Mood Problems Research Articles

The association of disease activity with depression and sleep quality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Hong Kong.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often experience depression and poor sleep. Depression and poor sleep may, in turn, worsen RA disease activity. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between RA disease activity as measured using the Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28-ESR), depression measured using the Beck's Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and sleep quality measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Anxiety was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale (HADS-A). A total of 164 consecutive patients with RA were recruited from the Rheumatology Specialist Clinic of a regional hospital in Hong Kong. They were asked to complete questionnaires that included demographic information, the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), BDI-II, HADS-A, and PSQI. The DAS28-ESR was assessed by the attending rheumatologists. Clinical information was retrieved from the electronic medical records. The mean DAS28-ESR score was 3.35 ± 1.24 (SD). The mean BDI-II was 10.97 ± 9.15 (SD). The mean HADS-A score was 5.57 ± 3.77 (SD). The mean PSQI score was 7.55 ± 4.16 (SD). The BDI-II score was statistically correlated with the DAS28-ESR and PSQI scores. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the association of BDI-II with DAS28-ESR and PSQI was confounded by the HAQ. The association of DAS28-ESR with BDI-II but not with PSQI is in accordance with the results of previous studies. The association between the HAQ and BDI-II has also been demonstrated in previous studies. Clinicians should be aware of mood and sleep problems in patients with RA and adopt a multidisciplinary approach to their management. Future studies should provide information on causality in a more representative sample of patients with RA.

Longitudinal interactions between residual symptoms and physiological stress in the remitted symptom network structure of depression

Residual symptoms and stress are amongst the most reliable predictors of relapse in remitted depression. Standard methodologies often preclude continuous stress sampling or the evaluation of complex symptom interactions. This limits knowledge acquisition relative to the day-to-day interactions between residual symptoms and stress. The study aims to explore the interactions between physiological stress and residual symptoms network structure in remitted depression. Twenty-two individuals remitted from depression completed baseline, daily diary (DD), and post-DD assessments. Self-reported stress and residual symptoms were measured at baseline and post-DD. Daily diaries required participants to use a wearable electrodermal activity (EDA) device during waking hours and complete residual symptom measures twice daily for 3-weeks. Two-step multilevel vector auto-regression models were used to estimate contemporaneous and dynamic networks. Depressed mood and concentration problems were central across networks. Skin conductance responses (SCRs), suicide, appetite, and sleep problems were central in the temporal and energy loss in the contemporaneous network. Increased SCRs predicted decreased energy loss. Residual symptoms and stress showed bi-directional interactions. Overall, depressed mood and concentration problems were consistently central, thus potentially important intervention targets. Non-obtrusive bio-signal measures should be used to provide the clinical evidence-base for modelling the interactions between depressive residual symptoms and stress. Practical implications are discussed throughout related to focusing on symptom-specific interactions in clinical practice, simultaneously reducing residual symptom and stress occurrences, EDA as pioneering signal for stress detection, and the central role of specific residual symptoms in remitted depression.

Self- and Caregiver-Reported Participation, Quality of Life, and Related Mood and Behavior Challenges in People Living With Dystrophinopathies

BackgroundPrevious studies of quality of life (QOL), mood, and behavior in muscular dystrophy focus on caregiver perceptions. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence of clinically significant mood and behavior problems by both patient and caregiver report and assess relationship between mood/behavior and QOL. MethodsForty-one patients with dystrophinopathies (Duchenne muscular dystrophy [DMD] and Becker muscular dystrophy [BMD]) were recruited through the University of Virginia Neuromuscular Clinic. Each patient and caregiver dyad completed questionnaires, including the Behavior Assessment System for Children, 2nd Edition (BASC-2); the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory for DMD (PedsQL-DMD); Children's Depression Inventory, 2nd Edition; and Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders. ResultsPersons with dystrophinopathies rated most of their behavior and adaptive skills similarly to the general population. Sixty-four percent of parent assessments rated clinically significant problems on the BASC-2. Worse BASC-2 scores for self- and parent assessments correlated with lower (worse) scores in the Worry and Communication PedsQL domains. Patient-reported QOL scores were higher than parent-reported scores in each domain except Worry. ConclusionsIndividuals with DMD/BMD rate their adaptive skills, behavioral symptoms, externalizing and internalizing problems, and school problems more positively than parents/caregivers. Obtaining self-report data is a worthwhile endeavor that can add value to intervention planning, with the ultimate goal of optimizing QOL.

Voluntary sports programs for individuals with mental health disorders: The trainer's view.

There is strong evidence that physical activities (PAs) are an important factor in increasing and maintaining mental health as well as in preventing relapse after mental health disorders. Physical activity is an important part of the treatment program in psychiatric hospitals. However, when individuals with mental health disorders (IMHD) leave the hospitals in Switzerland (CH), there are few possibilities to do physical activity in a given setting. One of them are voluntary sports groups for individuals with mental health disorders (SGPSY), which have been growing continuously in CH since 2016. Yet, little is known about these groups and their training settings. Therefore, the present study explores challenges, barriers, and enablers for participation in SGPSY from the point of view of the trainers of these groups. Additionally, as the sustainable implementation of SGPSY relies on the trainer, the study aims to identify reasons/motivations as well as the personality characteristics of the SGPSY trainers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 trainers of SGPSY in CH during spring 2022. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis in nVivo. Participants identified several intrapersonal (lack of motivation and fitness, mood problems, etc.), interpersonal (conflicts between participants), and structural barriers (time/location) that hinder IMHD from participating in SGPSY. The participating trainer reported that trainer might be helpful in overcoming the barriers by supporting IMHD as enablers. They rate social skills to be essential for the successful management and organization of SGPSY, as well as the ability to set boundaries to protect one's private life and sports skills expertise. The reasons for their engagement as trainers of SGPSY were the satisfaction of doing sports with IMHD and to improve the physical activities habits of IMHD. The findings of the study highlight the need to upskill the trainers of SGPSY in order to improve recruitment of the future trainers of SGPSY by focusing on the assessment of appropriate personality characteristics of trainers and their motives. Additionally, these findings should be integrated in the educational materials of Swiss disabled sports systems. Further research should validate the results from SGPSY participants' point of view.

The Impact of Neurotransmitters on the Neurobiology of Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide. Neurodegenerative diseases result from progressive damage to nerve cells in the brain or peripheral nervous system connections that are essential for cognition, coordination, strength, sensation, and mobility. Dysfunction of these brain and nerve functions is associated with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and motor neuron disease. In addition to these, 50% of people living with HIV develop a spectrum of cognitive, motor, and/or mood problems collectively referred to as HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND) despite the widespread use of a combination of antiretroviral therapies. Neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter systems have a pathological correlation and play a critical role in developing neurodegenerative diseases. Each of these diseases has a unique pattern of dysregulation of the neurotransmitter system, which has been attributed to different forms of cell-specific neuronal loss. In this review, we will focus on a discussion of the regulation of dopaminergic and cholinergic systems, which are more commonly disturbed in neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, we will provide evidence for the hypothesis that disturbances in neurotransmission contribute to the neuronal loss observed in neurodegenerative disorders. Further, we will highlight the critical role of dopamine as a mediator of neuronal injury and loss in the context of NeuroHIV. This review will highlight the need to further investigate neurotransmission systems for their role in the etiology of neurodegenerative disorders.

Differentiating between intrapsychic symptoms and behavioral expressions of borderline personality disorder in relation to childhood emotional maltreatment and emotion dysregulation: an exploratory investigation

ABSTRACT Background: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder, characterized by pronounced instability in emotions, self-image, and interpersonal relationships. Experiences of childhood maltreatment are among the risk factors for BPD. While self-damaging and aggressive acts often occur, not every person with the disorder shows markedly dysregulated behaviour. Internalized symptoms, such as shame, loneliness, and self-disgust tend to be more pervasive and persist after clinical remission. Objective: Here we investigated associations between BPD symptom severity, childhood maltreatment, and emotion regulation difficulties. We further explored if the Borderline Symptom List (BSL) could potentially be used to differentiate between internalized symptoms (intrapsychic strain) and externalized symptoms (dysregulated behaviours) in future research. Method: 187 women with at least mild BPD symptoms (65% having a diagnosis of BPD) completed the BSL 23 including its 11-item supplement (BSL-S), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Participants further underwent a semi-structured clinical interview to assess BPD criteria (International Personality Disorder Examination, IPDE). Multivariate models and regression-based bootstrapping analyses were performed to test direct and indirect effects. Results: Childhood trauma severity, especially emotional abuse, positively predicted BPD symptom severity. A significant indirect effect through emotion regulation difficulties was found (k 2=.56). When exploring associations with BPD criteria (IPDE), the BSL-23 mean significantly correlated with separation anxiety, identity and mood problems, chronic emptiness, suicidal ideation, and dissociation, while the BSL-S correlated with self-harming impulsive behaviour and anger outbursts. Conclusions: Findings complement previous research, highlighting the role of childhood maltreatment and emotion regulation difficulties in BPD. While our findings need to be seen as preliminary and interpreted with caution, they suggest that the BSL may be used to differentiate between internalized symptoms and behavioural expressions of BPD in future research. Such a distinction might help to deepen the understanding of this complex heterogenous disorder.

Mental health outcomes of encephalitis: An international web-based study.

Acute encephalitis is associated with psychiatric symptoms. Despite this, the extent of mental health problems following encephalitis has not been systematically reported. We recruited adults who had been diagnosed with encephalitis of any aetiology to complete a web-based questionnaire. In total, 445 respondents from 31 countries (55.1% UK, 23.1% USA) responded. Infectious encephalitis constituted 65.4% of cases, autoimmune 29.7%. Mean age was 50.1 years, 65.8% were female, and median time since encephalitis diagnosis was 7 years. The most common self-reported psychiatric symptoms were anxiety (75.2%), sleep problems (64.4%), mood problems (62.2%), and unexpected crying (35.2%). Self-reported psychiatric diagnoses were common: anxiety (44.0%), depression (38.6%), panic disorder (15.7%), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; 21.3%). Severe mental illnesses such as psychosis (3.3%) and bipolar affective disorder (3.1%) were reported. Self-reported diagnosis rates were broadly consistent with results from the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire. Many respondents also reported they had symptoms of anxiety (37.5%), depression (28.1%), PTSD (26.8%), or panic disorder (20.9%) that had not been diagnosed. Rates of psychiatric symptoms did not differ between autoimmune and infectious encephalitis. In total, 37.5% respondents had thought about suicide, and 4.4% had attempted suicide, since their encephalitis diagnosis. More than half of respondents (53.5%) reported they had no, or substandard, access to appropriate mental health care. High rates of sensory hypersensitivities (>75%) suggest a previously unreported association. This large international survey indicates that psychiatric symptoms following encephalitis are common and that mental health care provision may be inadequate. We highlight a need for proactive psychiatric input.

Identity Fusion and Aggressive Behavior Among Chinese Freshmen: The Chain Mediating Role of Depressive Mood and Sleep Quality.

Aggressive behavior is considered one of the indicators of maladjustment and increases during the transition to college. Previous studies have demonstrated that having identity fusion with particular social groups significantly predicts college adjustment among freshmen. However, the relationship between identity fusion and aggressive behavior in college freshmen has rarely been studied. Thus, guided by the frustration-aggression theory, this study aimed to explore the association between identity fusion with class and aggressive behavior among Chinese college freshmen and examine the potential mediating roles of depressive mood and sleep quality. A cross-sectional survey study was carried out among 1,037 Chinese college freshmen (Mage = 19.56, SD = 1.068, 29.12% males). Class identity fusion, depressive mood, sleep quality, and aggressive behavior were measured via four self-reported questionnaires. Structural equation modeling was used to test the mediation model. Analyses showed that identity fusion was negatively related to depressive mood and aggressive behavior and positively correlated with sleep quality. The results also revealed that the direct effect of identity fusion on aggressive behavior was significant, and identity fusion can indirectly affect aggressive behavior not only through the mediation effect of depressive mood but also through the chain mediation effect of depressive mood and sleep quality. Moreover, the mediating effect of depressive mood varied by gender. These findings suggest that strategies that help freshmen promote identity fusion and those that alleviate depressive mood and sleep problem may help reduce aggressive behavior.

Program evaluation of a wilderness experience for adolescents facing cancer: A time in nature to heal, connect and find strength.

Despite advances in cancer treatment and increased survival, adolescents in treatment for cancer often suffer from psychosocial distress, negative mood, and chronic health problems. Wilderness therapy is considered a promising program to address psychosocial issues among adolescents with mental or behavioral health issues. There is little research on whether it may benefit adolescents in cancer treatment. This program evaluation in the form of a pilot study uses qualitative and quantitative measures to describe the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and to explore the impact of a nine-day wilderness program among adolescents aged 13-17 in treatment or who recently finished treatment for a cancer. Quantitative tracking documented recruitment, retention, safety, and participant satisfaction. PROMIS measures assessed mental and social health, positive affect, fatigue, pain interference and intensity over three time-points: pre, post, and three-months after the nine-day wilderness experience. Mean differences were compared over time. Qualitative data collection involved participant observation and open-ended interviews. Study enrollment goals were met, enrolling eight adolescent participants with 100% participant retention. No serious adverse events were reported and participants described high satisfaction (9.25/10) with the wilderness experience on the final day and at three-months follow-up (9.5/10). Exploratory data analysis showed scores in a favorable direction indicating improved psychosocial outcomes in physical functioning, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and peer relations. From qualitative analysis it is suggested that program participation supported: increased self-confidence and peer connection. The program was evaluated as increasing personal accomplishment, supporting social interaction, having strong staff support, and capitalizing on the natural surroundings. Use of a wilderness program is feasible, acceptable, and safe among this highly vulnerable adolescent cancer population. Participants described greater self-confidence and peer connection which developed as participants experienced physical competency, group leadership, and personal strength. Larger randomized controlled studies are needed to learn whether these programs can improve psychosocial outcomes.

How long is Long-COVID? Symptomatic improvement between 12 and 18 months in a prospective cohort study

IntroductionCOVID-19 infection can precede, in a proportion of patients, a prolonged syndrome including fatigue, exercise intolerance, mood and cognitive problems. This study aimed to describe the profile of fatigue-related, exercise-related,...

A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed: Investigating the Quality of Training Data from Peers for Auto-generating Empathetic Textual Responses to Non-Sensitive Posts in a Cohort of College Students

Towards providing personalized care, digital mental-wellness apps today ask questions to learn about subjects. However, not all subjects using these apps will have mood problems, so they do not need follow-up questions. In this study, we investigate an alternate mechanism to handle such non-sensitive posts (i.e., those not indicating mood problems) in college settings. To do so, we generate and use training data provided by a cohort of peer college students so that responses to non-sensitive posts are contextual, emotionally aware, and empathetic while also being terminal (not asking follow-up questions). Using data from a real mental-wellness app used by students, we identify that AI models trained with our peer-provided dataset generate desirable responses to non-sensitive posts, while models trained with state-of-the-art (Facebook’s) Empathetic Dataset yields responses that ask many follow-up questions, hence giving a perception of being intrusive. We believe that mental wellness apps today must not assume that any subject using these apps has mood problems. Perceptions of intrusiveness (i.e., apps asking many questions) must be a factor in design. We also believe that peer students can provide rich and reliable training datasets for college mental wellness apps, a topic that is not yet explored.

Effects of clustering and timing of early life stress exposure on mood problems, ADHD symptoms, and problematic drinking

ObjectiveExposure to early life stress (ELS) may lead to long-term health consequences. The Early Life Stress Questionnaire (ELSQ) is a retrospective measure of multiple ELS and their timing. Latent class analysis (LCA) has not been applied to the ELSQ and questions regarding timing are rarely explored. This study examined the effects of clustering and timing of ELS exposure on internalizing and externalizing symptoms. MethodData from 1095 participants in the NIAAA Natural History Protocol were analyzed. LCA was conducted on 18 ELS items. Regression and correlational analyses examined associations of latent classes with sociodemographic variables and clinical outcomes. ResultsLCA revealed three classes: Class 1: Minimal ELS (54.2%), Class 2: Moderate ELS (33.2%), and Class 3: Multiple and High ELS (12.6%). Black/African American participants were more likely to be in Class 2, and participants with low household income were more likely to be in Classes 2 and 3. Family history of problematic alcohol use and individual alcohol use disorder diagnosis were linked to Classes with higher ELS exposure. Compared with Class 1, Class 2 reported higher anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, ADHD symptoms, and problematic drinking, and Class 3 reported the highest levels across all these outcomes. Regarding timing, earlier exposure to ELS (e.g., sustained family conflict and witnessed domestic violence) was associated with higher psychopathological symptoms. ConclusionsThe ELSQ can effectively capture clustering and timing of exposure to multiple ELS. Greater and earlier exposure to ELS were positively associated with internalizing and externalizing symptoms, underscoring the need for early and well-timed intervention.

Influence of Online Dating Apps on Sexual Risk Behaviors among Homosexual and Bisexual Adolescents and Youths in Thailand: An Online Cross-sectional Survey

Objective: The internet and social media enhance communication, education, and social connection among users; however, some adverse effects on health are notable, particularly sexual risk engagement and mood problems. Mobile dating applications (apps)/websites facilitate high sexual-risk access, particularly among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals. Recognition of the characteristics of using these platforms and identifying factors related to high sexual risk among LGBTQ youths will facilitate both targeting of those at risk and subsequent intervention. Materials and Methods: Adolescents and youths were invited to voluntarily join this study, scan the QR code, and anonymously complete the questionnaires. These validated questionnaires were launched online via a popular platform among LGBTQs during 2017-2018. Multiple logistic regression was employed to identify factors independently associated with high sexual risk among study subjects. Results: Of 360 participants (mean age: 21±2.8 years, range: 11-25), 60.8% self-reported as homosexual, and the rest were bisexual. Median dating app/website usage was 2 (range 1-10). Two-thirds (62.8%) met partners from those e-platforms, and most (79.6%) developed a sexual relationship. Over half (52.2%) did not use a condom, and one-third (30.6%) abused substances during sex. Poor condom compliance, multiple partners, and substance use were strongly associated with individuals who used >2 apps for longer than 3 years. Depression susceptibility was 32.2%, and was related to condom-use failure (p=0.01). Conclusion: Among LGBTQs, the greater the number and longer time exposed to dating apps/websites, the higher the number of sexual risk behaviors. Moreover, unsafe sex increased among individuals at risk for depression.

Caregiver Burden and Its Relationship to Health-Related Quality of Life in Craniopharyngioma Survivors.

Craniopharyngioma (CP) is a rare brain tumor associated with severe comorbidities that reduce survivor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, CP impact on caregivers is unknown. To measure caregiver burden and examine its relationship to survivor HRQOL and other determinants in CP. Eighty-two participants who self-identified as caregivers of CP survivors responded to an online survey including caregiver-reported Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), and the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Caregivers reported an average of 13 out of 29 health conditions in survivors following tumor treatment, including excess weight, hypopituitarism, fatigue, mood, cognition, social issues, temperature dysregulation, visual impairment, and sleep problems. Strikingly, 70% of survivors who experienced obesity also experienced hyperphagia. ZBI scores were moderate with a median of 37. PedsQL total scores were poor with a median of 46.2. ZBI scores were independent of caregiver level of education and care duration. Both scores were independent of income, survivor age, gender, age at diagnosis, or tumor recurrence. In contrast, both scores depended on the number (P < .001) and the type of survivor health problems, with significantly worse scores for caregivers or survivors with symptoms of hypothalamic dysfunction (P < .001) including hyperphagia but not obesity. PedsQL total scores significantly predicted ZBI scores (P < .001). Survivor poly-symptomatology predicted and incurred significant caregiver burden. Our study separated hyperphagia and obesity and identified hyperphagia and other hypothalamic dysfunction symptoms as understudied issues. Altogether, these findings draw particular attention to the unmet needs of CP survivors and their caregivers.

Nutrient Intake and Depressive Mood Status among College Students: A Case Study of Hunan Normal University

In order to understand the relationship between nutrient intake and depressive mood status among college students at Hunan Normal University, this study conducted a questionnaire survey to investigate the relevant issues. The results showed that the more imbalanced the types and insufficient the amounts of nutrient intake were, the stronger the degree of depression experienced by the students, and there was a significant correlation between nutrient intake and depressive mood status. These findings have important implications for improving the daily dietary habits of college students and changing the high prevalence of depressive mood problems at Hunan Normal University.

Literature Review : Hubungan Kualitas Udara Indoor terhadap Kejadian Sick Building Syndrome pada Pekerja Perkantoran

Indoor air quality includes poor physical, chemical and biological quality which can have a negative impact on workers in the form of complaints of health problems or Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). This study aims to analyze the relationship between indoor air quality and the incidence of Sick Building Syndrome in Offices. Article searches were carried out through the journal sites Science Direct, Scopus, Semantic Scholar, Google Scholar, and nature. The selection of articles was carried out with the following criteria: open access full text, publication 2010-2022, articles in English, suitability of the dependent and independent variables. Based on 53 relevant articles, 5 main articles met the criteria and were discussed further in this study. The 5 main articles show the results of the statistical test p-value 0.05, which means there is a significant relationship between temperature, humidity, bad air such as dusty, stuffy, dry air and bad smell, increased exposure to CO2, ventilation quality, and light intensity with the incidence of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) in office workers which includes sneezing, skin redness, eye pain, sore eyes and itchy eyes, dizziness, headache, nausea, nose irritation, dry throat, dyspnea, bad taste, feeling unwell, sneezing, bad mood, motivation, and concentration problems.

Long-term central nervous system (CNS) consequences of COVID-19 in children.

Neurological/neuropsychiatric symptoms are commonly reported by children/young people with long COVID, especially headache, fatigue, cognitive deficits, anosmia and ageusia, dizziness, mood symptoms, and sleep problems. However, reported prevalence estimates are highly variable due to study heterogeneity and often small sample size; most studies only considered short-term follow-ups; and, apart from mood and sleep problems, neuropsychiatric conditions have received less attention. Considering the potential debilitating effects of neurological/neuropsychiatric conditions, a comprehensive review of the topic is timely, and needed to support clinical recognition as well as to set the direction for future research. The authors discuss neurological/neuropsychiatric manifestations of long COVID in pediatric populations, with a focus on prevalence, associated demographic characteristics, and potential pathogenetic mechanisms. Children/young people may develop persistent neurological/neuropsychiatric symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, which may affect daily functioning and well-being. Studies in larger samples with longer follow-ups are needed to clarify prevalence and symptom duration; as well as less investigated risk factors, including genetic predisposition, ethnicity, and comorbidities. Controlled studies may help separate infection-related direct effects from pandemic-related psychosocial stressors. Clarifying pathogenetic mechanisms is paramount to develop more targeted and effective treatments; whilst screening programs and psychoeducation may enhance early recognition.

Exploring the relationship between history of infertility and the experience of menopausal symptoms.

The aim of the study is to examine longitudinal associations of history of infertility with menopausal symptoms in midlife. Six hundred ninety-five midlife women (≥45 y old or reporting ≥12 mo of amenorrhea at the midlife visit) in Project Viva, a prospective cohort enrolled 1999-2002 during pregnancy and followed for 18 years after enrollment ("midlife visit"). Exposure was history of infertility defined as time to pregnancy ≥12 months (≥6 mo if ≥35 y), use of medical treatment to conceive, or infertility consultation or treatment in the 6-month preceding enrollment. The primary outcome was score below or above the median on the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Secondary outcomes included individual symptom score on the MRS and self-reported age of menopause. A total of 36.6% had a history of infertility in their lifetime. At the time of MRS completion, the women with prior infertility were older (53.4 [SD, 3.8] vs 51.2 [SD, 3.7] y) than those without infertility and a larger proportion had reached menopause (62% vs 40%). Women with prior infertility were more likely to score above the median on the MRS (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.01) and had higher odds for reporting any depressive mood (aOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.12-2.16) and irritability (aOR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.13-2.19). There was a trend toward greater severity of sleep problems among women with prior infertility. There was no association of prior infertility with report of other menopausal symptoms or age of menopause. Our findings suggest that women with prior infertility are more likely to have an MRS score above the median and experience depressive mood, irritability, and sleep problems during midlife than women without infertility. These findings have implications for mental health screening among midlife women.

Cross-lagged analysis of the relationship between risk perception, physical activity, and adolescent mental health

Background: According to a study of global adolescent mood problems during the pandemic, the prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 31% and depressive symptoms were 34% during the novel coronavirus pandemic, both significantly higher than before the pandemic. However, while physical activity has been clearly shown to be effective in moderating adolescent mental health problems, it is unknown whether physical activity is still effective for mental health under the risk perception of illness. Therefore, this study investigated the association between risk perception, physical activity, and adolescent mental health. Methods: Two questionnaires were administered to the same students in five high schools in December 2022 as well as in January 2023. &lt;N=344&gt;, which investigated the risk perception level, physical activity intensity, and mental health level of adolescents during the New Crown pandemic. Results: There were significant gender differences (p &lt; 0.01) for adolescents' risk perceptions, with gender difference effects of 0.255 (d = 0.416) and 0.195 (d = 0.402) for the two measures, and gender differences in mental health, with gender difference effects of 0.159 (d = 0.262) and 0.179 (d = 0.278).

Physical Health Problems as a Suicide Precipitant: Associations With Other Risk Factors and Suicide Methods in Three Age Groups of Older Decedents.

Physical health problems are a significant late-life suicide precipitant. This study's purpose was to examine differences in (i) other suicide precipitants and psychiatric/substance use problems, and (ii) suicide methods (firearms, hanging/suffocation, and poisoning) in 3 age groups (55-64, 65-74, and 75+) of older suicide decedents who had physical health problems as a suicide precipitant. Data came from the 2017-2019 U.S. National Violent Death Reporting System (N = 34,912; 27,761 males [79.5%] and 7,151 females [20.5%]). Generalized linear models for a Poisson distribution with a log link were used to examine the study questions. Physical health problems were a suicide precipitant for 25.8%, 41.9%, and 57.7% of the 55-64, 65-74, and 75+ age groups, respectively, and were associated with a higher likelihood of having had depressed mood (IRR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.33-1.43) and other substance use problems (IRR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.13-1.31). Interaction effects showed that when job/finance/housing problems, depressed mood, or any psychiatric disorders were co-present with physical health problems, the age group differences in the predicted rates of physical health problems were diminished. Physical health problems were also positively associated with firearm and poisoning use, but negatively associated with hanging/suffocation. Interaction effects indicated that the predicted rates of firearm and poisoning use significantly increased among those aged 55-64 with than without physical health problems. In all 3 age groups of older suicide decedents, physical health problems were the predominant suicide precipitant, and those with physical health problems had elevated depressed mood. Assessment of suicide risk, affordable and accessible health, and mental health services, restriction of access to lethal suicide methods, and policy-based suicide prevention approaches for older adults with physical health problems are needed.