicts higher BPV. Thus, BPV monitoring for young adults with clinical depression histories could be part of an early intervention program to reduce the risk of eventual cardiovascular disease.

Targeting maternal gut microbiome to improve mental health outcomes-a pilot feasibility trial.

Perinatal depression and anxiety (PDA) is prevalent in new and expectant mothers, affecting millions of women worldwide. Those with a history of mood and anxiety disorders are at the greatest risk of experiencing PDA in a subsequent pregnancy. Current safety concerns with pharmacological treatments have led to a greater need for adjunctive treatment options for PDA. Changes in the composition of the microbiome have been associated with various diseases during pregnancy, and these changes are thought to play some role in perinatal mood disorders. While the relationship between PDA and the microbiome has not been explored, evidence suggests that nutritional interventions with fiber, fish oils, and probiotics may play a favorable role in neuropsychiatric outcomes during and after pregnancy. The primary objective of the present study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a combination of nonpharmacological interventions to maintain stability in pregnant women who have a history of depression and/or anxiety. This study will also aim to understand ease of recruitment and protocol adherence in this cohort. This is a single-centered, partially randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind feasibility trial. One hundred pregnant women with a history of depression and/or anxiety/PDA will be recruited and randomized into one of four arms, which could include the following: receiving a daily dose of both investigational products and dietary counseling on increasing dietary fiber, receiving a daily dose of both investigational drugs only, receiving fish oil investigational product and placebo, and a control arm with no intervention. The study involves six study visits, all of which can be conducted virtually every 3 months from the time of enrollment. At all study visits, information on diet, mental health, physical activity, and sleep quality will be collected. Additionally, all participants will provide a stool sample at each visit. It is anticipated that pregnant women with a history of depression and anxiety will be particularly interested in partaking in this trial, resulting in favorable recruitment rates. Given the positive findings of omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) and probiotic supplements on mental health symptoms in nonpregnant adults, we expect a similar trend in PDA symptoms, with a low likelihood of adverse events. This study will build the foundation for larger powered studies to further contribute evidence for the efficacy of this potential preventative treatment option. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials/gov on October 6, 2023; NCT06074250. Trial Sponsor: The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, 1255 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, 416-498-1255.

Job satisfaction and psychosocial factors and their association with job performance in Iranian midwives: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe global shortage of midwives and their job performance can significantly affect the quality of care for mothers, newborns, and their families.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the status of job...