Incidence Of Mood Disorders Research Articles

Molecular signaling of key neurotrophic factors in the brain while the occurrence of affective disorders

The COVID-19 pandemic and the increasingly tense political situation worldwide have led to an increase in the incidence of mood disorders. The occurrence of affective disorders is usually associated with neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine; however, modern trends aim at studying the involvement of neurotrophic factors in the mechanisms of mood disorders. This review aimed to summarize and systematize knowledge about key neurotrophic factors and the molecular mechanisms of their relationships. The key metabolic mechanisms of proteins such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, basic fibroblast growth factor-2, nerve growth factor, and glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor are considered. Molecular pathways were analyzed, and a complex diagram of a multiple cascade with interconnected reactions was compiled, including each factor. Key molecular targets chosen included nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cells (NF-kB) and cAMP response element-binding protein. The review also presented candidates for the role of limiting factors for these molecular targets. For the NF-kB cascade, neurotrophin receptor p75(NTR) was proposed as a limiting factor, and those for the CREB cascade were intracellular phospholipase C (PLC-γ), binary molecular switches (RAS-GTP), and protein kinase B (AKT).

Explaining Health Anxiety in Patients after Open Heart Surgery: A Qualitative Study

Background: Health anxiety is one of the most prevalent psychological reactions observed in patients after open heart surgery. Thus, the present study was conducted to explain health anxiety in these patients. Methods: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 patients with a history of open heart surgery in educational hospitals affiliated to Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in 2023-2024. The interviews were immediately transcribed and underwent conventional content analysis. MAXQDA 2022 software was used for data categorization and data were also analyzed using the method proposed by Lundman and Graneheim. Results: According to the current study results, open heart surgery can lead to health anxiety among patients. This anxiety appears as mental turmoil, ineffective psychological reactions to the disease, pathological search for information and treatment, and the incidence of mood disorders. Conclusion: The results of the present research demonstrate that open heart surgery is a stressor and patients develop health anxiety after surgery. Hence, it is suggested that hospitals pay attention to patients’ health anxiety in their educational programs, consultations, and rehabilitation programs and design and implement influential psychological interventions in the form of standard protocols to be used at the level of hospitals and cardiac rehabilitation centers.

Investigating the association of the effect of genetically proxied PCSK9i with mood disorders using cis-pQTLs: A drug-target Mendelian randomization study.

PCSK9-inhibitors (PCSK9i) are new drugs recently approved to lower LDL-cholesterol levels. However, due to the lack of long-term clinical data, the potential adverse effects of long-term use are still unknown. The PCSK9 genetic locus has been recently implicated in mood disorders and hence we wanted to assess if the effect of PCSK9i that block the PCSK9 protein can lead to an increase in the incidence of mood disorders. We used genetically-reduced PCSK9 protein levels (pQTLs) in plasma, serum, cerebrospinal fluid as a proxy for the effect of PCSK9i. We performed Mendelian randomization analyses using PCSK9 levels as exposure and mood disorder traits major depressive disorder, mood instability, and neuroticism score as outcomes. We find no association of PCSK9 levels with mood disorder traits in serum, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid. We can conclude that genetically proxied on-target effect of pharmacological PCSK9 inhibition is unlikely to contribute to mood disorders.

Is human cytomegalovirus a potential risk factor for mood disorders? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mood disorders are among the common mental disorders worldwide. Because of the persistence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the body and nervous system, this virus can be activated when the immune system is weakened and continues to exert its destructive effects throughout life. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence and association of human cytomegalovirus with mood disorders. Eligible articles were extracted using online international databases Science Direct, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar between 2000 and 2023. After quality assessment and specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of eight eligible articles were included in the meta-analysis. Our finding showed that the seropositivity of CMV in mood disorders was 51.6% (95% CI; 42.8-60.4). There were statistical differences between mood disorders and control groups regarding the seropositivity of CMV 1.327% (95% CI; 13.27-10.45). The results of the publication bias using the Egger test confirmed no publication bias in each sub-group. The results of this meta-analysis study demonstrated that CMV infection might have associations with the incidence of mood disorders. Furthermore, we found that there were statistical differences between mood disorders and control groups regarding the seropositivity of CMV.

Does declining social connection, and increased reported loneliness, explain the apparent increase in depressive and other mood disorders, particularly among younger people?

There is much conjecture about which social factors underpin an apparent increase in the incidence of psychological distress, depression and other mood disorders, self-harm and suicidal behaviour and presentations for mental health care (in economically-developed countries). These concerns are particularly focused on younger birth cohorts, where the epidemiological evidence appears strongest for a genuine increase in incidence of mood disorders and self-harming behaviours (Twenge et al., 2019).

OS09.6.A Factors predicting mood disorders, health related quality of life and sexual disturbances in adults with glioma: a retrospective study

Abstract Background It is not clear whether Mood Disorders (MD) and poor Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in glioma patients correlate with clinical and histomolecular features of the tumor or with secondary symptoms associated with treatment. This study assessed the prevalence of MD and decline in HRQoL (with a specific interest in sexuality) in glioma patients, identifying the clinical, imaging and treatment factors associated with these variables. Material and Methods 260 glioma patients (190 lower grade) were evaluated. Patients were prospectively followed-up from admission to 12 months after surgery, for MD and HRQoL assessment. 115 were asked to fill a questionnaire for sexual life investigation. Clinical, imaging, histomolecular features as well as cognitive functions were evaluated. Variables associated with MD,low HRQoL and sexual life impairment were identified by bivariate analysis. Results Factors associated with MD and low HRQoL were different in LGGs and HGGs over the course of the disease. In LGGs the effect of adjuvant treatments was prominent in determining the prevalence of MD and poor HRQoL from the third month after surgery onward. In HGGs, MD and poor HRQoL were associated with older age. In both, cognitive deficits were associated with MD. 42% of patients showed dissatisfaction for their sexual life and decrease of sexual intercourses, which were linked to a reduction of libido (22%), astenia (39%), pharmacological therapy (23%), and self-image insecurity(22%). Patients undergoing adjuvant treatments showed a lower sexual satisfaction. Conclusion Overall the data suggest that worsened quality of life, Incidence of Mood disorder and worsening in sexual life affect a relevant amount of patients affected by glioma. Lack of recovery from functional deficits (language, attentive/executive and motor deficits) and adjuvant therapies (expecially radiotherapy) play a crucial role in determining the emergence of Mood Disorders, low HRQoL and worsened sexual life.

Role of Gender in Phemenon of Non-Suicidal Self-Injuries and Suicide Attempt Among Clinical Population of Adolescents

Abstract Non suicidal self-injury is defined as intentional self-inflicted injury without the intent to die. Suicide attempt is defined as a nonfatal, self-directed, potentially injurious behavior with the intent to die. Although distinct behaviors, they are frequently associated and possibly clinically related. The aims of this study are to explore demographic data, social-demographic differences between genders, co-occurrence of non-suicidal self-injuries with suicide attempt, their association with gender and clinical variables. Retrospective cohort study on 143 patient admitted in Clinic for mental disorders „Dr Laza Lazarevic“, aged 14 to 18 years, between January 2015 and January 2016. Information were obtained from database and included two categories of variables: socio-demographic (age, gender, education level, current living situation) and clinical variables (abuse, neglect, peer violence, aggressive behavior, non-suicidal self-injuries, suicide attempt and others). The mean age of adolescents was 15.8 years, with female being more frequent in the sample (51.4%). The incidence of Mood disorders was significantly higher (p<0.05) in female compared to male (χ²꞊3,96, df꞊1, rC꞊0.16, p꞊0.04). A significantly higher incidence (p<0.05) of non-suicidal self-injury (χ²꞊11.15, df꞊1, rC꞊0.27, p꞊0.001) and suicide attempt was found in female compared to male (χ²꞊5.38, df꞊1, rC꞊0.19, p꞊0.02). No statistically significant difference was found in their simultaneous occurrence compared to total population of hospitalized adolescents. The findings of the present study demonstrated that non-suicidal selfinjury and suicide attempt occur in clinical population of adolescent more often among female then in male adolescents.

Incidence of Mood Disorders in Women Treated With Linzagolix: 52-week Results From Two Phase 3 Trials [A106

INTRODUCTION: Safety data from two Phase 3 trials of linzagolix, a GnRH receptor antagonist, for the treatment of women with uterine fibroids (UFs) for 52 weeks were reviewed for treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) of depression and other mood disorders. We note that the incidence of TEAEs of depression and other mood disorders, previously reported up to 24 weeks, was low and revealed no consistent drug-related pattern. METHODS: PRIMROSE 1 and 2 are randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials investigating the efficacy and safety of linzagolix 100 mg and 200 mg once daily, with and without hormonal add-back therapy (ABT) in women with UFs. After 24 weeks, the placebo group in PRIMROSE2 was switched to 200 mg+ABT. The incidence of depression and other mood disorder TEAEs from week 24 to week 52 was assessed using the Standardized MedDRA Query for Depression and suicide/self-injury and adding TEAEs of anxiety. RESULTS: Safety data from 336 and 421 patients, in PRIMROSE1 and PRIMROSE2, respectively, were collected from week 24 to week 52. Mood swings were reported for one (1.1%) subject in PRIMROSE2, and anxiety was reported in one (1.1%) subject in PRIMROSE1, both in the placebo/200 mg+ABT group. Depression was reported in one (1.1%) subject in PRIMROSE2 in the 200 mg/200 mg+ABT group. There were no reports of suicidal ideation, affect lability, or altered mood. CONCLUSION: The low incidence of depression and other mood disorder TEAEs was maintained up to 52 weeks of treatment with linzagolix. Linzagolix appears to be well tolerated in women with symptomatic UFs.

Topiramate-Induced Suicidal Ideation and Olfactory Hallucinations: A Case Report

Antiepileptic drugs prescribed in the context of migraine have been reported to be potentially linked with an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. Meta-analyses support the evidence that amongst antiepileptic drugs, Topiramate has the greatest potential for facilitating the occurrence of suicidal ideation and behavior. Studies indicate that this occurs via the increased incidence of mood disorders amongst the population with migraines using Topiramate as a treatment, with a slow and progressive onset of suicidal ideation (if any). We discuss the unique case of a 43-year-old man known to have chronic migraines, who presented with intense rapid-onset suicidal ideation and olfactory hallucinations, three weeks after the introduction of Topiramate for chronic migraines. After a negative extensive investigation panel to rule out common organic diseases, Topiramate was ceased. The suicidal ideation and olfactory hallucinations resolved in less than 24 h without further interventions. This case report highlights that rapid-onset suicidal ideation and olfactory hallucinations could be linked as an unusual side effect to the introduction of Topiramate. The removal of Topiramate from the patient’s pharmacological treatments prevented further psychological distress linked to ego-dystonic suicidal ideation and a resolution of olfactory hallucinations. He was discharged 48 h later.

Combined action of SAMe, Folate, and Vitamin B12 in the treatment of mood disorders: a review.

Mood disorders affect more than 500 million people around the world. In the last decade, their prevalence has increased, and many people suffer from nervousness, anxiety, and stress at least once in their lives. The incidence of mood disorders and anxiety increases during perimenopause or under stressful conditions. The social restrictions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly increased the normal burden of psychological and psychic disorders. In moderate to severe cases, pharmacological treatment is currently recommended, while in mild disorders, especially in the initial phase, psychological therapy is preferable. It is known that several nutrients are crucial for brain function. Among them, folate (vitamin B9), cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) have been shown to influence various neurobiological processes. Overall, the available evidence suggests that dietary supplementation with folic acid, vitamin B12, and SAMe can be beneficial for people with mild mood disorders.

Joint Associations of Physical Activity and Insomnia Symptoms with Incident Mood Disorder in a population-based cohort study

Background: When examined as separate risk factors, low physical inactivity and insomnia symptoms are both associated with increased risk of mood disorders including depression, however few studies examine these risk factors jointly. The aim of this study was to examine the joint association of physical activity and insomnia symptoms with the incidence of mood disorder in Australian adults. Methods: Data were drawn from the 2013-2018 waves of the annual Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia panel study. In 2013, participants completed a survey assessing mood and anxiety disorder, physical activity, insomnia symptoms, lifestyle behaviours (i.e., diet, sleep duration, smoking, alcohol), reported diagnosis of depression/anxiety, and sociodemographic characteristics. Incident mood disorder was assessed using the MHI-5 and defined as mood disorder (MHI-5 score <54) in 2013 and no mood disorder (MHI-5 score >54) in 2014-2018. Physical activity was assessed using the IPAQ-SF and classified as low, moderate, and high using standard scoring protocols. Insomnia symptoms were assessed using three items assessing poor sleep quality and difficulty initiating and/or maintaining sleep and dichotomised as Insomnia symptoms/ No Insomnia. Participants were then classified into one of six groups representing distinct combinations of physical activity and insomnia symptoms. Only participants with complete data on covariates and exposure variables and who were free of mood disorder in 2013, and who had at least one follow-up survey during 2014-2018 were included in the analysis. A discrete-time proportional-hazards model was estimated using a logit-hazard (i.e., logistic) regression model to examine the association between joint categories of physical activity and insomnia symptoms and incident mood disorder between 2014-2018 adjusted for sociodemographics, lifestyle behaviours and prior/current diagnosis of depression/anxiety. Results: There were 11,023 participants with complete data and no mood disorder in 2013. The incidence of mood disorder in 2014-2018 was 21.1%. Relative to participants classified as High PA/No insomnia symptoms, reporting either High PA/Insomnia (OR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.57, 2.23), Moderate PA/Insomnia (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.62, 2.32), or Low PA/Insomnia (OR = 2.33, 95% CI 1.96, 2.77) was significantly associated with increased likelihood of incident mood disorder. Discussion: The combination of any level of physical activity and insomnia symptoms was associated with an increased likelihood of reporting mood disorder during the following five years, and this increased as physical activity decreased. These observations highlight the potential benefit of interventions targeting physical activity and insomnia symptoms to promote good mental health. Conflict of Interest Statement: My co-authors and I acknowledge that we have no conflict of interest of relevance to the submission of this abstract

Sex-specific Effects of Lipopolysaccharide on Hippocampal Mitochondrial Processes in Neuroinflammatory Model of Depression

Mitochondria play a significant role in pathogenesis of clinical depression and their function can be impaired by inflammation and alterations in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Sexual context is also a relevant factor in the incidence of mood disorders, and could have a strong influence during an immune challenge. Therefore, in this study we investigated whether the effects of seven-day lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment on glucocorticoid receptor (GR) could be associated with apoptosis and alterations in energy metabolism in hippocampus of female and male Wistar rats with depressive-like behavior. To that end, we measured the mitochondrial levels of GR and its phosphoisoforms pGR232 and pGR246 in hippocampus of female and male rats, as well as the mRNA levels of two GR-regulated mitochondrial genes, cyclooxygenase -1 and -3 (COX-1 and -3). We also measured alterations in the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways in mitochondria and cytosol of hippocampus of these animals, and the levels of cleaved cytosolic poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase-1 (PARP-1) protein. We discovered that even though LPS treatment induced behavioral alterations and affected corticosterone levels and apoptosis in a similar manner in both sexes, it affected mitochondrial GR differently in males and females. Namely, the treatment decreased levels of mitochondrial GR and pGR232/pGR246 ratio only in females, and these alterations were followed by decreased mRNA levels of COX-1 and COX-3 only in this sex. The alterations in COX-1 and COX-3 mRNA levels could indicate impaired oxidative metabolism and diminished mitochondrial function in hippocampus of this sex.

Impact of Mood Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, and Histories of Abuse on Adaptive Functioning Deficits in Adolescents with Intellectual Impairment

ABSTRACTBackground: There is no study to date that has examined the association between history of abuse and adaptive functioning deficits in youth with co-occurring and psychotic disorders or mood disorders.Method: This study used a retrospective chart review of 98 youth under the age of 18 (Mean age = 16.06 years) with co-occurring intellectual impairment (Mean IQ = 63.9) and psychotic disorders, mood disorders, or other psychiatric disorders. Using multi-mediation models in the path analytic framework, this study examined the relationships between psychiatric diagnosis (based on DSM-IV criteria), cognitive functioning (Full Scale IQ Scores), adaptive functioning (Socialization, Communication, Motor Skills, Daily Living Skills), and the presence of the history of physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse/neglect.Results: A very high incidence of all three forms of abuse was present in the study sample, with more than three-quarters of the youth having experienced at least one form of abuse and more than half having experienced two or the three forms of abuse. A history of sexual abuse was significantly and directly associated with an increased incidence of mood disorders. Mood disorders were the strongest predictors of adaptive functioning deficits. Youth with schizophrenia spectrum disorder scored significantly lower in communication skills than those with bipolar disorder.Conclusion: Results are discussed in terms of the need for treatment studies and further investigations of the relationship between childhood maltreatment and adaptive functioning in youth with intellectual impairment and psychiatric disorders.

Modeling the Spatial Distribution of Mood Disorders in Isfahan Province, Iran

Backgrand and aim: the physical and the social environments are effective on personality traits. What is in the frame-work of medical geography, is physical environment that can has positive effect on the human psyche it can also has sometimes negative effects as well,that investigating of this effect is in the field of medical geographers.Methods: The present study is descriptive analytical research that discusses the modeling of the vulnerability of mood disorders (depression, bipolar) by using meta-ranking PROMETHEE II and using of ARC GIS software to study climatic parameters on the spatial distribution of these disorders.Results: mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder) in all the province had a direct correlation with each other. Isfahan, Lenjan, Shahin Shahr are very high-risk cities and Nain and Semirom are low risk cities. These disorders have a direct correlation with temperature, precipitation and humidity. There was no significant correlation between sunshine hours and incidence of mood disorders in Isfahan province. Conclusion: climatic parameters can be one of those factors that are effective in incidence and increasing of mood disorders (depression, bipolar) This issue confirm the require to more study and research in this field.

Activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channel by iptakalim normalizes stress-induced HPA axis disorder and depressive behaviour by alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress in mouse hypothalamus.

Stress-induced disturbance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is strongly implicated in incidence of mood disorders. A heightened neuroinflammatory response and oxidative stress play a fundamental role in the dysfunction of the HPA axis. We have previously demonstrated that iptakalim (Ipt), a new ATP-sensitive potassium (K-ATP) channel opener, could prevent oxidative injury and neuroinflammation against multiple stimuli-induced brain injury. The present study was to demonstrate the impacts of Ipt in stress-induced HPA axis disorder and depressive behavior. We employed 2 stress paradigms: 8 weeks of continuous restraint stress (chronic restraint stress, CRS) and 2h of restraint stress (acute restraint stress, ARS), to mimic both chronic stress and severe acute stress. Prolonged (4 weeks) and short-term (a single injection) Ipt treatment was administered 30min before each stress paradigm. We found that HPA axis was altered after stress, with different responses to CRS (lower ACTH and CORT, higher AVP, but normal CRH) and ARS (higher CRH, ACTH and CORT, but normal AVP). Both prolonged and short-term Ipt treatment normalized stress-induced HPA axis disorders and abnormal behaviors in mice. CRS and ARS up-regulated mRNA levels of inflammation-related molecules (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 and TLR4) and oxidative stress molecules (gp91phox, iNOS and Nrf2) in the mouse hypothalamus. Double immunofluorescence showed CRS and ARS increased microglia activation (CD11b and TNFα) and oxidative stress in neurons (NeuN and gp91phox), which were alleviated by Ipt. Therefore, the present study reveals that Ipt could prevent against stress-induced HPA axis disorders and depressive behavior by alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress in the hypothalamus.

A Concerted Action Of Estradiol And Insulin Like Growth Factor I Underlies Sex Differences In Mood Regulation By Exercise

Mood homeostasis present sexually dimorphic traits which may explain sex differences in the incidence of mood disorders. We explored whether diverse behavioral-setting components of mood may be differentially regulated in males and females by exercise, a known modulator of mood. We found that exercise decreases anxiety only in males. Conversely, exercise enhanced resilience to stress and physical arousal, two other important components of mood, only in females. Because exercise increases brain input of circulating insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), a potent modulator of mood, we explored whether sex-specific actions of exercise on mood homeostasis relate to changes in brain IGF-I input. We found that exercise increased hippocampal IGF-I levels only in cycling females. Underlying mechanism involved activation of estrogen (E2) receptors in brain vessels that led to increased uptake of serum IGF-I as E2 was found to stimulate IGF-I uptake in brain endothelial cells. Indeed, modulatory effects of exercise on mood were absent in female mice with low serum IGF-I levels or after either ovariectomy or administration of an E2 receptor antagonist. These results suggest that sex-specific brain IGF-I responses to physiological stimuli such as exercise contribute to dimorphic mood homeostasis that may explain sex differences in affective disorders.

EPA-1405 – Role of monocyte mRNA in Mood Disorders

Accumulating evidence supports the view that deregulation of the immune system represents an important vulnerability factor for mood disorders and that this may be a common pathophysiological mechanism that underlies the development and progression of these disorders, at least in a subset of patients. Furthermore, mood disorders are also often accompanied by chronic medical conditions related to immune dysfunction such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes and atherosclerosis. The reviewed data suggest that if immune biomarkers exist for such immune abnormality they may be found in raised macrophage/monocyte inflammatory activation patterns (monocytosis, high inflammatory gene expression, raised GRβ/GRα ratio, and high levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory monocyte/macrophage derived cytokines in serum/plasma). This activation of the inflammatory response system may be suggestive for microglia activation as these cells are the macrophages of the brain, although evidence from human studies is still lacking. However, animal models of mood disorders suggest that such monocyte/microglia activation could be seen as the result of a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. It has been proposed that the abnormal immune activation state of these cells is reached after an aberrant development/maturation from precursors. In the case of microglia, this in turn may lead to impaired neuronal development. This developmental/maturation abnormality may render the cells more vulnerable to subsequent stressors such as inflammatory stimuli thereby leading to increased incidence of mood disorders.

Depression and anxiety in Swedish primary health care: prevalence, incidence, and risk factors

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and incidence of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and stress and adjustment disorders in primary health care in Sweden and to analyse the relationship between socioeconomic and demographic factors and incidence of these disorders. Prevalence and incidence data on the study population was retrieved from a Swedish primary health care database. A cohort study design was used to examine the incidence of, and risk factors for, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and stress and adjustment disorders. Cox regression models were used in the statistical analyses. The overall 12-month prevalence of these clinically diagnosed disorders was 2.4 % (3.2 % in women and 1.5 % in men). The overall incidence was 18.4 per 1,000 person-years. The strongest sociodemographic risk factors for these disorders were female gender (HR = 2.04), low family income (HR = 1.52), living in a large city (HR = 1.37), and age 35-44 years (HR = 1.20). This large-scale study examined the prevalence and incidence of common psychiatric disorders diagnosed in primary health care, as well as the potential influence of sociodemographic factors on these disorders. The information obtained is useful for clinicians in primary health care and decision-makers.

Frequency and clinical features of suicide attempts in elderly patients in Japan

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical features of suicide attempts in elderly patients (≥65 years) in Japan. We enrolled 546 patients who attempted suicide and were hospitalized for inpatient treatment. Characteristics were compared between the elderly and non-elderly patients. Compared with the non-elderly group, the incidence of mood disorders was significantly higher and the average length of stay in the intensive care unit and the duration of hospitalization were significantly longer in the elderly group. Elderly patients hospitalized for attempted suicide were more likely to have mood disorders than the non-elderly.

Data Highlight Complex Interaction Between Politics, Mental Health

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Clinical & Research NewsFull AccessData Highlight Complex Interaction Between Politics, Mental HealthJoan Arehart-TreichelJoan Arehart-TreichelSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:2 Apr 2010https://doi.org/10.1176/pn.45.7.psychnews_45_7_031AbstractBans on same-sex marriages imposed by 16 states during 2004 or 2005 appear to have negatively impacted the mental health of gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals in those states, according to a study in the March American Journal of Public Health.The authors concluded that the findings “lend scientific support to ... efforts to overturn these policies.”The lead investigator was Mark Hatzenbuehler, M.S., a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Yale University.The researchers used data from wave one (2001-2002) and wave two (2004-2005) of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. The cohort included 34,076 heterosexual subjects, 9,963 of whom lived in states that had imposed same-sex marriage bans and 24,113 of whom lived in states that had not imposed such bans. The cohort also included 577 subjects who identified themselves as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Of these 577 subjects, 135 lived in states that had imposed same-sex marriage bans, and 442 lived in states that had not.The researchers compared the 2001-2002 mental health status of the 135 gay-lesbian-bisexual subjects living in states with same-sex marriage bans with their 2004-2005 status. The researchers took possibly confounding factors such as gender, age, race/ethnicity, income, education, and marital status (either legally married or living with someone as if married) into consideration. The incidence of mood disorders, alcohol use disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder was found to have increased significantly in the group between the two time periods, especially anxiety disorder.The researchers then conducted the same analysis for the 9,963 heterosexual subjects living in the 16 states that had imposed bans on same-sex marriage in 2004 or 2005. The incidence of mood disorders, alcohol use disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder was found to have increased slightly, but not significantly, between the two time periods.Finally, the researchers repeated the analysis for the 442 gay, lesbian, or bisexual subjects living in states that had not imposed same-sex marriage bans in 2004 or 2005. The incidence of alcohol use disorder and generalized anxiety disorder was found to have increased a little, but not significantly, between the two time periods. The incidence of mood disorders was found to have decreased between that time span.“The study puts numbers on what psychiatrists have long known: that institutionalized societal prejudice harms the mental health of those who are targeted by the prejudice,” David Scasta M.D., told Psychiatric News. “The study is a compelling indictment of the animus that so clearly compromises the mental health of lesbian-gay-bisexual people and makes it imperative that psychiatrists be proactive in opposing prejudicial laws such as those that preclude gay marriage.” Scasta, a Princeton, N.J., forensic psychiatrist, represents the Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists in the APA Assembly.“This study supports the proposal ... that social stress may contribute to higher rates of some psychiatric disorders in lesbian-gay-bisexual people,” Benjamin McCommon, M.D., a clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University with a special interest in the subject, noted. “Also, it follows a prior study by the same team that showed higher rates of psychiatric problems in lesbian-gay-bisexual people living in states without legal protections in areas such as employment.”The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the New York State Psychiatric Institute.An abstract of “The Impact of Institutional Discrimination on Psychiatric Disorders in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Populations: A Prospective Study” is posted at <http://ajph.aphapublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/100/3/452>. ISSUES NewArchived