Male Depression Research Articles

Effect of job satisfaction on depression after adjusting for satisfaction with other life domains.

Studies on the association between job satisfaction and depression have often been reported. However, no study has examined how job satisfaction impacts depression while considering satisfaction with other aspects of life. In this study, we evaluated the effect of job satisfaction on depression after adjusting for satisfaction with other domains of life. We used data from the 16th wave of the Korean Welfare Panel Study. A total of 3568 current employees without depression who completed a survey were included. Depression was measured using the abbreviated version of the CES-D scale. Various types of satisfaction, including job satisfaction, were measured using single-item questions and a 5-point Likert scale. The association between job satisfaction and depression after considering satisfaction with other life domains was analyzed using a multiple logistic regression model. Crude models showed a significant association between job satisfaction and depression in males (odds ratio [OR]: 7.90; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.11-15.23) and females (OR: 7.12; 95% CI: 4.40-11.50). When adjusted for sociodemographic factors, health-related factors, and work-related factors, the association remained significant in males (OR: 6.20; 95% CI: 3.10-12.41) and females (OR: 6.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.79-10.40). However, when satisfaction with other life domains was included, the association remained significant only in females (OR: 3.55; 95% CI: 1.93-6.50). This study shows an association between job satisfaction and depression in Korean employees. However, when satisfaction with other life domains was considered, this association remained significant only in women. Regular screening of job satisfaction should be considered as a means of preventing and managing depression among female employees.

Beyond tears: The predictive role of adverse childhood experiences and complex trauma in male depression within the Chinese cultural context.

Beyond tears: The predictive role of adverse childhood experiences and complex trauma in male depression within the Chinese cultural context.

Sex-dependence of synaptic depression induced by activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors in rat hippocampus.

The modulation of synaptic efficacy by group I metabotropic glutamate receptors is dysregulated in several neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders impacting cognitive function. The progression and severity of these and other disorders are affected by biological sex, and differences in metabotropic glutamate receptor signalling have been implicated in this effect. In this study, we have examined whether there are any sex-dependent differences in a form of long-term depression of synaptic responses that is triggered by application of the group I metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG). We studied DHPG-induced long-term depression at the Schaffer collateral-commissural pathway in area CA1 of hippocampal slices prepared from three separate age groups of Sprague Dawley rats. In both juvenile (2-week-old) and young adult (3-month-old) rats, there were no differences between sexes in the magnitude of long-term depression. However, in older adult (>1-year-old) rats, DHPG-induced long-term depression was greater in males. In contrast, there were no differences between sexes with respect to basal synaptic transmission or paired-pulse facilitation in any age group. The specific enhancement of metabotropic glutamate receptor-dependent long-term depression in older adult males, but not females, reinforces the importance of considering sex as a factor in the study and treatment of brain disorders.

Sex specific effects of buprenorphine on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and behavioral outcomes during the acute phase after pediatric traumatic brain injury in mice

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children often causes cognitive and mental dysfunctions, as well as acute and chronic pain. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis plays a key role in cognition, depression, and pain. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis can be modulated by genetic and environmental factors, such as TBI and opioids. Buprenorphine (BPN), a semisynthetic opioid, is commonly used for pain management in children, however, the effects of BPN on adult hippocampal neurogenesis after pediatric TBI are still unclear. This study investigated the sex-specific effects of BPN on adult hippocampal neurogenesis during acute phase after pediatric TBI. Male and female littermates were randomized on postnatal day 20–21(P20-21) into Sham, TBI+saline and TBI+BPN groups. BPN was administered intraperitoneally to the TBI+BPN mice at 30 min after injury, and then every 6–12 h (h) for 2 days (d). Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered intraperitoneally to all groups at 2, 4, 6, and 8-h post-injury. All outcomes were evaluated at 3-d post-BrdU administration. We found that TBI induced significant cognitive impairment, depression, and reduced adult hippocampal neurogenesis in both male and female mice, with more prominent effects in females. BPN significantly improved adult hippocampal neurogenesis and depression in males, but not in females. We further demonstrated that differential expressions of opioid receptors, transcription factors and neuroinflammatory markers at the neurogenic niche might be responsible for the differential effects of BPN in males and females. In conclusion, this study elucidates the effects of BPN on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and behavioral outcomes at the acute phase after pediatric TBI.

Understanding the Barriers Fathers Face to Seeking Help for Paternal Perinatal Depression: Comparing Fathers to Men Outside the Perinatal Period.

Research has shown that men are less likely than women to seek help for depression at any time of life due to barriers, including stereotypical masculine norms and stigma. The evidence suggests that approximately 10% of fathers experience postnatal depression, yet new and expectant fathers are not routinely offered screening or support in the same way as mothers. Therefore, this research explored the barriers fathers face to seeking help for paternal perinatal depression (PPD). Data were collected using an online survey. Initially, fathers with postnatal depression were compared to men experiencing depression at another time of their life in terms of their attitudes to seeking psychological help, conformity to masculine norms, self-stigma, and awareness of services. Secondly, a proposed model of help-seeking amongst fathers with postnatal depression was evaluated. Finally, additional barriers to help-seeking for paternal postnatal depression were explored qualitatively. A total of 125 participants took part in the quantitative comparison, and 50 of the fathers also provided qualitative data. No between-group differences were found, suggesting that the existing literature on barriers to seeking help for male depression is applicable to fathers with postnatal depression. The qualitative results also highlighted the need for better awareness of paternal postnatal depression and better access to services for fathers. Limitations, implications for policy, and directions for future research are discussed.

Paternal postpartum depression scale

Postpartum depression in fathers has an impact on the harmony of household relationships, children's emotional development disorders, children's behavior disorders, even children can also be 2-4 times at risk of depression before adulthood. This study aims to review several instruments used to assess fathers' PPD (Postpartum Depression). The database used in this literature review is PubMed. Based on 10 studied, there are 9 different father PPD instruments, including EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), GMDS (Gotland Male Depression Scale), BDI (Beck Depression Inventory), BDI-II, GHQ-12 (General Health Questionnaire- 12), PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire - Depression Module) CES-D (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression), Zung SAS (Zung's Self-rated Anxiety Scale), and HAD-A (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. EPDS is an instrument most frequently used in detecting paternal PPD, appeared in 10 out of 10 studies. This study concludes that there are 9 different instruments for detecting PPD in the father, and the EPDS is the most frequently used instrument in detecting PPD in the father, which consists of 10 questions with a score limit of 10/11.

Influencing Factors and Interventions of Postpartum Depression in Men

Postpartum depression in men is similar to that of women with postpartum depression, but the manifestations are different. Yet, this mental illnesses in men are not being given the same attention as women, and some people aren't even aware that males can exhibit postpartum depression symptoms. As a result, this article lists the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression in males, as well as the internal and external variables that cause it and the interventions available for treating it. This article also provides a relatively comprehensive summary of the elements influencing it and coping strategies, and outlines the current state of research. Future research should focus on examining scales specifically designed to screen men, using experimental studies to validate and explore the factors that influence postpartum depression in men. The field of cross-cultural research has much room for development, and the medical system for the treatment for men needs to be improved.

A Common Genetic Factor Underlies Genetic Risk for Gynaecological and Reproductive Disorders and Is Correlated with Risk to Depression

Introduction: Sex steroid hormone fluctuations may underlie both reproductive disorders and sex differences in lifetime depression prevalence. Previous studies report high comorbidity among reproductive disorders and between reproductive disorders and depression. This study sought to assess the multivariate genetic architecture of reproductive disorders and their loading onto a common genetic factor and investigated whether this latent factor shares a common genetic architecture with female depression, including perinatal depression (PND). Method: Using UK Biobank and FinnGen data, genome-wide association meta-analyses were conducted for nine reproductive disorders, and genetic correlation between disorders was estimated. Genomic Structural Equation Modelling identified a latent genetic factor underlying disorders, accounting for their significant genetic correlations. SNPs significantly associated with both latent factor and depression were identified. Results: Excellent model fit existed between a latent factor underlying five reproductive disorders (χ2 (5) = 6.4; AIC = 26.4; CFI = 1.00; SRMR = 0.03) with high standardised loadings for menorrhagia (0.96, SE = 0.05); ovarian cysts (0.94, SE = 0.05); endometriosis (0.83, SE = 0.05); menopausal symptoms (0.77, SE = 0.10); and uterine fibroids (0.65, SE = 0.05). This latent factor was genetically correlated with PND (rG = 0.37, SE = 0.15, p = 1.4e−03), depression in females only (rG = 0.48, SE = 0.06, p = 7.2e−11), and depression in both males and females (MD) (rG = 0.35, SE = 0.03, p = 1.8e−30), with its top locus associated with FSHB/ARL14EP (rs11031006; p = 9.1e−33). SNPs intronic to ESR1, significantly associated with the latent factor, were also associated with PND, female depression, and MD. Conclusion: A common genetic factor, correlated with depression, underlies risk of reproductive disorders, with implications for aetiology and treatment. Genetic variation in ESR1 is associated with reproductive disorders and depression, highlighting the importance of oestrogen signalling for both reproductive and mental health.

Association of comorbid-socioeconomic clusters with mortality in late onset epilepsy derived through unsupervised machine learning

Background and objectivesLate-onset epilepsy is a heterogenous entity associated with specific aetiologies and an elevated risk of premature mortality. Specific multimorbid-socioeconomic profiles and their unique prognostic trajectories have not been described. We sought to determine if specific clusters of late onset epilepsy exist, and whether they have unique hazards of premature mortality. MethodsWe performed a retrospective observational cohort study linking primary and hospital-based UK electronic health records with vital statistics data (covering years 1998–2019) to identify all cases of incident late onset epilepsy (from people aged ≥65) and 1:10 age, sex, and GP practice-matched controls. We applied hierarchical agglomerative clustering using common aetiologies identified at baseline to define multimorbid-socioeconomic profiles, compare hazards of early mortality, and tabulating causes of death stratified by cluster. ResultsFrom 1,032,129 people aged ≥65, we identified 1048 cases of late onset epilepsy who were matched to 10,259 controls. Median age at epilepsy diagnosis was 68 (interquartile range: 66–72) and 474 (45%) were female. The hazard of premature mortality related to late-onset epilepsy was higher than matched controls (hazard ratio [HR] 1.73; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.51–1.99). Ten unique phenotypic clusters were identified, defined by ‘healthy’ males and females, ischaemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), ICH and alcohol misuse, dementia and anxiety, anxiety, depression in males and females, and brain tumours. Cluster-specific hazards were often similar to that derived for late-onset epilepsy as a whole. Clusters that differed significantly from the base late-onset epilepsy hazard were ‘dementia and anxiety’ (HR 5.36; 95%CI 3.31–8.68), ‘brain tumour’ (HR 4.97; 95%CI 2.89–8.56), ‘ICH and alcohol misuse’ (HR 2.91; 95%CI 1.76–4.81), and ‘ischaemic stroke’ (HR 2.83; 95%CI 1.83–4.04). These cluster-specific risks were also elevated compared to those derived for tumours, dementia, ischaemic stroke, and ICH in the whole population. Seizure-related cause of death was uncommon and restricted to the ICH, ICH and alcohol misuse, and healthy female clusters. SignificanceLate-onset epilepsy is an amalgam of unique phenotypic clusters that can be quantitatively defined. Late-onset epilepsy and cluster-specific comorbid profiles have complex effects on premature mortality above and beyond the base rates attributed to epilepsy and cluster-defining comorbidities alone.

The role of saffron (Crocus sativus L) on testosterone and depression in andropause middle-aged and elderly men: a systematic review

Purpose Depression is one of the most overlooked psychiatric disorders among middle-aged and elderly men. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) stigmas are a favorite and common spice that is used as an antidepressant, an anti-inflammatory and a sexual stimulant. This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive survey of the effects of saffron on depression in middle-aged and elderly men. Design/methodology/approach The authors searched Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, Cochrane, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar databases to gather any relevant studies published from 1980 to September 2022. This review included studies that examined the relationship between depression and testosterone concentration (four studies) or saffron’s effects on testosterone and depression (six studies). Findings Observational research showed an association between testosterone and depression in middle-aged and elderly men. Furthermore, animal studies have found that saffron increased testosterone levels and decreased depression in males. There is evidence that testosterone may contribute to the mood. Besides its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this study proposed scientific mechanisms that saffron may also play a protective role against depression through its influence on testosterone, in middle-aged and elderly men. The general use of saffron at high doses or for prolonged periods may cause side effects; therefore, it is important to consult a health-care professional before the recommended dosage and duration of saffron supplementation, especially if a person has any underlying health conditions or is taking medications. Originality/value This study provides researchers with an additional perspective for conducting clinical trials on the use of saffron to enhance the mood of elderly men with testosterone deficiency.

Prevalence of depression and association with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among individuals with type 2 diabetes: a cohort study based on NHANES 2005–2018 data

BackgroundIndividuals with diabetes have increased risk of depression, but there are limited nationally representative studies on this topic. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of depression, as well as its impact on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) using a prospective cohort study and a representative sample of the U.S. population.MethodsWe analyzed National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2005 to 2018 and linked it with the most recent publicly available National Death Index (NDI) data. Individuals aged 20 years or old who had depression measurements were included. Depression was defined as a Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score ≥ 10, and categorized into moderate (10–14 points) and moderately severe to severe (≥ 15 points). Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the association between depression and mortality.ResultsAmong 5695 participants with T2DM, 11.6% had depression. Depression was associated with female gender, younger age, overweight, lower education, being unmarried, smoking, and a history of coronary heart disease and stroke. During a mean follow-up period of 78.2 months, 1161 all-cause deaths occurred. Total depression and moderately severe to severe depression significantly increased all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.36, 95% CI [1.09–1.70]; 1.67 [1.19–2.34]) and non-cardiovascular mortality (aHR 1.36, 95% CI [1.04–1.78]; 1.78, 95% CI [1.20–2.64]), but not cardiovascular mortality. Subgroup analysis showed a significant association between total depression and all-cause mortality in males (aHR 1.46, 95% CI [1.08–1.98]) and those aged 60 years or older (aHR 1.35, 95% CI [1.02–1.78]). Any severity of depression was not significantly associated with cardiovascular mortality in age- or gender- stratified subgroups.ConclusionsIn a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults with T2DM, approximately 10% experienced depression. Depression did not significantly associate with cardiovascular mortality. However, comorbid depression in T2DM patients increased the risk of all-cause and non-cardiovascular mortality. The impact of depression on mortality varied across subgroups. Therefore, healthcare providers should consider incorporating depression screening and management into routine care, especially for subgroups with specific risk factors, due to the increased risk of all-cause mortality in T2DM patients with depression.

Sex differences in the association between serum α-Klotho and depression in middle-aged and elderly individuals: A cross-sectional study from NHANES 2007–2016

BackgroundKlotho is a well-known anti-aging protein that exerts pleiotropic effects; however, little is known regarding serum α-Klotho in the context of depression. Here, we evaluated the association between serum α-Klotho levels and depression in middle-aged and older individuals. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, data were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2016 with a total of 5272 participants who were ≥40 years of age. Depression was evaluated using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The association between serum α-Klotho levels and depression was determined on the basis of multivariable logistic regression models. ResultsThe mean age of the enrolled adults was 58.94 ± 10.54 years, of which 49.5 % were female. When serum α-Klotho was log10-transformed, it was significantly inversely associated with depression in females in the final adjusted model (odds ratio [OR], 0.32; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.12–0.85). In the contrast, serum α-Klotho (log10) was significantly positively associated with depression in males in one of the adjusted models (OR, 3.71; 95 % CI, 1.17–11.8), and this disappeared after adjusting other covariates (all P > 0.05). Based on further stratified respective analyses of females and males, the results were stable. LimitationsThe cross-sectional study could not yield any conclusions regarding causality. ConclusionsIn the present study, serum α-Klotho levels were negatively related to the prevalence of depression in middle-aged and elderly women. This study provides new evidence of sex differences in the association between serum α-Klotho levels and depression.

Nutrient Inadequacy in Korean Young Adults with Depression: A Case Control Study

The role of diet is gaining attention among the modifiable factors associated with depression; thus, this case–control study examined the association between nutrition and depression in young Korean adults. Dietary surveys in individuals with depression (n = 39) and age- and gender-matched controls (n = 76) were conducted using food records and food frequency questionnaires. Men with depression consumed less mushrooms and meat, while women consumed significantly less grains (p < 0.05). Overall, the depression group consumed less energy and nutrients, and the difference was more pronounced in men. The male depression group had lower nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) for energy, protein, vitamin A, thiamine, niacin, folate, and phosphorus, whereas the female depression group had lower NARs for energy, protein, niacin, and vitamin B12. The depression group had a significantly lower mean adequacy ratio in both genders. Furthermore, the proportion of inappropriate nutrient intake was higher in both genders of the depression group, exhibiting significant differences in energy, protein, niacin, folate, and zinc in men and energy, riboflavin, folate, and vitamin C in women. Hence, both men and women in the depression group had poor nutrient intake and high rates of nutrient inadequacy and improper consumption. This suggests that the quantity and quality of meals should be improved for individuals with depressive symptoms.

New directions in male-tailored psychotherapy for depression.

Societal, cultural, and contextual norms about how men should be and behave (so called traditional masculinity ideologies; TMI) affect men's presentation of depressive disorders, psychotherapy use, and treatment engagement. Only recently, however, male-tailored psychotherapy approaches for depressive disorders have been developed, which aim to systematically soften dysfunctional TMI. In this review, we outline the necessary groundwork as well as recent advances in research on TMI, men's help-seeking, male depression, and their interrelatedness. Subsequently, we discuss the potential value of these findings for male-tailored psychotherapy for depressive disorders. A preliminary evaluation of a male-specific psychoeducation program found that a male-specific psychoeducation text could reduce negative affect as well as state shame and potentially elicit a shift from externalizing depression symptoms toward more prototypical depression symptoms. The James' Place program, a male-tailored community-based service, improved suicidal men's overall well-being, problems, functioning, and suicide risk. The Heads Up Guys! program, an eHealth resource aimed at depressed men, reported a high and increasing global interest in their website, with considerable visitor engagement. The Man Therapy online resource improved depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and help-seeking behavior. Finally, the Men in Mind program, an online training program for clinical practitioners, increased practitioners' capacity to engage and support men in therapy. Male-tailored psychotherapy programs for depressive disorders, which are informed by recent advances in TMI research, may potentially increase therapeutic effectiveness, engagement, and adherence. While recent preliminary analyses of individual male-tailored treatment programs show promising results, extensive and systematic primary studies evaluating these programs are pending but greatly needed.

Masculine depression and its problem behaviors: use alcohol and drugs, work hard, and avoid psychiatry!

The gender role influences vulnerability to mental illness. Substance use, even critical in scale, is perceived as masculine, just like hard (over-)work, while not seeking help. With the ongoing separation between gender and sex, masculine norms become more relevant also to females’ mental health. The male depression concept highlights the role of male symptoms in affective disorders. However, the empirical evidence is still limited. Here, we use the denomination ‘masculine depression’ to open the category for female patients and tested substance use patterns, health services’ utilization, and working hours as predictors in a case–control study of 163 depressed in-patients (44% women; masculine vs. non-masculine depression according to a median split of the Male Depression Rating Scale-22) and 176 controls (51% women). We assessed higher depression severity in patients with masculine (vs. non-masculine) depression. Masculine depression (vs. non-masculine depression and vs. no depression) was predicted by more frequent and critical use of alcohol (including binge drinking), tobacco, and illicit drugs, and by longer working times. Moreover, fewer health services contacts due to mental complaints during the previous year were associated with masculine (vs. non-masculine) depression. Alarmingly, even critical substance misuse was not significantly associated with more frequent health services contacts; however, the higher the depression severity, the more contacts the patients reported. Here, we provide evidence that patients with masculine depression are highly burdened and undertreated, which applies equally to female and male patients. This study identified promising targets to establish specialized care offers.

Incidence of mental disorders in the general population aged 1–30 years disaggregated by gender and socioeconomic status

PurposeThe objective of this study was to estimate the incidence and age of onset of mental disorders diagnosed by gender and socioeconomic status (SES) in children, adolescents, and young adults up to 30 years of age in the whole population of the Basque Country (Spain).MethodsAll mental health diagnoses documented in Basque Health Service records from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2018, were classified into eight clusters: anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorders, depression, psychosis/personality disorders, substance use, eating disorders, and self-harm. We calculated incidence and cumulative incidence for each cluster, disaggregated by gender, and socioeconomic status (SES). Poisson regression analyses were performed.ResultsOverall, 9,486,853 person-years of observation were available for the 609,281 individuals included. ADHD and conduct disorders were diagnosed in the first decade, anxiety and depression disorders in the second and third decades, and psychosis/personality and substance use in the third. The cumulative incidence at 18 years of age for any type of disorder was 15.5%. The group with low SES had a statistically significantly higher incidence of all eight clusters. The incidence of ADHD, conduct disorders, depression, psychosis/personality disorders, and substance use was higher in males and that of anxiety, eating disorders and self-harm was higher in females.ConclusionsThe incidence of mental disorders is high among children, adolescents, and young adults in the Basque Country underlining the need for preventive interventions. Marked differences by gender and SES highlight mental health inequalities, especially for depression and psychosis in low SES males.

Depression - is it also a problem for men?

Report of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD - Organiza-tion for Economic Co-operation and Develop-ment) and the European Commission entitled "Health at a Glance: Europe 2018" indicates that in 2016 in EU countries - 17.3% of the popula-tion, or approximately 84 million inhabitants of the Union, struggled with mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and use-related disorders. alcohol and drugs. In 2017, 3.1% of men in the European Union suffered from depression. The highest percentages of male with depression were found in Lithuania and Finland (approx. 4%), including Poland - 2.4% of men. In 2019, symptoms that may indicate depression were more common in 12.2% of men. The paper re-views the available literature on depression in men. The results are discussed in a sub-chapter:Introduction, Extent of depression, Clin-ical basis of male depression, Postpartum de-pression in men, Summary.

Assessing the interaction effects of brain structure longitudinal changes and life environmental factors on depression and anxiety.

Disrupted brain structures and several life environmental factors have been shown to influence depression and anxiety, but their interactions with anxiety and depression remain elusive. Genome-wide association study datasets of 15 brain structure longitudinal changes (N=15,640) were obtained from the published study. Genotype and phenotype-related data of depression, anxiety, and life environmental factors (including smoking, alcohol drinking, coffee intake, maternal smoking, physical activity, vitamin D, insomnia, sleep duration, and family satisfaction) were collected from UK Biobank. We calculated the polygenic risk scores (PRS) of 15 brain structure changes and then conducted linear regression analyses to explore the interactions of brain structure changes and life environmental factors on depression and anxiety using 15 brain structure change-related PRS, life environmental factors and interactions of them as instrumental variables, and depression score or anxiety score as outcomes. Sex stratification in all analyses was performed to reveal sex-specific differences in the interactions. We found 14 shared interactions related to both depression and anxiety in total sample, such as alcohol drinking × cerebellum white matter 3 (WM; beta=-.003, p=.018 for depression; beta=-003, p=.008 for anxiety) and maternal smoking × nucleus accumbens 2 (beta=.088, p=.002 for depression; beta=.070, p=.008 for anxiety). We also observed sex-specific differences in the interactions, for instance, alcohol drinking × cerebellum WM 3 was negatively associated with depression and anxiety in males (beta=-.004, p=.020 for depression; beta=-.005, p=.002 for anxiety). Our study results reveal the important interactions between brain structure changes and several life environmental factors on depression and anxiety, which may help to explore the pathogenesis of depression and anxiety.

Depression screening and use of supportive care services in prostate cancer.

219 Background: Patients with prostate cancer (PC) have high rates of depression (15-20%), which is associated with worse oncologic outcomes. The PHQ-9 is commonly used in depression screening, but men with depression may present differently than women, and male-specific screening tools such as the Gotland Male Depression Scale (GMDS) have also been developed and validated. The use of supportive care services in men with PC and depression is not well-described. Methods: Men with ≥1 Urology or Medical Oncology clinic visit for PC in the prior 6 months were emailed the PHQ-9 and GMDS every 60 days. Men who screened positive (score ≥10 on PHQ-9 or ≥13 on GMDS, consistent with moderate to severe depression) were contacted by phone to discuss the positive screen; during that conversation patients were offered a referral to an oncology social worker for a formal needs assessment and connection to supportive care services. Patient characteristics and use of supportive care services (palliative care, psychiatry, counseling, support groups, or spiritual health) at baseline and as a result of study screening were collected by survey and chart review. Results: Between 6/2021-12/2021, 201 men enrolled (Table). 184 completed ≥2 screens with mean follow-up 6.5 months (SD 1.3). 31 men (15.4%) had ≥1 positive PHQ-9 screen and 11 (5.5%) had ≥1 positive GMDS screen, 9 of whom also screened positive on the PHQ-9. Of the 33 men offered clinical social work referrals based on PHQ-9 or GMDS screening, 12 (36%) initially accepted and 7 (21%) ultimately met with social work. Of these 7 men, two ultimately received ongoing supportive counseling from social work, two were referred to support groups or peers in the community, and one was referred to financial services; the remaining two men were not followed longitudinally or referred to any services by the social worker, but were given the option to re-contact the social worker as needed. For the two patients who screened positive on the GMDS but not the PHQ-9, one declined social work referral, and one initially accepted but never scheduled an appointment. Conclusions: Use of supportive care services in men with PC was low, including when services were actively offered as a result of depression screening. Beyond the PHQ-9, the GMDS did not identify any men who engaged in supportive care services. More work is needed to optimally identify men with PC who may benefit from supportive care services and barriers to use.[Table: see text]

Psychological inflexibility mediates the relationship between conformity to masculine norms and depression: Preliminary support for a transdiagnostic approach to working therapeutically with men

BackgroundResearch suggests that rigid adherence to masculine norms is associated with negative mental health outcomes in men. However, contributing pathways between masculine norms and men's mental health are not yet well understood. It has been proposed that psychological inflexibility may function as a mediator in the relationship between masculine norms and depression in men. AimsThis study investigated whether psychological inflexibility mediated the relationship between conformity to masculine norms and depression. MethodA community-based sample of 326 men (M age = 62.33, SD age = 15.33 years) completed an online questionnaire using a range of validated scales, including the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI-22), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Male Depression Risk Scale (MDRS-22). Mediation analyses and two-way ANOVAs were used to explore relationships between variables. ResultsResults indicated that psychological inflexibility significantly mediated the relationship between conformity to masculine norms and depression (both prototypic and externalising symptomology). Findings also revealed that psychological inflexibility is more strongly linked with poor mental health than conformity to masculine norms. ConclusionsThe results suggest that psychological inflexibility may be a possible pathway through which conformity to masculine norms is associated with depressive symptoms in men, providing important insights into possible therapeutic targets for psychological intervention.