Mood Disorders In Individuals Research Articles

Caught in the Crossfire: Ecuador’s Safety Crisis Impact on Teen and Young Adult Mental Health

Introduction: During the past decade, Ecuador has become one of the most dangerous countries in Latin America, with a significant rise in violence impacting mental health. This study investigates hospital admissions for mood disorders among adolescents and young adults in Ecuador from 2021 to 2022. Methods: We used public access data from the National Institute of Census and Statistics (INEC) to analyze hospital admissions for mood disorders in individuals aged 12 to 21, categorized using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes F30 to F39. Results: Results show a female predominance in admissions, with a female-to-male ratio of 3:1 by 2022. Admissions for depressive episodes accounted for 66.5% of cases, peaking in 2022. The regions with the highest admission rates were the Galapagos Islands and Pichincha. A notable reduction in admissions was observed in 2020, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic´s impact on healthcare access. Discussion: The study's findings highlight significant gender disparities, diagnostic trends and regional differences in mood disorder admissions. The increasing trend, particularly for depressive episodes, underscores the need for enhanced mental health resources. Conclusion: The study concludes that the escalation of violence in Ecuador significantly impacts mental health, emphasizing the urgency of addressing social determinants of health and focussing efforts on regions most affected by conflict.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MOOD DISORDERS AND THYROID CHANGES

The thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck, produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolism, growth and development. Changes in the levels of these hormones, such as hypothyroidism (low production) and hyperthyroidism (high production), can have a significant impact on mental health, influencing the development of mood disorders. Studies demonstrate a strong association between thyroid dysfunction and disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. In hypothyroidism, depressive symptoms may include fatigue, mental sluggishness, anhedonia, and weight gain. In hyperthyroidism, anxiety, insomnia and irritability are more frequent. The bidirectional relationship between thyroid and mood is complex and involves several mechanisms. Changes in thyroid hormone levels can affect brain neurotransmission, especially serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters directly related to mood. Furthermore, the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, responsible for thyroid hormonal regulation, can also be influenced by psychological factors such as stress. Objective: To carry out a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the relationship between mood disorders and thyroid changes, investigating the prevalence of mood disorders in individuals with thyroid diseases, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and the impact of hormone replacement on mental health. Methodology: The review followed the PRISMA checklist guidelines. The PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were searched using the following descriptors: "mood disorders", "hypothyroidism", "hyperthyroidism", "thyroid" and "mental health". Articles published in the last 10 years were selected. Inclusion criteria: studies that evaluate the relationship between mood disorders and thyroid diseases; Human studies; Published in Portuguese, English or Spanish; Published in the last 10 years. Exclusion: Animal studies; Studies with inadequate methodological designs; Studies that do not evaluate the relationship between mood and thyroid. Results: 15 studies were selected. The review identified that the prevalence of mood disorders is significantly higher in individuals with thyroid disease than in the general population. Hypothyroidism is associated with depression, while hyperthyroidism is more related to anxiety. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the relationship between mood and thyroid are complex and involve changes in cerebral neurotransmission, the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and the response to stress. Adequate hormone replacement for thyroid disease can significantly improve symptoms of mood disorders in many cases. Conclusions: The systematic review confirmed the strong association between mood disorders and thyroid changes. Thyroid dysfunction can be a risk factor for the development of mood disorders, and adequate hormone replacement can be an important therapeutic tool.

Usability and Acceptability of a Videoconference Program for the Treatment of Depression in Adults With Peripheral Neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating neurological disorder affecting 13% to 14% of the US population. Estimates for co-occurring mood disorders in individuals with neuropathy range from 30% to 47%, but sparse evidence exists regarding depression treatment for adults with neuropathy. A cognitive-behavioral treatment, Acceptance and commitment therapy, is known to reduce depression in people with chronic pain, but little is known about its effectiveness in adults with neuropathy, particularly when the treatment is provided via videoconference. Acceptability and usability of this therapeutic treatment provided via videoconference was assessed in participants with peripheral neuropathy and symptoms of depression. Participants completed pre- and post-self-report outcome measures: the nine-item depression scale of the Patient Health Questionnaire and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. They also completed the Acceptability e-Scale and Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire after treatment. Depression decreased significantly, with scores declining from an average of 9.2 to 5.1 on the Patient Health Questionnaire (P < .05). The Short-Form Health Survey indicated significant improvement post-treatment on the "Energy/Fatigue" and "Emotional Well Being" subscales. The intervention was rated by participants as acceptable and demonstrated high usability. This initial therapeutic treatment via videoconference offers promise to treat depression in older adults with neuropathy.

Associations of crying, sleeping, and feeding problems in early childhood and perceived social support with emotional disorders in adulthood

BackgroundMultiple or persistent crying, sleeping, or feeding problems in early childhood (regulatory problems) are associated with increased internalizing symptoms in adulthood. Unknown is whether early regulatory problems are associated with emotional disorders in adulthood, and what psychosocial factors may provide protection. We tested whether early childhood multiple or persistent regulatory problems are associated with a higher risk of (a) any mood and anxiety disorder in adulthood; (b) perceiving no social support in adulthood; and (c) whether social support provides protection from mood and anxiety disorders among participants who had multiple/persistent regulatory problems and those who never had regulatory problems.MethodsData from two prospective longitudinal studies in Germany (n = 297) and Finland (n = 342) was included (N = 639). Regulatory problems were assessed at 5, 20, and 56 months with the same standardized parental interviews and neurological examinations. In adulthood (24–30 years), emotional disorders were assessed with diagnostic interviews and social support with questionnaires.ResultsChildren with multiple/persistent regulatory problems (n = 132) had a higher risk of any mood disorder (odds ratio (OR) = 1.81 [95% confidence interval = 1.01–3.23]) and of not having any social support from peers and friends (OR = 1.67 [1.07–2.58]) in adulthood than children who never had regulatory problems. Social support from peers and friends provided protection from mood disorders, but only among adults who never had regulatory problems (OR = 4.03 [2.16–7.94]; p = .039 for regulatory problems x social support interaction).ConclusionsChildren with multiple/persistent regulatory problems are at increased risk of mood disorders in young adulthood. Social support from peers and friends may, however, only provide protection from mood disorders in individuals who never had regulatory problems.

Relationship Between Anxiety/Depression Mood Disorders and Insomnia in Patients with Pain Syndromes in Primary Health Care: A Cohort Study

Introduction: Chronic pain and mental health disorders are common in the general population, prevalence of chronic pain ranges from 2% to 40%, and the prevalence of mental health disorders ranges from 17% to 29%. Chronic pain is associated with irritability, depression, anxiety and sleep problems such as insomnia. However, the appearance of anxiety and depression has been described as a consequence of chronic pain. Aims: To determine the sociodemographic characteristics and the association between pain syndromes and mood disorders in individuals treated in primary care. Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study was undertaken in a primary care medical center for four months with patients whose pain was the reason for consultation. Scales such as DN4, VAS, Beck's criteria, and DSM-V were applied, and the sociodemographic characteristics of these individuals were determined. Results: A total of 132 patients who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. Of these, 81.81% (108) were women, 18.18% were men (24). The mean age for both sexes was 37.9 and the mean duration in hours of each painful episode was 14.35 hours. The proportion of the disorders that was noted were as follows: insomnia in 0.303, anxiety 0.265, depression 0.090. Those who presented with anxiety or depression and another disorder was 0.053. Patients who did not develop any of the diseases of interest in this study 0.185. Discussion: The coexistence and overlap of mood disorders and insomnia in patients suffering from pain syndromes, which have little or no importance when assessing patients in primary health care centers, are under-diagnosed. However, broadening the clinical history, and correctly using diagnostic tools for mood disorders increases their diagnosis rate, ignoring the positive relationship that exists between these disorders. Conclusions: Pain disorders trigger neuropsychiatric complications. Depression, anxiety, and insomnia worsen episodes of pain. However, the correct diagnostic approach and the application of adequate management greatly reduce the complications of these types of disorders.

Relationship Between Anxiety/Depression Mood Disorders and Insomnia in Patients with Pain Syndromes in Primary Health Care: A Cohort Study

Introduction: Chronic pain and mental health disorders are common in the general population, prevalence of chronic pain ranges from 2% to 40%, and the prevalence of mental health disorders ranges from 17% to 29%. Chronic pain is associated with irritability, depression, anxiety and sleep problems such as insomnia. However, the appearance of anxiety and depression has been described as a consequence of chronic pain. Aims: To determine the sociodemographic characteristics and the association between pain syndromes and mood disorders in individuals treated in primary care. Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study was undertaken in a primary care medical center for four months with patients whose pain was the reason for consultation. Scales such as DN4, VAS, Beck's criteria, and DSM-V were applied, and the sociodemographic characteristics of these individuals were determined. Results: A total of 132 patients who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. Of these, 81.81% (108) were women, 18.18% were men (24). The mean age for both sexes was 37.9 and the mean duration in hours of each painful episode was 14.35 hours. The proportion of the disorders that was noted were as follows: insomnia in 0.303, anxiety 0.265, depression 0.090. Those who presented with anxiety or depression and another disorder was 0.053. Patients who did not develop any of the diseases of interest in this study 0.185. Discussion: The coexistence and overlap of mood disorders and insomnia in patients suffering from pain syndromes, which have little or no importance when assessing patients in primary health care centers, are under-diagnosed. However, broadening the clinical history, and correctly using diagnostic tools for mood disorders increases their diagnosis rate, ignoring the positive relationship that exists between these disorders. Conclusions: Pain disorders trigger neuropsychiatric complications. Depression, anxiety, and insomnia worsen episodes of pain. However, the correct diagnostic approach and the application of adequate management greatly reduce the complications of these types of disorders.

Serum Lipid Concentrations Are Associated With Negative Mental Health Outcomes in Healthy Women Aged 35-49 Years.

Background: Although the relevant underlying biological mechanisms are still lacking, mental disorders have been closely associated with several metabolic abnormalities including high rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome especially in vulnerable populations. Therefore, the current study aims to examine how metabolic parameters increase the risk for developing mood disorders in individuals stratified by gender and age.Methods: In a routine physical examination, 319 healthy participants were recruited and assigned to six different groups according to age (young adults: 25–34 Y, middle age: 35–49 Y, and older age: 50–65 Y) in both males and females. A linear regression and bivariate correlation analysis were used to analyze the relationship between mood health outcomes measured by the Kessler 10 Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the metabolic function.Results: The results demonstrated that there was a significant association between K10 scores and metabolic parameters, including Body Mass Index (BMI), total-, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride. Furthermore, poor mental health (higher K10 scores) was observed in individuals with increased BMI, total-, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels particularly in middle-aged women relative to other groups.Limitations: This is a cross-sectional study with a small sample size and lacks longitudinal follow-up evidence and preventive interventions and therefore could not provide the causal inference of metabolic pathophysiology on the increased sensitivity to mental disorders.Conclusions: The potential association suggests that targeting of the metabolic parameters might give us a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of psychiatric diseases and provide preventive strategies and potential treatment for those with metabolic disturbances especially in middle-aged females.

The Delta Study - Prevalence and characteristics of mood disorders in 924 individuals with low mood: Results of the of the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI).

ObjectivesThe Delta Study was undertaken to improve the diagnosis of mood disorders in individuals presenting with low mood. The current study aimed to estimate the prevalence and explore the characteristics of mood disorders in participants of the Delta Study, and discuss their implications for clinical practice.MethodsIndividuals with low mood (Patients Health Questionnaire‐9 score ≥5) and either no previous mood disorder diagnosis (baseline low mood group, n = 429), a recent (≤5 years) clinical diagnosis of MDD (baseline MDD group, n = 441) or a previous clinical diagnosis of BD (established BD group, n = 54), were recruited online. Self‐reported demographic and clinical data were collected through an extensive online mental health questionnaire and mood disorder diagnoses were determined with the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI).ResultsThe prevalence of BD and MDD in the baseline low mood group was 24% and 36%, respectively. The prevalence of BD among individuals with a recent diagnosis of MDD was 31%. Participants with BD in both baseline low mood and baseline MDD groups were characterized by a younger age at onset of the first low mood episode, more severe depressive symptoms and lower wellbeing, relative to the MDD or low mood groups. Approximately half the individuals with BD diagnosed as MDD (49%) had experienced (hypo)manic symptoms prior to being diagnosed with MDD.ConclusionsThe current results confirm high under‐ and misdiagnosis rates of mood disorders in individuals presenting with low mood, potentially leading to worsening of symptoms and decreased well‐being, and indicate the need for improved mental health triage in primary care.

Sleep in Offspring of Parents With Mood Disorders.

Background: Sleep problems in childhood are an early predictor of mood disorders among individuals at high familial risk. However, the majority of the research has focused on sleep disturbances in already diagnosed individuals and has largely neglected investigating potential differences between weeknight and weekend sleep in high-risk offspring. This study examined sleep parameters in offspring of parents with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder during both weeknights and weekends. Methods: We used actigraphy, sleep diaries, and questionnaires to measure several sleep characteristics in 73 offspring aged 4–19 years: 23 offspring of a parent with major depressive disorder, 22 offspring of a parent with bipolar disorder, and 28 control offspring. Results: Offspring of parents with major depressive disorder slept, on average, 26 min more than control offspring on weeknights (95% confidence interval, 3 to 49 min, p = 0.027). Offspring of parents with bipolar disorder slept, on average, 27 min more on weekends than on weeknights compared to controls, resulting in a significant family history × weekend interaction (95% confidence interval, 7 to 47 min, p = 0.008). Conclusions: Sleep patterns in children and adolescents were related to the psychiatric diagnosis of their parent(s). Future follow-up of these results may clarify the relations between early sleep differences and the risk of developing mood disorders in individuals at high familial risk.

Mood Disorders and Gluten: It's Not All in Your Mind! A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Gluten elimination may represent an effective treatment strategy for mood disorders in individuals with gluten-related disorders. However, the directionality of the relationship remains unclear. We performed a systematic review of prospective studies for effects of gluten on mood symptoms in patients with or without gluten-related disorders. Six electronic databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library) were searched, from inception to 8 August 2018, for prospective studies published in English. Meta-analyses with random-effects were performed. Three randomised-controlled trials and 10 longitudinal studies comprising 1139 participants fit the inclusion criteria. A gluten-free diet (GFD) significantly improved pooled depressive symptom scores in GFD-treated patients (Standardised Mean Difference (SMD) −0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.55 to −0.20; p < 0.0001), with no difference in mean scores between patients and healthy controls after one year (SMD 0.01, 95% CI −0.18 to 0.20, p = 0.94). There was a tendency towards worsening symptoms for non-coeliac gluten sensitive patients during a blinded gluten challenge vs. placebo (SMD 0.21, 95% CI −0.58 to 0.15; p = 0.25). Our review supports the association between mood disorders and gluten intake in susceptible individuals. The effects of a GFD on mood in subjects without gluten-related disorders should be considered in future research.

Neurocognition in individuals at high familial risk of mood disorders with or without subsequent onset of depression.

Neurocognitive performance deficits have been observed in mood disorder patients and their unaffected relatives and may therefore qualify as endophenotypes. However, the precise time course of neurocognitive deficits has not been studied so that it is unknown whether neurocognitive abnormalities reflect the early effects of familial vulnerability to mood disorders or if they emerge at illness onset. A neuropsychological test battery was administered at baseline and after a 2-year follow-up interval in 111 initially unaffected young adults at high familial risk of mood disorders and 93 healthy controls (HC). During the follow-up period, 20 high-risk subjects developed major depressive disorder (HR-MDD), with the remainder remaining well (HR-well). Linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate differences and longitudinal changes in the domains of attentional processing, working memory, verbal learning and memory, and cognitive flexibility. Reduced long delay verbal memory and extradimensional set-shifting performance across both time points were found in the HR-well group relative to controls. The HR-MDD group displayed decreased extradimensional set-shifting abilities across both time points as compared with the HC group only. There were no significant performance differences between the two high-risk groups. Reduced verbal memory and cognitive flexibility are familial trait markers for vulnerability to mood disorders in individuals with a close family history of bipolar disorder. Both neurocognitive performance deficits appear to be relatively stable over a 2-year time period and do not appear to be linked to the onset of MDD. These findings support their use as stable quantitative endophenotypes for mood disorders.

Bayesian Analysis of Current and Lifetime Comorbidity Rates of Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Individuals with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Although posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is no longer considered an anxiety disorder in DSM-5, previous research has indicated high rates of comorbid anxiety and mood disorders in individuals with PTSD. The goal of the present study was to build upon previous examinations of diagnostic comorbidity by using Bayesian methods of estimating current and lifetime comorbidity rates to determine more precise estimates of the proportion of individuals in a clinical sample with PTSD that also meet criteria for various emotional disorders. Two hundred and fifty three individuals with a current or lifetime diagnosis of PTSD underwent a comprehensive assessment of current and lifetime emotional disorders. Bayesian statistical techniques were then used to calculate credibility intervals for the current and lifetime comorbidity rates of emotional disorders. The Bayesian analyses used informative priors based on previous comorbidity findings. The median number of current emotional disorders was two and the median number of lifetime comorbid emotional disorders was three. Credibility intervals indicated that social phobia and major depressive disorder were the most common current and lifetime comorbid emotional disorders. The proportion of individuals with lifetime comorbidity rates were very high for both any lifetime anxiety disorder (.91, 95% CI .88: .94) and any lifetime depressive disorder (.90, 95% CI .86: .93). Together these results indicate that despite the separation from the anxiety disorders in DSM-5, the vast majority of individuals with PTSD will present with one or more emotional disorders. Implications for the assessment and treatment of PTSD are discussed.

Mood disorders in individuals with distal 18q deletions

We examined 36 participants at least 4 years old with hemizygous distal deletions of the long arm of Chromosome 18 (18q-) for histories of mood disorders and to characterize these disorders clinically. Since each participant had a different region of 18q hemizygosity, our goal was also to identify their common region of hemizygosity associated with mood disorders; thereby identifying candidate causal genes in that region. Lifetime mood and other psychiatric disorders were determined by semi-structured interviews of patients and parents, supplemented by reviews of medical and psychiatric records, and norm-referenced psychological assessment instruments, for psychiatric symptoms, cognitive problems, and adaptive functioning. Sixteen participants were identified with lifetime mood disorders (ages 12-42 years, 71% female, 14 having had unipolar depression and 2 with bipolar disorders). From the group of 20 who did not meet criteria for a mood disorder; a comparison group of 6 participants were identified who were matched for age range and deletion size. Mood-disordered patients had high rates of anxiety (75%) and externalizing behavior disorders (44%), and significant mean differences from comparison patients (P < 0.05), including higher overall and verbal IQs and lower autistic symptoms. A critical region was defined in the mood-disordered group that included a hypothetical gene, C18orf62, and two known genes, ZADH2 and TSHZ1. We conclude that patients having terminal deletions of this critical region of the long arm of Chromosome 18 are highly likely to have mood disorders, which are often comorbid with anxiety and to a lesser extent with externalizing disorders.

Sex differences in affective response to opioid withdrawal during adolescence

Drug withdrawal is suggested to play a role in precipitating mood disorders in individuals with familial predisposition. Age-related differences in affective responses to withdrawal might explain the increased risk of mental illnesses when drug use begins during adolescence. Recently we observed that, in contrast to adult male mice, adolescent males exhibited a decrease in immobility in the forced swim test on the third day of withdrawal, as compared with controls. Thus, the present study examined forced swim test behaviors of adolescent female mice during opioid withdrawal. Similar to the male study, adolescent female mice were injected with two morphine regimens which differed in dosage. Three and nine days following discontinuation of morphine administration, forced swim test immobility time and locomotion were evaluated. In contrast to males, which exhibited a decrease in immobility, no significant differences in immobility were observed in female adolescents undergoing withdrawal as compared with saline-injected controls. This sex difference in forced swim test behaviors was not due to changes in overall motor activity, since differences in locomotion were not observed in either male or female adolescent mice. Thus, this study demonstrates sex differences in forced swim test behavior during opioid withdrawal. Forced swim test behaviors are classically used to evaluate mood in rodents, thus this study suggests that opioid withdrawal might affect mood differentially across sexes.

Different affective response to opioid withdrawal in adolescent and adult mice

Aims Drug withdrawal is suggested to play a role in precipitating mood disorders in individuals with familial predisposition. Age-related differences in affective responses to withdrawal might explain the increased risk of mental illnesses when drug use begins during adolescence. Since there is a lack of animal research examining the effects of opioid withdrawal during adolescence, the present study examined whether there are age-related differences in affective responses to opioid withdrawal. Main methods Adolescent and adult mice were injected with two different morphine regimens, namely low and high, which differed in the dosage. Three and nine days following discontinuation of morphine administration, immobility time in the forced swim test (FST) and locomotion (total distance traveled) were evaluated. Key findings On withdrawal day 3 (WD3), adolescent mice exhibited a decrease in immobility as compared to controls. No significant differences in immobility were observed on withdrawal day 9 (WD9). This effect on FST behaviors was not due to changes in overall motor activity, since no differences in locomotion were observed on either WD3 or WD9 in adolescent mice. In adults, no differences in either FST or locomotor behaviors were observed on WD3. As expected, on WD9, adult mice exhibited an increase in immobility and a decrease in locomotion. Significance This study demonstrates age-dependent differences in both FST scores and locomotor behaviors during opioid withdrawal. FST behaviors are classically used to evaluate mood in rodents, thus this study suggests that opioid withdrawal might affect mood differentially across age.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Mood Disorders in Adults with Developmental Disabilities

While the idea that individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) can suffer from mental illness has been largely accepted since the late 1980's, this is still an underserved and poorly studied population. In particular, mood disorders have traditionally been misdiagnosed, under-recognized and poorly treated. Through the years, reported rates of mood disorders in adults with DD have varied widely. Recent epidemiological studies have focused on community samples and find rates of mood disorders from 3 to 8.1%. Mood disorders are found to be more prevalent than psychotic disorders or anxiety disorders. The empirical literature on assessment of mood symptoms in adults with DD is limited, particularly in individuals with severe and profound DD. Several tools have been developed to assist in identification and diagnosis. However, the work on their psychometric properties and validity studies is still quite limited. The treatment literature is sparse and focused primarily on pharmacotherapy. This review considers the epidemiology and diagnosis of mood disorders in individuals with DD. Recent developments in assessment are reviewed. The literature regarding pharmacological treatment with antidepressants, mood stabilizers, electroconvulsive therapy and antipsychotics is summarized and the current state of psychological treatments for mood disorders in persons with DD is presented. Implications for clinical care and future research are considered.