Mild Major Depressive Disorder Research Articles

Depression and generalized anxiety and associated factors among adult women and men in Nepal: Results of a national cross-sectional survey in 2022

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among adults in a national population-based survey in Nepal in 2022. MDD was assessed with the PHQ-9 and GAD with the GAD-7. Among women, the prevalence of mild and moderate or severe MDD was 16.2% and 5.9%, respectively, and the prevalence of mild and moderate or severe GAD was 20.6% and 8.2%, respectively. Among men, the prevalence of mild and moderate or severe MDD was 9.4% and 1.8%, respectively, and the prevalence of mild and moderate or severe GAD was 14.0% and 2.4%, respectively. Among women, in the multivariable model, poor self-rated health status, genital discharge, barriers to access health care, having two or more control issues with their husband or partner, experiencing one, or two or more forms of emotional violence, and exposure to two or three types of intimate partner violence were positively associated with MDD. Being widowed, divorced or separated, poor self-rated health status, genital discharge, barriers to access health care, having two or more control issues with their husband or partner, experiencing two or more forms of emotional violence, and exposure to two or three types of intimate partner violence were positively associated with GAD. Among men, poor self-rated health status, current tobacco use, genital sore or ulcer, sons and/or daughters had died, younger age and never internet use were positively associated with MDD, and being widowed, divorced or separated, poor self-rated health status, younger age and sons and/or daughters had died were positively associated with GAD. Low rates and several associated factors of MDD and GAD were found in Nepal.

A Microbial-Based Approach to Mental Health: The Potential of Probiotics in the Treatment of Depression

Probiotics are currently the subject of intensive research pursuits and also represent a multi-billion-dollar global industry given their vast potential to improve human health. In addition, mental health represents a key domain of healthcare, which currently has limited, adverse-effect prone treatment options, and probiotics may hold the potential to be a novel, customizable treatment for depression. Clinical depression is a common, potentially debilitating condition that may be amenable to a precision psychiatry-based approach utilizing probiotics. Although our understanding has not yet reached a sufficient level, this could be a therapeutic approach that can be tailored for specific individuals with their own unique set of characteristics and health issues. Scientifically, the use of probiotics as a treatment for depression has a valid basis rooted in the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) mechanisms, which play a role in the pathophysiology of depression. In theory, probiotics appear to be ideal as adjunct therapeutics for major depressive disorder (MDD) and as stand-alone therapeutics for mild MDD and may potentially revolutionize the treatment of depressive disorders. Although there is a wide range of probiotics and an almost limitless range of therapeutic combinations, this review aims to narrow the focus to the most widely commercialized and studied strains, namely Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and to bring together the arguments for their usage in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Clinicians, scientists, and industrialists are critical stakeholders in exploring this groundbreaking concept.

Nonpharmacologic and Pharmacologic Treatments of Adults in the Acute Phase of Major Depressive Disorder: A Living Clinical Guideline From the American College of Physicians.

The purpose of this guideline from the American College of Physicians (ACP) is to present updated clinical recommendations on nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions as initial and second-line treatments during the acute phase of a major depressive disorder (MDD) episode, based on the best available evidence on the comparative benefits and harms, consideration of patient values and preferences, and cost. The ACP Clinical Guidelines Committee based these recommendations on an updated systematic review of the evidence. The audience for this guideline includes clinicians caring for adult patients in the acute phase of MDD in ambulatory care. The patient population includes adults in the acute phase of MDD. ACP recommends monotherapy with either cognitive behavioral therapy or a second-generation antidepressant as initial treatment in patients in the acute phase of moderate to severe major depressive disorder (strong recommendation; moderate-certainty evidence). ACP suggests combination therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy and a second-generation antidepressant as initial treatment in patients in the acute phase of moderate to severe major depressive disorder (conditional recommendation; low-certainty evidence). The informed decision on the options of monotherapy with cognitive behavioral therapy versus second-generation antidepressants or combination therapy should be personalized and based on discussion of potential treatment benefits, harms, adverse effect profiles, cost, feasibility, patients' specific symptoms (such as insomnia, hypersomnia, or fluctuation in appetite), comorbidities, concomitant medication use, and patient preferences. ACP suggests monotherapy with cognitive behavioral therapy as initial treatment in patients in the acute phase of mild major depressive disorder (conditional recommendation; low-certainty evidence). ACP suggests one of the following options for patients in the acute phase of moderate to severe major depressive disorder who did not respond to initial treatment with an adequate dose of a second-generation antidepressant: • Switching to or augmenting with cognitive behavioral therapy (conditional recommendation; low-certainty evidence) • Switching to a different second-generation antidepressant or augmenting with a second pharmacologic treatment (see Clinical Considerations) (conditional recommendation; low-certainty evidence) The informed decision on the options should be personalized and based on discussion of potential treatment benefits, harms, adverse effect profiles, cost, feasibility, patients' specific symptoms (such as insomnia, hypersomnia, or fluctuation in appetite), comorbidities, concomitant medication use, and patient preferences.

Music and neuro-cognitive deficits in depression.

BackgroundCognitive deficits are one of the core features of major depressive disorder (MDD) that play crucial role in functional recovery. Studies have explored cognitive deficits in MDD, however, given inconsistent results, especially in mild-moderate MDD. Recently, studies have explored music as cognitive ability in various clinical conditions. In MDD, large focus has been on evaluating emotion deficits and just a handful on music cognition. With growing evidence on use of music based intervention to target cognitive deficits, it is imperative to explore nature of music cognitive ability in MDD.AimTo examine musical and neuro-cognitive deficits in patients with mild-moderate MDD.MethodsPatients diagnosed with mild or moderate MDD (n = 19) and matched healthy controls (HC) (n = 18) were evaluated on selected tests from NIMHANS Neuropsychological test battery and Montreal battery for evaluation of amusia (MBEA).ResultsMDD group performed significantly lower than HC on working memory (p = 0.007), verbal learning (p = 0.02) and retention (p = 0.03). Three indices were computed for a comprehensive evaluation. Groups did not differ significantly in any of the indices- focused attention, executive function, learning and memory as well as on music cognition. Focused attention and memory index predicted music cognition in HC and the combined group (MDD + HC) (p < 0.01). Attention alone contributed to 62.1% of variance in music cognition. Similarly, music cognition significantly predicted focused attention (p < 0.01).ConclusionIndividuals with mild-moderate MDD show significant deficits in working memory, verbal learning and memory, however, not in music cognition. There exists a significant relationship between music cognition and attention, which could be implicated in use of music interventions to ameliorate cognitive deficits. Limitations of study include small sample size and heterogeneity. Future studies on larger cohort examining musical emotion perception and neurocognition is imperative to have deeper understanding of this debilitating condition.

Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling Are Decreased in Major Depressive Disorder Patients.

There is strong evidence for an association between major depressive disorder (MDD) and inflammation. However, some studies have not observed an increase in inflammatory cytokines in MDD, and the mechanism behind this is unknown. In the present study, we evaluated MDD severity using the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and quantified mRNA levels of the blood inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), as well as negative regulators of cytokine signaling—comprising IL-10, IL-1RA, SOCS1, SOCS2 and SOCS3—in MDD patients (n = 36), with a focus on mild MDD, and normal controls (NC, n = 30). We also measured the serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6. Neither the blood mRNA nor the protein levels of inflammatory cytokines were significantly elevated in the MDD group compared with the NC group. However, we observed significant decreases in SOCS1, SOCS2 and SOCS3 mRNA in the MDD group compared to the NC group. A significant finding was a decrease in SOCS3 mRNA after remission from MDD, suggesting that SOCS3 is a trait marker in depressive symptoms. We consider that our findings would be useful in elucidating the pathophysiological mechanism of depression.

Depression and generalised anxiety and associated factors among adults in Bhutan: Results of national cross-sectional survey in 2019.

The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and correlates of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) in people 15 years in Bhutan in 2019. Cross-sectional data were analyzed from 5575 people (15-69 years) who participated in the 2019 Bhutan STEPS survey. The proportion of mild MDD was 12.3% and moderate to severe MDD 2.0%, and the prevalence of mild GAD was 7.4% and moderate to severe GAD 1.7%. In adjusted ordinal logistic regression analysis, alcohol family problem (Adjusted Odds Ratio-AOR: 2.23, 95% Confidence Interval-CI: 1.35-3.68), suicidal behaviour (AOR: 7.69, 95% CI: 3.69-6.01), passive smoking (AOR: 7.69, 95% CI: 3.69-6.01), heart attack, angina or stroke (AOR: 3.32, 95% CI: 2.13-5.79), and current tobacco use (AOR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.38-2.19) were positively, and middle-aged (30-44 years) (AOR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.60-1.00) and male sex (AOR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.38-0.58) were negatively associated with mild and moderate-severe MDD. Medium wealth status (AOR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.18, 2.82), alcohol family problem (AOR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.29-4.31), suicidal behaviour (AOR: 6.11, 95% CI: 2.75-13.59), and heart attack, angina or stroke (AOR: 3.18, 95% CI: 1.61-6.29), were positively, and male sex (AOR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.44-0.758) was negatively associated with mild and moderate-severe GAD. A low prevalence of mood disorders was found. Factors associated with MDD and/or GAD included sociodemographic factors (female sex, middle wealth status), psychosocial and environmental stressors (alcohol family problem, suicidal behaviour, passive smoking, heart attack, angina or stroke), and health risk behaviour (current tobacco use), which can be targeted in public health interventions.

Third generation cognitive-behavioral therapies for major depressive disorder- a literature review

IntroductionCognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) represent a heterogeneous group of psychotherapies in continuous development that share a directive, structured, collaborative approach. Due to a high degree of treatment-resistant cases of major depressive disorder (MDD), new augmentation therapies are urgently needed, in order to increase the chance of recovery in these patients.ObjectivesTo analyze data that may support the indication of third wave CBT in patients with MDD.MethodsA literature search was performed in the main electronic databases, and papers published between January 2000 and August 2020 were included.ResultsAcceptance and commitment therapy has been associated with positive results, but data are derived from low quality trials (n=2). Dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT)-based skill group have been also associated with favorable outcome, in MDD patients (n=2). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) was also proven effective in the treatment in MDD (n=4), treatment-resistant MDD included, but the difference between MBCT and active comparators was not always significant. Metacognitive therapy (MCT) has been evaluated in good quality clinical trials (n=4), and its efficacy was confirmed. Mild and moderate MDD patients may benefit from compassion-focused therapy (CFT) (n=1). Behavioral activation (BA) is dedicated to MDD patients and according to a meta-analysis (n=26 randomized controlled trials) BA is superior to other active comparators, although the quality of clinical trials was modest.ConclusionsThird generation CBT could be useful in MDD patients as augmentative strategy, but more good-quality data are necessary before recommending them in an evidence-based treatment guideline as a distinctive intervention from classical CBT.

Predictors of Long-Term Improvement Following Cognitive Remediation in a Sample With Elevated Depressive Symptoms.

ObjectiveCognitive remediation (CR) techniques (interventions to enhance cognitive functioning) have proven moderately effective in improving cognition and daily functioning in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, baseline predictors of treatment response are lacking. The present study aimed to identify factors influencing long-term CR outcomes in a sample with current or previous, mild or moderate MDD and with self-reported cognitive deficits.MethodsForty-two completers of group-based CR (strategy learning or drill-and-practice), were pooled into one sample. Based on change scores from baseline to 6-month follow-up, participants were categorized as “improvers” or “non-improvers” using reliable change index calculations. Measures included a questionnaire of everyday executive functioning and a neuropsychological test of attention. Finally, improvers and non-improvers were compared in terms of various sociodemographic, psychological, illness-related, and neuropsychological baseline variables.ResultsSeventeen participants improved reliably in everyday executive functioning, and fourteen demonstrated a reliable improvement in attention. No statistically significant differences emerged between improvers and non-improvers.ConclusionNo major predictors of CR were identified. Importantly, the current findings are insufficient to guide clinical decision-making. Large-scale studies with a priori hypotheses are needed to make advances in the future.

Unlike ROC analysis, a new IRT method identified clinical thresholds unbiased by disease prevalence

ObjectiveThis study introduces a new method to establish clinical thresholds for multi-item tests, based on item response theory (IRT), as an alternative to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The performance of IRT method was examined and compared with the ROC method across multiple simulated data sets and in a real data set. Study Design and SettingSimulated data sets (sample size: 1,000) varied in means and variability of the test scores and the prevalence of disease. The true clinical threshold was defined as a predetermined location on the latent trait underlying the questionnaire, with its corresponding expected test score. The real data set (sample size: 295) comprised Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) depression scores and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnoses. ResultsThe IRT method recovered the clinical thresholds without bias, whereas the ROC method identified thresholds that were biased by the prevalence of disease. Mild MDD was clinically diagnosed in 23%, moderate MDD in 12%, and severe MDD in 14% of the participants. The IRT method identified the following HADS depression score thresholds for mild, moderate, and severe MDD: 10.7, 13.2, and 15.1, respectively. ConclusionThe new IRT method identifies clinical thresholds that are unbiased by disease prevalence.

Prise en charge de la dépression de l’enfant et l’adolescent en soins premiers : une métarevue systématique de la littérature

ObjectiveTo develop a practical guide for the management of child and adolescent depression for general practitioners (GPs), suited to their practice frame, that can be implemented on a website aimed to help GPs to manage the main mental disorders encountered in primary care. MethodA systematic meta-review was performed as recommended by the PRISMA statement. Each step, articles’ selection, inclusion, methodological assessment and data extraction for the narrative synthesis was independently performed by two researchers. A study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (number CRD42016042710). The databases Pubmed, Cochrane and Web of Science were explored. Each step was performed independently by two researchers following PRISMA. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews (including guidelines based on a systematic review), published between 2002 and 2015, in English or French, dealing with the therapeutic management, in primary care, of patients aged 6 to 18 years old with a major depressive disorder (MDD) were included. Grey literature was explored searching the websites of national and international health agencies, learned societies, and article references. The methodological and report qualities were assessed using the AGREE II, PRISMA checklist and R-AMSTAR grid. A narrative synthesis was performed to produce the practical guide, prioritizing data from the best evaluated articles. An expert group of GPs’ and one child psychiatrist validated the guide in its final form. ResultsThirty-eight studies were included: 12 recommendations, 5 systematic reviews and 21 meta-analyses. The best evaluated guideline had an AGREE-II assessment of 81%, and the best evaluated meta-analysis had an assessment of 86% for R-AMSTAR and 96% for PRISMA. The average scores of the R-AMSTAR and PRISMA assessments were 65% and 72% respectively. The average score of the AGREE II grid assessment was 57%. The data were synthesized into a practical guide for the GPs’ practice, corresponding to the different consultation times. MDD diagnosis should be done on the DSM or ICD basis. The Childrens’ Depression Rating Scale-revised or the Revised Beck Depression Inventory are useful in primary care for MDD appraisal in children and adolescents. For mild MDD a supportive psychotherapy and surveillance for 4 to 6 weeks is preconized in primary care. In the absence of improvement, a specific and structured psychotherapy is recommended, and the patient should be addressed to a child psychiatrist. For moderate to severe MDD, the young patient should be addressed to a specialist in child psychiatry. A psychotherapy, which can be associated with fluoxetine, especially in adolescents, is indicated with a revaluation of the pharmacological treatment between 4 to 8 weeks. A weekly follow-up by the GP is recommended during the first month, especially after the initiation of an antidepressant to assess the suicidal risk. Beyond the first month, a consultation should be scheduled every two weeks. ConclusionA clinical guide was created from the best evidence-based data to help GPs in the management of child and adolescent MDD. A French-language website, aimed to assist GPs in mental disease management and available during their consultation, will be created based on the compilation of this meta-review with other similar meta-reviews.

Effects of music therapy on major depressive disorder: A study of prefrontal hemodynamic functions using fNIRS

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a recurrent, chronic mental illness. While music therapy has been established as an effective treatment for MDD patients, the effects of this therapy on brain function remain unclear. This research employed near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to explore the effects of music therapy on brain activity in mild or moderate MDD patients and to illustrate the potential mechanism of music therapy. Methods: Fifteen MDD patients and fifteen healthy controls (HC) underwent neuropsychological evaluations and NIRS measurements. All participants were treated with continuous music therapy for 10 days. Subsequently, all individuals were evaluated with neuropsychological assessments and NIRS measurements again. Results: The verbal fluency task (VFT) performances of the participants yielded significantly higher scores after music therapy in terms of vegetables, four-footed animals and fruit blocks. After the music treatment, the NIRS data showed that the mean active oxy-Hb values of channels 21, 23, 19, and 41 were significantly increased in both the MDD and HC groups. The MDD group showed significant activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) after music therapy. The results indicate that music therapy could improve the brain function of MDD patients.

The cost-utility of stepped-care algorithms according to depression guideline recommendations – Results of a state-transition model analysis

BackgroundEvidence-based clinical guidelines for major depressive disorder (MDD) recommend stepped-care strategies for sequencing evidence-based treatments conditional on treatment outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of stepped care as recommended by the multidisciplinary clinical guideline vis-à-vis usual care in the Netherlands. MethodsGuideline-congruent care as described in stepped-care algorithms for either mild MDD or moderate and severe MDD was compared with usual care in a health-economic state-transition simulation model. Incremental costs per QALY gained were estimated over five years from a healthcare perspective. ResultsFor mild MDD, the cost-utility analysis showed a 67% likelihood of better health outcomes against lower costs, and 33% likelihood of better outcomes against higher costs, implying dominance of guideline-congruent stepped care. For moderate and severe MDD, the cost-utility analysis indicated a 67% likelihood of health gains at higher costs following the stepped-care approach and 33% likelihood of health gains at lower costs, with a mean ICER of about €3,200 per QALY gained. At a willingness to pay threshold of €20,000 per QALY, the stepped-care algorithms for both mild MDD and moderate or severe MDD is deemed cost-effective compared to usual care with a greater than 95% probability. LimitationsThe findings of our decision-analytic modelling are limited by the accuracy and availability of the underlying evidence. This hampers taking into account all individual differences relevant to optimise treatment to individual needs. ConclusionsIt is highly likely that guideline-congruent stepped care for MDD is cost-effective compared to usual care. Our findings support current guideline recommendations.

12-year changes in cardiovascular risk factors in people with major depressive or bipolar disorder: a prospective cohort analysis in Germany

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder are associated with certain cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs), but it is unclear whether they are associated with unfavourable changes of clinically manifest CVRFs over time. We used baseline and 12-year follow-up (n = 1887) data from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998. Multivariable linear regression models assessed associations between lifetime CIDI-diagnosed mood disorders at baseline and continuous risk factor-related outcomes (blood pressure, HbA1c, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, BMI) at follow-up. We did not find consistent deterioration of CVRFs in persons with compared to persons without MDD. Analyses pointed to severity of mood disorder as an important correlate of long-term changes of comorbid hypertension: while a history of mild MDD was not associated with changes in CVRFs, moderate MDD was associated with lower blood pressure [systolic: β=- 7.5 (CI - 13.2; - 1.9); diastolic: β=- 4.5 (CI - 7.8; - 1.3)] and a history of bipolar disorder was associated with higher systolic blood pressure at follow-up (β = 14.6; CI 4.9-24.4). Further, severe MDD was weakly associated with a higher BMI at follow-up [β = 1.2 (CI 0.0; 2.4)]. These outcomes were not mediated by use of psychotropic medication and remained statistically significant after adjusting for the use of antihypertensive medication. Since most investigated parameters showed no associations, participants with a lifetime history of MDD in this cohort did not carry a specific risk for a worsening of pre-existing clinically manifest CVRFs. Our findings extend evidence of MDD severity and bipolar disorder as important correlates of long-term changes of arterial hypertension and obesity.

Psychopathological constellation in patients with PNES: A new hypothesis

Depression symptoms have often reported in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), although the underlying psychopathological symptomatology has been poorly understood. Our aim was to compare constellations of psychological and behavioral disturbance in PNES with respect to patients with mild-major depressive disorder (MDD), hypothesizing that the construct of depression might be different in the two groups.Ten patients with PNES and ten sex-/age-matched patients with mild-MDD newly-diagnosed, were enrolled in this study. A wide neuropsychiatric battery was employed including the following: symptoms checklist 90-R (SCL-90-R), Toronto alexithymia scale (TAS-20), Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAMA), Beck depression inventory (BDI II), dissociative experiences scale (DES), traumatic experience checklist (TEC), somatoform dissociation questionnaire (SDQ-20), and temperament and character inventory-revised (TCI-R).No significant difference was detected in the large part of psychopathological examination including personality profile between the two groups. However, PNES showed high scores in alexithymia (p=0.02); anxiety (p=0.03), and somatoform symptomatology (p's<0.03) with respect to patients with mild-MDD. Moreover, somatoform symptoms strongly correlated with depression scores in both groups, whereas alexithymia was influenced by high anxiety level only in the group with PNES. No significant relationship was found between traumatic experience (as measured by TEC) and construct of depression.Our proof-of-concept study suggests that patients with PNES are characterized by their inability to verbalize emotions when dealing with anxiety symptoms, therefore expressing them in a somatic dimension. Further researches, including the investigation of the relationship between anxiety status and emotional expression, are warranted to better understand the pathogenesis of PNES.

Efficacy of escitalopram monotherapy in the treatment of major depressive disorder: A pooled analysis of 4 Chinese clinical trials.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of escitalopram monotherapy in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) on the basis of pooled data analysis of 4 Chinese clinical trials.A total of 649 outpatients with MDD score of ≥18 at the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD17) were included across 4 eligible studies. Patients were treated with 10 mg/day escitalopram for 2 weeks, and then 20 mg/day escitalopram was administered if the clinical response was poor.The change in total HAMD17 score was significantly greater in moderate MDD group than in other subgroups (P < .001), but the proportion of responders and remission rate in moderate MDD group were markedly lower than in mild MDD group. As compared to patients with concomitant anxiety, anxiety free patients showed significant improvement in total HAMD17 score at days 14 and 28 (P < .05). However, there was no significant difference in the change of total HAMD17 score at day 7 and the end of study. According to clinical global impression (CGI) score, the total response rate (very much improved and much improved) was 86.7%. There were 479 adverse events (AEs), but serious AEs were not observed. A total of 3.39% (22/649) of patients withdrew from these studies due to AEs. The most common (incidence ≥2.0%) AEs were nausea, dry mouth, somnolence, dizziness, fatigue, dyspepsia, liver dysfunction, and loss of appetite.Escitalopram monotherapy is effective and safe in the treatment of MDD in Chinese patients, and therapeutic efficacy is dependent on the severity of MDD. Further study is needed to identify better predictors of therapeutic responses.

Major Depressive Disorder and Condom Use in Young Adult Females

The aim of this study is to assess the association between moderate to severe MDD and inconsistent condom use in U.S women aged 18-25. We examined National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011-2013 Our study focuses on responses to the depression screener and "sexual behavior" questions. A total of 302 women, aged 18-25 responded to the depression screener and the "never had sex without a condom question". Of these , 270 had no or mild MDD and 32 had moderate to severe MDD Of the women with moderate-severe MDD, 1 consistently used condoms, and 31 used condoms inconsistently. On both bivariate and multivariate analysis this association between moderate-severe MDD and inconsistent condom use was significant (p = .004, OR 10.260 95% Cl 1-371- 76.801 ) After using the complex samples module, this association remained significant, even after controlling for race (p = 0_032; OR = 7_677, 95% Cl = 1202-49.048). Moderate-severe MDD is significantly associated with inconsistent condom use in 18-25 year-old women. This suggests a need for further research and interventions geared toward treating MDD, but also in counseling young adult women with MDD regarding healthy sexual behaviors.

Evaluation of the performance of general practitioners in a collaborative care program by employing simulated patients.

To compare the performance of the general practitioners (GPs) in a collaborative care (CC) program in Iran with a control group of GPs in the usual care by employing simulated patients. Six trained simulated patients (SPs) made unannounced visits to 26 GP offices participating in the CC program and to 26 age and sex matched controls. The SPs role played five clinical scenarios of mental disorders and filled out checklists to evaluate the GPs' performance regarding interviewing, taking history, establishing rapport, showing empathy, and giving advice to patients. Additionally, the GPs' plan of care and prescriptions were evaluated later by a psychiatrist based on the documents provided by the SPs. There was a significant difference between collaborative care and control group physicians in their global performance; CC physicians built up better patient-physician relationship. They performed better in evaluating a psychotic patient, although not better in their management. CC physicians were marginally better in approach to patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and mild major depressive disorder. The overall performance of physicians in CC was better than the GPs in the control group in making an effective patient-physician relationship, and evaluating a psychotic patient. The main weakness of the GPs was in proper treatment of the minor and more common psychiatric disorders and in evaluation of patients with suicidal ideations who were in need for emergent referral. Evaluating performance of the practitioners is feasible employing SPs and the findings can be translated into improvements in the available services.

College students’ perceptions of individuals with anorexia nervosa: irritation and admiration

Background: Stigmatizing attitudes against anorexia nervosa (AN) may act as barriers to treatment.Aims: Evaluated college students’ perceptions of AN as compared to major depressive disorder (MDD).Method: One-hundred two female undergraduates read vignettes describing targets with mild or severe MDD or AN, then rated biological, vanity, and self-responsibility attributions; feelings of admiration, sympathy, and anger; and behavioral dispositions toward coercion into treatment, imitation, and social distance.Results: AN was perceived more negatively than MDD in terms of vanity attributions, self-responsibility attributions, and feelings of anger, but more positively in terms of admiration and imitation.Conclusions: This research demonstrates stigma-related mixed messages received by individuals with AN, which might be useful in improving eating disorders mental health literacy.

Discrepancy between self- and observer-rated depression severities as a predictor of vulnerability to suicide in patients with mild depression

BackgroundDiscrepancies in depression severity between the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) have been reported. However, whether these discrepancies impact vulnerability to suicide in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) remains unclear. MethodsPatients with mild MDD (n=161) were enrolled in the study and divided into the following 3 groups: (1) patients with MDD with the discrepancy (n=45), i.e., those with low HAMD17 scores (8–13) and high BDI-II scores (≥29), (2) patients with MDD without the discrepancy (n=46), i.e., those with low HAMD17 scores and low BDI-II scores (≤28), and (3) patients not currently depressed (n=70), i.e., those with HAMD17 scores ≤7 (affective controls). We examined the relationship of demographic, clinical, and neuropsychological variables with any discrepancy between self-rating and observer rating. ResultsPatients with MDD with the discrepancy had significantly higher hopelessness than those without the discrepancy and affective controls. Verbal fluency task performance of patients with MDD with the discrepancy was significantly impaired compared with that of those without the discrepancy and affective controls. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that a history of suicide attempt [odds ratio (OR), 3.57; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.12–11.37] and hopelessness (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.09–1.38) increased odds of the discrepancy. LimitationsResults require replication. ConclusionsClinicians should examine discrepancies between self- and observer-rated depression severities, which are associated with vulnerability to suicide in patients with MDD, even if objectively evaluated as mild.

Effect of symptom severity on efficacy and safety of aripiprazole adjunctive to antidepressant monotherapy in major depressive disorder: A pooled analysis

BackgroundThere is a paucity of evidence for outcome predictors in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) not responding to initial antidepressant therapy (ADT). This post-hoc analysis evaluated whether MDD severity affects response to adjunctive aripiprazole. MethodsData from 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of adjunctive aripiprazole in adults with MDD and inadequate response to 1 to 3 ADT trials were pooled and stratified based on Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score (mild, ≤24; moderate, 25–30; severe, ≥31). Treatment differences in change in MADRS total score and rates of response (≥50% MADRS improvement) and remission (response with MADRS total score ≤10) were analyzed at endpoint. Adverse events were assessed within each subgroup. ResultsAripiprazole produced greater improvement than placebo in the MADRS total score regardless of MDD severity at baseline (between-treatment difference [95% CI]: mild, −2.5 [−4.0 to −1.1]; moderate, −3.2 [−4.9 to −1.6]; severe, −4.5 [−6.8 to −2.2]). Compared with placebo, adjunctive aripiprazole increased the likelihood of response in all subgroups (risk ratio [95% CI]: mild, 1.50 [1.15, 1.95]; moderate, 1.51 [1.09, 2.11]; severe, 1.95 [1.23, 3.10]). Common treatment-emergent adverse events included akathisia and restlessness. LimitationsThe original studies were not designed to assess the efficacy of adjunctive aripiprazole by baseline severity, and this post-hoc analysis was not powered to evaluate differences in severity subgroups. ConclusionsIn patients who failed to respond to initial ADT, adjunctive aripiprazole was more effective than placebo in mild, moderate, and severe MDD strata. Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrial.gov: NCT00095823, NCT00105196, and NCT00095758.