Moderate Levels Of Depression Research Articles

Associations between perceived occupational stressors and symptoms severity of depression, anxiety and stress among academic faculty: First cross-sectional study from Qatar

BackgroundMental health concerns among university faculty are on the rise, with reports of anxiety, depression, and occupational stress, impacting the higher education community. In Qatar, an assessment of faculty mental health has not been previously realized. The objectives of the current study were twofold: Firstly, to evaluate the extent of perceived occupational stress, depression, anxiety, and stress, and secondly, to assess the association among these mental health parameters.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among faculty using an online, self-administered, anonymous, voluntary survey. All faculty were included by sending the survey to their institutional emails. In addition to faculty demographics and general health status, the survey measured perceived stress due to academic job roles using the Faculty Stress Index (FSI) with its five distinct domains, and assessed faculty mental health using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 items (DASS-21). Modified Poisson regression with robust variance was used to assess how FSI influences levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.ResultsA total of 112 faculty responded to the survey. The highest faculty self-perceptions of mental health conditions were for anxiety (63% at least moderate), followed by depression (30% at least moderate), and least for stress (26% at least moderate). The overall mean FSI score was 48.8 ± 29.4; time constraint and rewards and recognition domains scored highest (18.5 ± 11.4 and 13.3 ± 9.3 respectively) while the departmental influence domain scored least (4.8 ± 4.4). Increased risk of at least moderate levels of self-perceived depression and stress were significantly associated with higher FSI score (p˂0.001). Increased risk of at least moderate levels of depression were less likely among faculty aged 50 years and above (p = 0.034), while increased risk of at least moderate levels of anxiety were more likely among faculty from humanities colleges (p = 0.027).ConclusionsThis is the first investigation of university faculty mental health in Qatar, indicating multifactorial perceived occupational stress, associated with higher perceived severity of mental health conditions. These baseline results establish links between specific occupational stressors for faculty and their mental well-being. As such, assessment of mental health conditions, controlling occupational stress, and developing tailored mental health interventions for faculty, are strategic to implement and foster well-being of academics. Further research into mental health of faculty and designing effective interventions that consider their specific stressors and associated factors are warranted.

Impact of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression on Chronic Kidney Disease and its Effects on Quality of Life

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and examine their impact on quality of life (QOL). Material and Methods: The study conducted at KIMS-Saveera in Anantapur focused on 400 individuals diagnosed with CKD. To gather information, an online survey using Google Forms was employed. This survey included questions about health, as well as assessments using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 to understand mental well-being and the kidney-related QOL scale to evaluate the QOL related to kidney disease. Results: The survey revealed that 300 males and 100 females participated in the study, and most of the participants had moderate levels of depression (41.3), anxiety (37.5), and stress (31.7). Notably, a significant negative correlation was observed between age and psychological health (PHC) (r = −0.198, n = 400, P = 0.004). Conclusion: This study revealed that stress, anxiety, and depression moderately impact the QOL for CKD patients. The findings underscore the importance of considering mental health factors in the overall care of individuals and emphasizing a holistic approach to address both physical and emotional well-being.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients with advanced schistosomiasis in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Advanced schistosomiasis is the most serious outcome of infection and has a negative impact on both physical fitness and mental health of patients, the latter of which has long been overlooked. Therefore, we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms, one of the most common mental problems, in patients with advanced schistosomiasis in China. Six electronic databases were searched for studies reporting the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the targeted patients. Assessments were pooled using a fixed- or random-effects model based on heterogeneity test. Subgroup analyses were further performed and differences between/among groups were examined using the chi-squared test. The protocol had previously been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023406708). A total of 11 studies with 1,673 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms in advanced schistosomiasis in China was 62.01% (95% CI: 51.30% - 72.72%), with a significant heterogeneity among studies. Depressive symptoms were more prevalent in patients with complications and more than half of the patients suffered a mild- or moderate-level of depression. No publication bias was found, and sensitivity analysis showed a stable result. The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms in advanced schistosomiasis in China was high enough to warrant psychotherapeutic interventions, especially for patients with complications. This would greatly prevent or/and reduce depression and improve their quality of life.

The relationship between depression and self-compassion with non-suicidal self-injury among university students

The non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has been reported among university students which must be taken into consideration because it can have a negative impact on students’ well-being and lives. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between depression and self-compassion with NSSI among university students. This study was to identify the levels of depression, self-compassion, and NSSI. Purposive sampling was used in this correlational study and quantitative research design. This study included 73 NSSI reported year 1 and 2 undergraduate students from one of the programs at a Malaysian university. The instruments used in this study were the depression anxiety stress scale-21 (DASS-21) depression subscales, selfcompassion scale (SCS), and inventory of statements about self-injury (ISAS). Findings show that respondents had a moderate level of depression and self-compassion, as well as a low level of NSSI. Findings also demonstrate that there was a significant positive relationship between depression and NSSI. Self-compassion and NSSI had a significant negative relationship. There were also different findings for the relationship between the dimensions of self-compassion and NSSI. In conclusion, NSSI is a risky behavior that has negative consequences among university students.

The Unspoken Wounds: Understanding the Psychological Impact on Healthcare Professionals Fighting COVID-19 in Pakistan

During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital staff faced numerous mental health challenges. However, limited research focused on anxiety and stress specifically among hospital workers during this time. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anxiety levels of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A multidimensional, cross-sectional survey was distributed to healthcare workers and staff at hospitals, COVID-19 laboratories, and healthcare settings. The survey included a total of 625 frontline healthcare workers, with 445 (71.2%) being male and 180 (28.8%) female. There were 405 (64.8%) lab professionals, 90 (14.0%) doctors, and 130 (20.8%) others, including nursing staff, administrative personnel, and supporting staff crucial to the functioning of healthcare settings. Among the lab professionals, 37.0% reported moderate depression levels and 16.0% reported severe depression levels during the pandemic. For doctors, 22.2% experienced mild depression and 33.33% experienced severe depression. Several factors were significantly associated with depression and anxiety among frontline healthcare workers, including physiological and social factors, fear of infection, risk of infecting family members and colleagues, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), long working hours, untrained staff, social issues, and cooperation problems. These factors collectively contributed to reduced work efficacy during the pandemic. Frontline health workers played a critical role in the fight against COVID-19. The findings from this study have important implications for developing strategies to improve the mental health of healthcare workers during the pandemic and implementing policies that enhance work efficacy, ultimately leading to the improved outcomes.

Perceived psychological status among family caregivers of an autistic child: the role of coping strategies and self-esteem as predictors

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess psychological distress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), self-esteem as a predictor of such distress and the effect of coping strategies. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive correlational study design was conducted using a convenient sample of parents of ASD children (N = 93). Findings This study revealed that the parents of an ASD child experienced a high level of anxiety (M = 15.89), a moderate level of depression (M = 15.85) and a mild level of stress (M = 16.86). Parents of ASD children also reported a low self-esteem score (M= 13.27). Mothers of ASD children reported higher levels of psychological distress, lower levels of self-esteem and more frequent utilisation of maladaptive coping strategies than fathers of ASD children. Practical implications Parents of children with ASD experience a significant level of psychological distress; however, this may be improved by developing programmes and psychological interventions focused on improving parents’ self-esteem and using more active coping strategies. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study conducted in Saudi Arabia that predict the psychological status among family caregivers of an autistic child.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY TO ASSESS THE LEVEL OF DEPRESSION AMONG THE ELDERLY LIVING IN OLD AGE HOMES AND COMMUNITY, PUDUCHERRY

Depression is a state of mental illness. It is characterized by deep, long lasting feelings of sadness or despair. Depression can change an individual’s thinking/feelings and also affects his/her social behaviour and sense of physical well-being. It can affect people of any age group, including young children and teens. It can run in families and usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30 years. Women and elderly people are more commonly affected than men. There are several types of depression such as major depression it is a change in mood that lasts for weeks or months. It is one of the most severe types of depression. Dysthymia is a less severe form of depression but usually lasts for several years. Psychotic depression a severe form of depression associated with hallucinations and delusions .Seasonal depression, occurring only at certain time of the year usually winter, also known as winter blues’. Some of the common factors that may cause depression are genetics , trauma and high levels of stress, mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and substance abuse, postpartum depression (women may develop depression after the birth of the baby), serious medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer and HIV, use of certain medications, alcohol and drug abuse, individuals with low self-esteem, trauma and high levels of stress due to financial problems, breakup of a relationship or loss of a loved one. The signs and symptoms of depression include feeling of sadness and loneliness, loss of interest in activities once found enjoyable, feeling of hopelessness, worthlessness or excessive guilt, fatigue or loss of energy, sleeping too little or too much, loss of appetite, restlessness and being easily annoyed. Diagnose the depression based on the detailed history and sign and symptoms of the individual. Laboratory tests such as blood tests to screen for alcohol/drugs in blood. Psychological evaluation of the individual’s thoughts, feelings and behaviour patterns. The most common treatments of depression are Counselling & Psychotherapy, Medication, Electro convulsive therapy. Medications such as anti-depressants are given to help balance chemicals in the brain known as ‘neuro transmitters’. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is carried out in case the treatment with other therapies such as medications has failed. Preventive measures include regular exercise, healthy diet and stable relationships. Statement Of The Problem: A comparative study to assess the level of depression among the elderly living in old age homes and community, Puducherry’’. Objectives: To assess the level of depression among the elderly. • To compare the level of depression among elderly residing in old age home and those living in community. • To associate the level of depression among elderly with their selected demographic variables. Materials and Methods: The investigator obtained formal permission from Hospital authority and Institutional Ethical Committee of Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital. The study was conducted at help age India old age home and thirubhuvanai community area, Puducherry. The period of data collection was four weeks .The study was conducted quantitative research approach ,descriptive research design and convenient sampling technique was used to select the sample .The sample size was 60 elderly depression patient, 30 were inmates of old age home and 30 were living in community. The investigator explained the procedure to the clients and assessed level of depression among elderly people’s. After obtaining oral consent primarily the demographic data was obtained from the samples. Standardized Hamilton depression rating scale prepared by the investigator was used to assess the level of depression among the elderly living in old age homes and community. This scale consists of 17 items. The data variables were collected from the elderly residing at help age India and thirubhuvanai community area .This was continued for 15-20 minutes in a day. Sample is reassessed to analyze the intervention on depression. Data analysis was done using descriptive and statistical analysis. Result: The findings shows that, the mean score of the level of depression among the elderly living in the old age homes was 16.47 ± 4.637 and the community was 12.73 ± 6.341.The calculated independent ‘t’ test value of t = -2.603 shows statistically significant difference between Comparison between the level of depression among the elderly living in old age homes and community respectively. Conclusion: Out of 60 samples in Frequency and percentage wise distribution of level of depression among the elderly living in old age homes and community .In old age homes, Majority of the elderly10 (33.3%) had moderate level of depression, 9 (30%) had severe level of depression, 8 (26.7%) had mild level of depression, 2 (6.7%) had extremely severe level of depression and 1 (3.3%) had normal level.

Assessment of Depression among IBD patients in Gastroenterology and Hepatology Specialized Hospital, Medical City, Iraq using the PHQ-9

Background: The management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) must take mental health into account because it might be difficult to find the best therapies and mental health resources. Anxiety and depression are the two psychological illnesses that IBD patients experience most frequently. The growing incidence of these mental illnesses encourages mental screening of every IBD patient at the initial session. There are easy-to-use, scientifically effective screening techniques for mental health issues. As important as or even more so than a therapy modality may be psychological techniques. Objective: To assess the level of depression among IBD patients in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Specialized Hospital, Medical City, Ministry of Health and Environment. Patients and methods: The patients were provided with the three-page Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) as a self-administrated tool to learn more about their health. When completed, the doctor scans the completed questionnaire, verifies the "yes" responses, and then applies the diagnostic algorithms, which are briefly listed at the bottom of each page. This study was conducted on 98 patients with IBD attending the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Specialized Hospital, Medical City, Baghdad during the period from January – June 2022. Results: Of the total number of cases included in the study 47 (47.9%) were females and 51 (52.1%) were males. The highest frequency was for young adults, 48 cases (49%), and the lowest was for children, 9 (9.2%). There were 43 cases with Ulcerative Colitis and 55 with Crohn's disease. According to the PHQ-9 score, 26 cases (26.5%) had mild scores and 9 (9.2%) cases had severe scores. The highest frequency of PHQ-9 scores was in the moderately severe range with 44 (44.9%). Conclusion: Mild and moderate levels of depression were the most prevalent among IBD patients across all age and sex groups, which should encourage physicians to address the mental health status of their patients and to include mental health care in the routine checkup of their patients. Received: Feb,, 2023 Accepted: Oct, 2023 Published: Jan.2024

Higher Intakes of Soft Drinks Are Associated With Anxiety, Depression, and Bone Mineral Density Among University Students

This cross-sectional study was used to investigate the association of carbonated soft drink (CSD) intake with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and bone health in university students in Pakistan. Daily intake of CSDs was significantly correlated with an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and low bone mineral density (BMD) (P-trend = .000) compared with consumption of less than 1 CSD per week. About one-third of participants reported a moderate anxiety level, 26.4% reported a moderate depression level, and 7.8% reported a severe depression level. Furthermore, 67.2% of participants classified with osteopenia and 8.6% classified with osteoporosis. University students having high consumption of CSDs had significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression, and low BMD.

Association Between Sleep Quality and Mental Illness Among Undergraduate Students

Introduction: Understanding the association between sleep quality and mental illness is indeed crucial for promoting the well-being of undergraduate students and addressing potential challenges before they become clinically significant. There is an association between sleep quality and mental health, and disruptions in one can affect the other. Thus, this study was conducted to examine the association between sleep quality and mental illness among undergraduate students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a probability simple random sampling method among 347 International Islamic University Malaysia undergraduate students from February to April 2022. The data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire via Google Form. Two questionnaires were used in this study, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for sleep quality and DASS-21 for mental health status. Results: The study findings showed that 176 individuals (50.7%) experience mild sleep difficulty, moderate levels of depression (23.3%), extremely severe levels of anxiety (13.3%), and moderate levels of stress (14.4%). Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of promoting good sleep habits for the overall students’ well-being.

Psychohygienic evaluation of depression level among Ukrainian youth forced to emigrate to Canada due to the war in Ukraine

the ongoing war in Ukraine since 2014 has led to the forced migration of thousands ofpeople, resulting in a range of social and psychological problems, including depression. In light of this,the purpose of the research was to investigate the level of depression among youth who were forced toemigrate abroad due to the war. The study was conducted in Canada in 2023 using the Patient HealthQuestionnaire-9 of young people aged 16 to 30 years old who emigrated from Ukraine due to the war
 escalation on the 24th of February 2022. The PHQ-9 is a questionnaire used to assess the level of de-pression symptoms in the last two weeks based on 9 questions which show the level of the depression
 disorder or indicate the risks of its development. The research aims to raise awareness of the psycholog-ical well-being issue among war-displaced people between Russia and Ukraine to determine the level of
 depression, which allows providing practical recommendations for managing depression in the contextof migration and developing psychological support and rehabilitation programs for this population.The study’s findings suggest that a moderate level of depression, with increased levels of the moderateoption, was observed among Ukrainian refugees aged 16 to 30 years old who migrated to Canada. Theresults also showed that the number of respondents who did not have signs of depression decreased dueto the war. The average value of the sample slightly increased from 9.4 in 2022 to 10.9 in the currentstudy. However, values of 9 and 10 are borderline for distinguishing «mild» and «moderate» levels ofdepression, so it can be assumed that this year was transitional between these conditions. The resultsof studying the most popular answers to some survey questions show that problems with falling asleep,poor sleep quality or too much concern more than half of the respondents almost every day. It can beargued that the stress associated with migration and war significantly affected the quality of sleep amongyoung people. One-third of respondents reported poor appetite or overeating, which can be resolvedwith simple recommendations and advice. These findings highlight the potential need for mental healthsupport for this population. The data obtained can be useful for government agencies in Canada andUkraine, social services, psychological counsellors, and all those working with military and civilianrefugees in the territories of North America and Europe.

Body, Breath, and Mind: Feasibility of an Internet Intervention for Depressive Symptoms Combining Qi Gong and Behavioral Activation

BackgroundResearch has consistently shown that the motor system and emotional processes are interrelated in non-clinical as well as in clinical populations. Therefore, the body might be a promising target for the treatment of depression. Based on these notions, we developed Body, Breath and Mind (BBM) a minimally monitored online intervention combining body orientated Qi Gong practice with elements of behavioral activation (BA). This study aims to assess the feasibility of BBM.MethodsOne hundred and ten adults showing at least moderate levels of depression were recruited and a single group pre-/post-test design was used. BBM consists of eight modules including Qi Gong as well as BA homework practice. Instructions for Qi Gong practice were given via video. Feasibility outcome measures included treatment adherence, preliminary effectiveness, satisfaction and practice time. Primary outcome measure was the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) assessing depressive symptoms.ResultsWe found significant reduction of depressive symptoms with a large effect size (dAV = – 1.82) and participants were satisfied with Qi Gong and BA elements as well as with the entire program. Thirty-four participants (31%) completed all eight modules.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that it would be feasible to proceed to a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the potential of BBM, a program combining body-oriented and BA elements.

THU137 Body Mass Index Relates To Quality Of Life In Adolescents With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract Disclosure: N. Priya: None. L. Brenan: None. Y. Luu: None. L. Hull: None. A. Short: None. N. Gupta: None. A.S. Pena: None. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition affecting up to 13 and 18 % of women and adolescents. Women with PCOS have reduced quality of life and increased rates of depression and anxiety, but there is limited data in adolescents of all ranges of body mass index (BMI). Therefore, this study aimed to assess quality of life, depression, anxiety and stress levels of adolescents with PCOS of all BMI ranges. This cross-sectional study included participants aged between 12 and 22 years old who had been diagnosed with PCOS using the 2020 adolescent international evidence-based guidelines. Participants completed three self-administered questionnaires (Depression, Anxiety and Stress questionnaire, Pediatric Quality of Life, and PCOS-specific quality of life (PCOSQ)). Clinical data was also collected. Seventy-six adolescents with PCOS were enrolled into the study (mean age [standard deviation] 17.3 [2.1] years, mean age of menarche 12.06 [2.1] years old and the mean time since PCOS diagnosis 0.8 [1.4] years). Mean BMI was 29.8 [8.2] kg/m2 (21 had a BMI <85th percentile for age and gender). Participants scored 13.7 [9.8] for depression, 13.8 [9.1] for anxiety and 17.6 [8.8] for stress. 36 participants scored ≥14 and 47 participants scored ≥10 indicating moderate levels of depression and anxiety, respectively. For quality of life (scored out of 100 with a higher score indicating better quality of life), participants scored 68.9 [16.3] in the domain of physical functioning, 49.5 [20.4] for emotional functioning, 75.3 [21.6] for social functioning and 57.8 [21.5] for school functioning with a total average score of 63.8 [15.4] which indicated an above average quality of life. For the PCOSQ (highest score is 7 which indicates a higher quality of life) participants scored 4.2 [1.4] for emotions, 4.0 [1.8] for body hair, 3.4 [2.0] for weight, 3.9 [1.4] for menstrual problems and 5.2 [1.6] for infertility problems. Higher BMI significantly related to lower Pediatric Quality of Life total score (r=-0.44, p<0.001) and PCOSQ for weight (r=-0.55, p<0.001), but did not impact other PCOSQ domains. BMI was not related to depression, anxiety and stress scores. Adolescents with BMI ≥85 percentile have worse total PCOSQ scores compared to those with BMI <85 percentile (3.8 (1.2) vs 4.9 (0.9), p=0.008). Better PCOSQ for emotions significantly related to better Pediatric Quality of Life total score (r=0.47, p<0.001) and other domains of PCOSQ (PCOSQ for body hair r=0.48, p<0.001; for weight r=0.46, p<0.001; for menstrual problems r=0.58, p<0.001 and for infertility r=0,73, p<0.001). Higher BMI was associated with reduced quality of life in adolescents recently diagnosed with PCOS, but other factors that impacted quality of life were hirsutism, menstrual irregularities and infertility. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Depression Among University Students in Jordan After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

University students encounter stressors that make them more susceptible to depression than the general population. Depression negatively impacts mental and physical health. Our study assessed the prevalence of depression among university students in Jordan and its associated predictors after the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted this cross-sectional online survey study in the first quarter of 2022 by sending an online questionnaire to university students aged 18 years and older. This study assessed the symptoms of depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated predictors of depression. A total of 535 university students participated in this study. The mean depression score for the study participants was 13.9 (SD: 7.1) out of 27, representing a moderate level of depression. Among the participants, 26.2% had moderate, 19.3% had moderately severe, and 25.8% had severe depression. Students who drink three or more cups of coffee per day, have had an evaluation of their psychological state by specialists before, and have been diagnosed with any mental illness were more likely to have a higher depression score compared to others (p<0.05). On the other hand, students who were aged 24 years and older and those who practiced regular exercise were less likely to have a higher depression score compared to others (p<0.05). We found a high prevalence of depression among university students in Jordan. This result is vital for decision-makers to implement a plan to prevent and manage this mental health issue.

COVID-19 salgını sonrası mpox (maymun çiçeği) salgını tehdidi: Sağlık çalışanları yeni psikolojik savaşlara hazır mı?

Aims: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the psychological status of healthcare professionals regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and to examine their perspectives and knowledge levels regarding the mpox epidemic.&#x0D; Methods: Having a cross-sectional design, the present study was carried out by using questions addressing sociodemographic characteristics of healthcare professionals, their experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic, and their knowledge and anxiety levels regarding mpox. &#x0D; Results: 202 healthcare professionals were involved in the present study. Of the participants, 55% were female and the mean age was 35.0±7.7 years. The majority (63.4%) of the participants were midwives/nurses/medical assistants. Of the participants, 68.8% were infected by COVID-19 during the pandemic. Considering the questions addressing their level of knowledge about mpox, 44.1% of participants stated that they had never heard of this disease before. Participants were found to have mainly moderate levels of depression and anxiety and low level of stress, whereas the ratios of very severe depression and anxiety were 5.0% and 7.4%, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: It was determined that almost half of the participants had no full knowledge of the disease before the increase in mpox cases. It was found that the participants varying levels of depression, anxiety, and stress about a new pandemic. We think that it is important to provide healthcare professionals with psychosocial support, make effort in order to determine and eliminate the sources of psychological negativities.

Specifying the Efficacy of Digital Therapeutic Tools for Depression and Anxiety: Retrospective, 2-Cohort, Real-World Analysis.

Depression and anxiety are the main sources of work and social disabilities as well as health-related problems around the world. Digital therapeutic solutions using cognitive behavioral therapy have demonstrated efficacy in depression and anxiety. A common goal of digital health apps is to increase user digital engagement to improve outcomes. However, there is a limited understanding of the association between digital platform components and clinical outcomes. The aim of the study is to investigate the contribution of specific digital engagement tools to mental health conditions. We hypothesized that participation in coaching sessions and breathing exercises would be associated with a reduction in depression and anxiety. Depression and general anxiety symptoms were evaluated in real-world data cohorts using the digital health platform for digital intervention and monitoring change. This retrospective real-world analysis of users on a mobile platform-based treatment followed two cohorts of people: (1) users who started with moderate levels of depression and completed at least 2 depression assessments (n=519) and (2) users who started with moderate levels of anxiety and completed at least 2 anxiety assessments (n=474). Levels of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) were tracked throughout the first 16 weeks. A piecewise mixed-effects model was applied to model the trajectories of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 mean scores in 2 segments (1-6 weeks and 7-16 weeks). Finally, simple slope analysis was used for the interpretation of the interactions probing the moderators: coaching sessions and breathing exercises in both depression and anxiety cohorts. Analysis revealed a significant decrease in depression symptoms (β=-.37, 95% CI -0.46 to 0.28; P≤.001) during the period of weeks 1-6 of app use, which was maintained during the period of 7-16 weeks. Coach interaction significantly moderated the reduction in depression symptoms during the period of weeks 1-6 (β=-.03, 95% CI -0.05 to -0.001; P=.02). A significant decrease in anxiety symptoms (β=-.41, 95% CI -0.50 to -0.33; P≤.001) was revealed during the period of 1-6 weeks, which was maintained during the period of 7-16 weeks. Breathing exercises significantly moderated the reduction in anxiety symptoms during the period of 1-6 weeks (β=-.07, 95% CI -0.14 to -0.01; P=.04). This study demonstrated general improvement followed by a period of stability of depression and anxiety symptoms associated with cognitive behavioral therapy-based digital intervention. Interestingly, engagement with a coaching session but not a breathing exercise was associated with a reduction in depression symptoms. Moreover, breathing exercise but not engagement with a coaching session was associated with a reduction of anxiety symptoms. These findings emphasize the importance of using a personalized approach to behavioral health during digital health interventions.

Effect of aerobic training on depression and thyroid function in treated hypothyroid women

INTRODUCTION: Hypothyroidism is commonly associated with depression and a slowing in mental activity. OBJECTIVES: The current investigation aimed to investigate the effect of aerobic training on depression and thyroid function in treated hypothyroid females. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty women diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism that was regulated and accompanied by mild to moderate levels of depression completed a 12-week randomized controlled exercise trial involving two equal groups: aerobic (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The exercising group performed three sessions of aerobic exercise per week at low to moderate intensity for 12 consecutive weeks while the control group performed no exercise intervention during the same duration. At baseline and post-intervention, Beck Depression Inventory score (BDIS), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxin (T4) were assessed. RESULTS: The exercising group showed significant improvements in BDIS, TSH and free T4 compared to baseline (p &lt; 0.05) with negligible change in the control group (p &gt; 0.05). As compared to the control, all measured items differed significantly in favor to the aerobic training group. CONCLUSION: In women with treated hypothyroidism, aerobic training can minimize depressive symptoms and enhance thyroid function.

Association of the APOE Gene Polymorphism with Depression in White Adults in the WHO "MONICA-Psychosocial" Program.

The APOE gene polymorphism is associated with the risk of the development of several neurological disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of the APOE gene polymorphism with depression in the white adult population aged 25-64 years in Novosibirsk (Western Siberia). The third screening of the WHO program "MONICA-psychosocial" was conducted in 1994-1995. In total, 403 men (the average age was 34 ± 0.4 years, the response was 71%) and 531 women (the average age was 35 ± 0.4 years, the response was 72%) of the open population of residents aged 25-64 years of the Oktyabrsky district of Novosibirsk were examined. The "MONICA-MOPSY" psychosocial questionnaire was used to assess depression. A high level of depression was found in 12.8% of the population: in 8.9% of men and in 15.8% of women. The frequencies of APOE gene polymorphism genotypes ε2/3, ε2/4, ε3/3, ε3/4, and ε4/4 were 14.9%, 3.1%, 61.6%, 17.5%, and 2.9%, respectively. Carrying the ε3/4 genotype of the APOE gene increased the odds of developing major depression by 2.167 times (95% CI 1.100-4.266) compared to carrying the ε3/3 genotype of the APOE gene in people without depression (χ2 = 5.120 df = 1 p = 0.024). Carriers of the ε4 allele were 2.089 times (95% CI 1.160-3.761) more likely to have a high level of depression than those without this allele and no depression (χ2 = 6.148 df = 1 p = 0.013), and 2.049 times (95% CI 1.117-3.758) more likely to have a moderate level of depression than those without this allele (χ2 = 5.470 df = 1 p < 0.019). The ε4 allele of the APOE gene is associated with a high level of depression.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in youth seeking mental health treatment in Texas: Youth Depression and Suicide Network research registry.

Suicidality in youth is a serious public health problem. The Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN) was initiated in 2020 to create a research registry for youth with depression and/or suicidality in Texas. This report presents baseline clinical/demographic characteristics of the first 1000 participants, focusing on suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The registry includes 8-20-year-old youth receiving treatment for depression, or who screen positive for depression and/or suicidal ideation/behavior. Baseline data include diagnosis, depression/anxiety severity, suicidal ideation/behavior, trauma history, and measures of resilience. We present baseline data on the first 1000 participants. Most (79.6%) of the sample had a primary depressive disorder. The sample had moderate to severe depression (Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents, PHQ-A; 12.9 ± 6.4) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD-7; 11.3 ± 5.9). Nearly half reported ≥1 lifetime suicide attempts and 90% reported lifetime or current suicidal ideation. Participants with past/current suicidality (attempts and/or ideation) had greater illness severity (depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts/behaviors), lower resilience, and higher rates of trauma exposure than those without suicidality. Baseline data indicate moderate levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidality and their correlates in this cohort. Future reports will determine trajectories of outcomes and predictors, moderators, and social determinants related to these outcomes.

Depresión y apoyo familiar en adultos mayores en el contexto Covid-19

The current study, quantitative by type, descriptive correlational by its method and cross-section cut; whose objective was to determine the relationship between the depression level and family support degree according to its dimensions: affective, valorative, informative and instrumental, in older adults in the COVID-19 context. San Martín de Porres health center - 2021. The research subjects were 100 older adults that met the inclusion criteria. Two instruments were used for data collection: Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale (1986), adapted by Arteaga (2021), and Leitón Family Support Degree Scale (1997), adapted by Arteaga (2021); the analysis of the relationship between the variables was made by the Kendall Tau B statistical test. The results indicated that 73 per cent of the older adults presented a moderate depression level, 17 per cent mild level and 10 per cent a several level. In addition, the findings evidenced that 80 per cent of the older adults presented a high family support degree, 18 per cent moderate and 2 per cent low. It's concluded that exists a significant statistical relationship (p=0.040) between depression and family support.