Non-depressive Symptoms Research Articles

Trend and predictive psychosocial factors of persistent depression/non-depression in Chinese adolescents: A three-year longitudinal study.

Depressive symptoms are common in adolescents, while its prevalence trend in adolescents is seldom reported. In addition, few studies focus on adolescents without depressive symptoms. This study aimed to reveal the trend and predictors of persistent depression/non-depression among Chinese adolescents over three-year period. Three-wave data were collected from T1 to T3 in a sample from six junior high schools in Shenzhen, China. The 20-item of Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used, with scoring ≥16 as depression. Of all 1301 adolescents, 33.4%, 15.5% and 9.0% reported depressive symptoms at baseline, T2 and T3 respectively, while 66.6%, 47.7% and 39.6% reported non-depressive symptoms at three time-points. At the individual level, baseline positive identity and general positive youth development significantly increased persistent non-depression at T2 and T3. At the family level, baseline family harmony and communication consistently prevented persistent depression at T2 and T3, while family communication consistently promoted non-depression. At the school level, baseline awareness of no expectation from teacher and poor interpersonal relationship consistently increased persistent depression and prevented non-depression. The incidence of depression in adolescents aged 11-15 is not high. The rate of persistent non-depression is approximately 30% higher than that of persistent depression, and both have a downward trend over years. Positive youth development and healthy family function are protective factors of depression, while school maladjustment decreases persistent non-depression. During early adolescence, more attention should be paid to family function and school maladjustment to promote non-depression in adolescents from a new broader view.

Using Network Analysis to Subgroup Risk Factors for Depressive Symptoms in College Students.

Network modeling has been suggested as an effective method to explore intricate relationships among antecedents, mediators, and symptoms. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the severity of depressive symptoms in college students affects the multivariate relationships among anhedonia, smartphone addiction, and mediating factors. A survey was conducted among 1347 Chinese college students (587 female) to assess depressive symptoms, anhedonia, addictive behaviors, anxiety, and insomnia. The participants were categorized the non-depressive symptom (NDS) and depressive symptom (DS) groups based on a cut-off score of 5 on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Network analysis was performed to investigate the symptom-to-symptom influences of symptoms in these two groups. The network of the DS group was more densely connected than that of the NDS group. Social anticipatory anhedonia was a central factor for DS, while withdraw/escape (one factor of smartphone addiction) was a central factor for NDS. The DS group exhibited greater strength between the PHQ9 score and social anticipatory anhedonia, as well as between the PHQ9 score and alcohol misuse score, compared to the NDS group. On the other hand, the NDS group had higher strength between anxiety and feeling lost, as well as between anxiety and withdraw/escape, compared to the DS group. The findings suggest that there is a close relationship between social anhedonia, smartphone addiction, and alcohol consumption in the DS group. Addressing on ameliorating social anhedonia and smartphone addiction may be effective in preventing and managing depression in college students.

Using a longitudinal network structure to subgroup depressive symptoms among adolescents

BackgroundNetwork modeling has been proposed as an effective approach to examine complex associations among antecedents, mediators and symptoms. This study aimed to investigate whether the severity of depressive symptoms affects the multivariate relationships among symptoms and mediating factors over a 2-year longitudinal follow-up.MethodsWe recruited a school-based cohort of 1480 primary and secondary school students over four semesters from January 2020 to December 2021. The participants (n = 1145) were assessed at four time points (ages 10–13 years old at baseline). Based on a cut-off score of 5 on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire at each time point, the participants were categorized into the non-depressive symptom (NDS) and depressive symptom (DS) groups. We conducted network analysis to investigate the symptom-to-symptom influences in these two groups over time.ResultsThe global network metrics did not differ statistically between the NDS and DS groups at four time points. However, network connection strength varied with symptom severity. The edge weights between learning anxiety and social anxiety were prominently in the NDS group over time. The central factors for NDS and DS were oversensitivity and impulsivity (3 out of 4 time points), respectively. Moreover, both node strength and closeness were stable over time in both groups.ConclusionsOur study suggests that interrelationships among symptoms and contributing factors are generally stable in adolescents, but a higher severity of depressive symptoms may lead to increased stability in these relationships.

Association Between Dietary Fiber and the Severity of Depression Symptoms

Aim: Our study is aimed at exploring the correlation between consumption of dietary fiber and the severity of depression symptoms.Methods: This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning from 2007 to 2018, employing a cross‐sectional design. The relationship between the severity of depression symptoms and intake of total cereals, vegetables, and fruits dietary fiber was assessed using both univariate and multivariate linear/logistic regression analyses. Stratified analyses were conducted based on hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cancer or malignancy, and cardiovascular disease.Results: This study included 28,852 participants who were classified into 21,696 with nondepression symptoms, 4614 with mild depression symptoms, 1583 with moderate depression symptoms, 684 with moderately severe depression symptoms, and 275 with severe depression symptoms. After adjusting all confounding factors, we observed a negative correlation between total dietary fiber and depression symptoms (beta = −0.004, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: −0.006, −0.002). Taking nondepression symptoms as a reference, total dietary fiber was found to have an inverse association with moderate (OR = 0.976, 95% CI: 0.962–0.991), moderately severe (OR = 0.963, 95% CI: 0.938–0.990), and severe depression symptoms (OR = 0.960, 95% CI: 0.921–1.001; marginal significance), respectively.Conclusion: The intakes of total dietary fibers might be related to moderate/moderately severe/severe depression symptoms, and a negative association was shown between total dietary fiber intakes and the risk of depression symptoms.

Correlation between psychological stress and depressive symptoms among Japanese university students: a cross-sectional analysis.

[Purpose] Higher education students face significant environmental changes, placing them at heightened risk of developing depressive symptoms that have been exacerbated by the coronavirus infectious disease pandemic. This study examined the association between psychological stress and depressive symptoms among Japanese university students. [Participants and Methods] We conducted an online and face-to-face questionnaire survey with 145 Japanese university students studying rehabilitation sciences. Depressive symptoms and psychological stress were evaluated using the Self-rating Depression Scale and Stress Response Scale-18, respectively. [Results] Among the participants, 88 had depressive symptoms. Compared to the non-depressive symptom group, the depressive symptom group experienced higher psychological stress and comprised significantly more women and individuals with insomnia. Logistic regression analysis revealed that psychological stress and insomnia were independent predictors of depressive symptoms. [Conclusion] Psychological stress is independently associated with depressive symptoms. The correlation between insomnia, stress, and depressive symptoms requires further investigation. Future research should explore the causal relationship between psychological stress and depressive symptoms and consider the factors that may influence this relationship.

50% Improvement

Background: The emphasis on symptom resolution in depression treatment research is at variance with the recommendations of official treatment guidelines and the results of surveys of depressed patients' views of the most important treatment goals. In the present study, we examined the interrelationship between response rates on various outcome domains and whether response on each domain was associated with patients' global rating of improvement (PGI) reported upon treatment completion. We also examined whether the PGI was associated with the number of domains on which the patients had achieved responder status and which domains were independent predictors of PGI response.Methods: Between January 2016 to April 2022, 844 patients with DSM-IV major depressive disorder completed the Remission from Depression Questionnaire (RDQ), a self-report measure that assesses 6 constructs considered by patients to be relevant to assessing treatment outcome. The patients completed the RDQ at admission and discharge from the treatment program. For each domain, response was defined as a 50% or greater reduction in scores. At discharge, the patients rated the PGI.Results: The patients significantly improved from admission to discharge on each of the 6 domains assessed on the RDQ (Cohen d range, 1.09-1.55). The responders on each domain reported significantly greater improvement on the global rating of improvement at discharge (all P values < .001). Responder status in one domain mostly co-occurred with responder status in another domain. In a logistic regression analysis, responses on all domains except nondepressive symptoms were independently associated with PGI response.Conclusions: The results of the present study are consistent with the results of multiple patient surveys which have suggested that focusing on symptom reduction is too narrow of an approach when measuring outcome in the treatment of depression. Expanding the assessment of outcome beyond symptoms and viewing nonsymptomatic outcome domains as critical composites of primary endpoints would be more consistent with a patient-centered approach toward the treatment of depression.

50% Improvement: Should Treatment Response Go Beyond Symptom Improvement When Evaluating the Treatment of Depression?

IntroductionThe emphasis on symptom resolution in depression treatment research is at variance with the recommendations of official treatment guidelines and the results of surveys of depressed patients’ views of the most important treatment goals.ObjectivesIn the present study, we examined the interrelationship between response rates on various outcome domains and whether response on each domain was associated with patients’ global rating of improvement (PGI) reported upon treatment completion. We also examined whether the PGI was associated with the number of domains on which the patients had achieved responder status and which domains were independent predictors of PGI response.MethodsEight hundred and forty-four patients with major depressive disorder completed the Remission from Depression Questionnaire (RDQ), a self-report measure that assesses 6 constructs considered by patients to be relevant to assessing treatment outcome. The patients completed the RDQ at admission and discharge from the treatment program. For each domain, response was defined as a 50% or greater reduction in scores. At discharge, the patients rated the PGI.ResultsThe patients significantly improved from admission to discharge on each of the 6 domains assessed on the RDQ. The responders on each domain reported significantly greater improvement on the global rating of improvement at discharge. Responder status in one domain mostly co-occurred with responder status in another domain. In a logistic regression analysis, responses on all domains, except nondepressive symptoms, were independently associated with PGI response.ConclusionsThe results of the present study are consistent with multiple surveys which have suggested that focusing on symptom reduction is too narrow of an approach when measuring outcome in the treatment of depression. Expanding the assessment of outcome beyond symptoms and viewing nonsymptomatic outcome domains as critical composites of primary endpoints would be more consistent with a patient-centered approach towards the treatment of depression.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Prediagnosis Depression Rather Than Anxiety Symptoms Is Associated with Decreased Ovarian Cancer Survival: Findings from the Ovarian Cancer Follow-Up Study (OOPS).

The relationship between prediagnosis depression, anxiety symptoms, and ovarian cancer (OC) survival is unknown. We aimed to explore these associations to provide further epidemiological evidence. We investigated the relationship between prediagnosis depression, anxiety symptoms, and OC survival in a prospective cohort study of newly diagnosed OC patients aged 18-79 years. Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 at diagnosis, respectively. Deaths were ascertained until 31 March 2021 via medical records and active follow-up. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with prediagnosis depression and anxiety symptoms and all-cause mortality of OC. We found 56 (9.4%) and 235 (39.3%) OC patients with depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. During a median follow-up of 37.2 months (interquartile range 24.7-50.2 months), 130 deaths were confirmed. Compared with non-depression symptoms, patients with prediagnosis depressive symptoms showed a significantly increased risk of OC mortality (HR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.20-3.70). Of note, the association was still robust when focusing on the OC patients with severe depressive symptoms (HR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.07-4.12). However, we observed no association between prediagnosis anxiety symptoms of different severity and OC mortality. Interestingly, OC patients with combined moderate depression and anxiety symptoms had a significantly increased risk of OC mortality (HR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.14-9.11) compared to those with no symptoms of depression and anxiety. Notably, Wilms's tumor 1 was significantly associated with depression and anxiety symptoms (p &lt; 0.05). Prediagnosis depression increases the risk of OC mortality. Large multicenter studies are required to confirm this finding.

Associations between internet addiction, screen time and depressive symptoms

Objective: To understand the associations between internet addiction, screen time (computer/mobile devices use and television watching time) and depressive symptoms in adults. Methods: A total of 6 932 adults aged <60 years from the Tianjin Chronic Low-grade Sgstemic Inflammation and Health (TCLSIH) Cohort of 2013-2019 were surveyed. The information about their computer/mobile devices use and television watching time were collected by using a self-reported questionnaire. The depressive symptoms were assessed using the self-rating depression scale (SDS). The adults surveyed were divided into two groups: non-depressive symptom group (SDS score <45) and depressive symptom group (SDS score ≥45). The associations between internet addiction, screen time and depressive symptoms were estimated using Cox proportional hazard regression models, with adjusting for multiple confounders. Results: After adjusting for confounding factors, the hazard ratios (HRs) of depressive symptom in the adults who had internet addiction before, had light internet addiction and had moderate or severe internet addiction were 0.83 (95%CI: 0.56-1.23) , 1.20 (95%CI: 1.03-1.41) for light and 1.48 (95%CI: 1.16-1.89), respectively, compared with those without internet addiction. The linear trend test results of the association between internet addiction and depressive symptoms was significant (trend P<0.001). Compared with the adults who used computer/mobile devices for <1 hour/day, the HRs of depressive symptoms in those who used computer/mobile devices for >1 hour, >3 hours, >5 hours and >10 hours were 0.59 (95%CI: 0.40-0.88), 0.58 (95%CI: 0.40-0.85), 0.52 (95%CI: 0.36-0.76) and 0.69 (95%CI: 0.45-1.05) respectively, a U-shaped association was found between computer/mobile devices use time and depressive symptoms (trend P<0.001). Compared with the adults who never watch TV, the HR of depressive symptoms was 1.36 (95%CI:1.09-1.69) for those watching TV for ≥3 hours/day in crude model and 1.34 (95%CI: 1.07-1.68) for those watching TV for ≥3 hours/day in adjusted model (trend P<0.001). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that internet addiction and television watching time were associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms, while computer/mobile device use time was associated with a reduced risk of depressive symptoms.

Sasang Constitution May Act as a Risk Factor for Depressive Symptoms-A Survey for Local Residence.

This study investigated whether a person’s Sasang constitution (SC) could be a risk factor for depressive symptoms. We classified the SC of 653 participants into Taeeumin (TE), Soeumin (SE), and Soyangin (SY), using the KS–15 questionnaire. We also categorized them into depressive and non-depressive symptom groups using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale questionnaire. A t-test and chi-square test were used to compare the general characteristics of the depressive and non-depressive symptom groups. A one-way analysis of variance compared the scores of depressive symptoms according to SC, and a multiple logistic regression obtained the odds ratios (ORs); p < 0.05. The depressive symptom score for SE (13.6 ± 9.97) was significantly higher than that for SY (9.2 ± 6.51) and TE (10.8 ± 7.70; p < 0.001; SE > TE, SY, Scheffé). SE was associated with an increased prevalence of depressive symptoms compared with SY (OR: 2.315; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.389–3.860, p < 0.01) and TE (OR: 1.660; 95% CI: 1.076–2.561, p < 0.05), as well as an increased prevalence of depressive symptoms compared with SY (OR: 2.907; 95% CI: 1.379–6.144, p < 0.01) after adjusting for average height and distribution of living with family, medication, and drinking. This study reveals that SC, particularly SE, could be significantly associated with and be considered a risk factor for depressive symptoms.

Association between physical activity levels and depressive symptoms in patients with minor ischemic stroke

ObjectivePost-stroke depression is associated with stroke recurrence and it is necessary to identify its influencing factors. The study aims to determine whether physical activity during hospitalization, as measured by accelerometer, was associated with depression after discharge in patients with minor ischemic stroke. Materials and methodsThis prospective observational study assessed 76 patients with minor ischemic stroke (aged 71.2 years) admitted to an acute care hospital. Depressive symptoms 3 months after discharge from the hospital was assessed using a questionnaire sent by mail. Baseline was set during hospitalization, and accelerometers were used to measure sedentary behavior, light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activities during hospitalization. ResultsThree months after hospital discharge, 14 patients (18.4%) were placed in the depressive symptom group, with significantly more sedentary behavior (p = 0.021), less light physical activity (p = 0.016) and more depressive symptoms during hospitalization (p = 0.005) than in the non-depressive symptom group. Logistic regression analysis showed that sedentary behavior (odds ratio = 1.130, 95% confidence interval = 1.013‒1.281, p = 0.028) and light-intensity physical activity (odds ratio = 0.853, 95% confidence interval = 0.746‒0.976, p = 0.021) were independent factors for depressive symptoms at three months after discharge. Moderate to vigorous physical activity was not an independent factor. ConclusionsSedentary behavior and light-intensity physical activity during hospitalization were associated with depressive symptoms in patients with minor ischemic stroke after discharge. Reducing sedentary behavior and increasing light-intensity physical activity as part of inpatient rehabilitation may help prevent post-stroke depression.

Higher neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio is associated with depressive symptoms in Japanese general male population

Relationships between the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and/or the platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neuroinflammatory diseases have been reported. Depression is also associated with neuroinflammation. Here, we determined the association between the NLR, PLR, and depressive symptoms. This cross-sectional study is a secondary analysis of the data of the Iwaki Health Promotion Project 2017. We analyzed the characteristics and laboratory data of 1,015 Japanese subjects (597 females, 408 males) including their NLR and PLR values. We assigned the subjects with a Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) score ≥ 16 to the depressive symptoms group. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine whether the NLR and/or PLR were associated with depressive symptoms (CES-D ≥ 16). Two hundred subjects (19.7%; 122 [20.4%] females, 78 [19.1%] males) were assigned to the depressive symptoms group. There were significant differences between the non-depressive symptoms and depressive symptoms groups in the NLR [median (25th to 75th percentile): 1.54 (1.24, 1.97) vs. 1.76 (1.32, 2.37), P = 0.005] and the PLR [median (25th to 75th percentile): 123.7 (102.0, 153.9) vs. 136.8 (107.0, 166.5), P = 0.047] in males, but not in females. The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the NLR was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in males (adjusted odds ratio: per 1 increase, 1.570; 95% confidence interval: 1.120–2.220; P = 0.009). In conclusion, our findings indicate that higher NLR may be associated with depressive symptoms in males.

Association Between Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms During Prehospitalization Waiting Period and Quality of Recovery at Postoperative Day 3 in Perioperative Cancer Patients

Perioperative depressive symptoms are associated with poor postoperative quality of life (QOL), leading to prolonged hospital stays, and delayed return to society. Previous studies show that physical and mental states change on the third day after surgery, and there is a correlation between quality of recovery (QoR) on this day and QOL at 3 months after surgery. QoR after surgery is an important indicator of postoperative QOL. However, there are no reports on the association between depressive symptoms, and postoperative QoR. Therefore, the study purpose was to clarify the relationship between depressive symptoms in perioperative cancer patients during the prehospitalization waiting period, and QoR on the third postoperative day. This was a prospective cohort study. We examined whether depressive symptoms during the prehospitalization waiting period were related to QoR on day 3 after surgery in perioperative cancer patients. Subjects were patients with primary tumors who underwent surgery under general anesthesia. Subjects completed self-administered questionnaires during the prehospitalization waiting period and on postoperative day 3. The presence and/or absence of depressive symptoms was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Subjects were divided into two groups: depressive symptoms or non-depressive symptoms. Postoperative QoR was determined using the QoR-40 questionnaire and we calculated the rate of change in QoR-40 global and dimension scores from preoperation to postoperation. 231 individuals met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Of these, 173 were included in the analysis. Only the rate of change in emotional state differed significantly between groups (P=.022). Both global and dimension QoR-40 scores were lower in the depressive symptoms group than in the non-depressive symptoms group. These findings demonstrate the need to provide both psychological and physical support continuously from the preoperative to early postoperative stage for cancer patients with depressive symptoms in the prehospitalization waiting period.

Associations of depressive symptoms with disability-free life expectancy and self-assessed healthy life expectancy in middle-aged and older adults: Results from a longitudinal population-based study in China

Objectives Although the health consequences of depression have been extensively examined, little attention has been given to its nonfatal conditions. This study aims to investigate the association of depressive symptoms with total life expectancy (TLE), disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) and self-assessed healthy life expectancy (SHLE).Methods Data were sourced from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011–2013. The 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) short form was used to measure depressive symptoms in 14,982 Chinese middle-aged and older adults. The population-based multistate life table method was used to estimate the differences in TLE, DFLE and SHLE by the status of depressive symptoms.Results At the age of 45 years, depressive symptoms were associated with a reduction of 1.8 (95% CI: 0.4–3.2) additional years of TLE. The estimated depression-induced reduction in TLE was 1.8 (95% CI: 0.1–3.5) in females, and 2.6 (95% CI: 1.0–4.2) in males. For DFLE, a reduction of 3.1 (95% CI: 2.0–4.2) additional years was found in individuals with depressive symptoms. The proportion of DFLE in TLE in participants with depressive symptoms decreased compared with that of the non-depressive symptoms group (depressive symptoms: 87.4% vs non-depressive symptoms: 91.4%). For SHLE, on average, individuals with depressive symptoms suffered a reduction of 7.6 (95% CI: 6.5–8.7) additional years in their SHLE at 45 years old and a reduction in the proportion of SHLE in TLE by 17.7%. Similar patterns were found in groups aged 55, 65, 75 and 85 years.Conclusion This study showed that depressive symptoms were associated with reductions in TLE, DFLE and SHLE among middle-aged and older adults in China, and the depression-induced reduction in proportions of DFLE and SHLE in TLE continued to increase as age increased. This study provides new insight into the nonfatal health consequences of depressive symptoms and their adverse effects on quantity and quality of life. Our findings are useful for policy makers and individuals in mental health management, depression prevention and intervention and informing health policies.

Association Between Changes in Depressive Symptoms and Hazardous Drinking: Findings From the Korea Welfare Panel Study (2013-2018).

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal association between changes in depressive symptoms and hazardous drinking among South Korean adults.Participants/Methods: This study was conducted using a sample drawn from participants enrolled in the Korea Welfare Panel Study (KoWePS) from 2013 to 2018. Hazardous drinking was defined as a score of 11 points for men and seven points for women on the Korean version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using an 11-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. A generalized estimating equation model was used to analyze the association between changes in depressive symptoms and hazardous drinking.Results: Of the 12,878 people registered with KoWePS and without follow-up losses from 2013 to 2018, a total of 2,341 were included in this study, excluding those under the age of 19 and those with missing data. Persistent depressive symptoms (men, odds ratio [OR]: 2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.48–3.21; women, OR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.66–4.22) and the changes from non-depressive symptoms to depressive symptoms (men, adjusted OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.80–2.64; women, OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.27–2.29) increased the likelihood of hazardous drinking.Conclusions: Persistent depressive symptoms and changes from non-depressive to depressive symptoms are associated with increased prevalence of hazardous drinking. This suggests that an evaluation of the underlying mental illness or emotion should be made when counseling for abstaining from alcohol for chronic drinkers or the general public.

Effects of changes in depressive symptoms on handgrip strength in later life: A four-year longitudinal study in England

BackgroundFew studies have examined the associations between changes in depressive symptoms and handgrip strength in older people. This study aimed to examine the magnitude of the association between depressive symptoms over 2 years and weak handgrip strength on the 4 years of follow-up. MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal study using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging, a nationally representative panel survey of older adults in England. Data were derived from waves 4 (2008–2009), 5 (2010–2011), and 6 (2012–2013). A total of 5,080 participants were included in the analysis. Depressive symptoms were dichotomized using the eight-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale in waves 4 and 5 and were regarded as the exposure. Handgrip strength measurements objectively measured in wave 6 were dichotomized according to the 25th percentile of the British norm and used as the outcome. The targeted maximum likelihood estimation model was utilized to assess time-variant depressive symptoms on handgrip strength, adjusted for time-variant and time-invariant covariates. ResultsThe maintenance of non-depressive symptoms (relative risk [RR], 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59–0.87) or improvement of depressive symptoms (RR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55–0.91) had a protective effect on weak handgrip strength compared with the persistence of depressive symptoms. LimitationThis study is not a randomized control trial but a longitudinal observational study, indicating that our study finding may still have been affected by unknown confounders. ConclusionOur findings suggest the importance of managing depressive symptoms to prevent poor physical function.

Association of Nighttime Sleep Duration with Depressive Symptoms and Its Interaction with Regular Physical Activity among Chinese Adolescent Girls.

Depression has become a major mental health concern among adolescents globally, and the relationship between depressive symptoms and nighttime sleep duration among adolescent girls remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between nighttime sleep duration and depressive symptoms among Chinese adolescent girls. This cross-sectional study, conducted in 2018, included 4952 girls aged 10–19 years from the eastern, central, and western regions of China. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and categorized into depressive symptoms and non-depressive symptoms. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of depressive symptoms. After adjustment for covariates, adolescent girls with a nighttime sleep duration of <7 h/night (OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.76–2.95) and 7 h/night (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.48–2.24) were associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms, compared to those with a sleep duration of 8 h/night. An interaction between nighttime sleep duration and regular physical activity on the risk of depressive symptoms was observed (p for interaction = 0.036). Among both girls with and without regular physical activity, a sleep duration of <7 h/night was associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms, and the magnitude of the ORs among girls with regular physical activity was lower than those without regular physical activity. This study found a significant association of short nighttime sleep duration with increased risk of depressive symptoms, and demonstrates the importance of maintaining adequate nighttime sleep duration and ensuring regular physical activity in improving depressive symptoms among adolescent girls.

Association between family caregivers and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults in Japan: A cross-sectional study during the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectivesNovel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic could increase the mental health burden of family caregivers of older adults, but related reports are limited. We examined the association between family caregiving and changes in the depressive symptom status during the pandemic. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 957 (mean age [standard deviation] = 80.8 [4.8] years; 53.5% females) community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 65 years from a semi-urban area of Japan, who completed a mailed questionnaire. Based on the depressive symptom status assessed with the Two-Question Screen between March and October 2020, participants were classified into four groups: “non-depressive symptoms,” “incidence of depressive symptoms,” “remission from depressive symptoms,” or “persistence of depressive symptoms.” Participants were assessed in October 2020 for the family caregiving status, caregiving role, the severity of care recipients’ needs, and increased caregiver burden during the pandemic, each with the simple question. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to obtain the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for changes in depressive symptom status. ResultsCompared to non-caregivers, family caregivers were associated with the incidence (OR [95% CI] = 3.17 [1.55–6.51], p < 0.01) and persistence of depressive symptoms (OR [95% CI] = 2.39 [1.30–4.38], p < 0.01). Primary caregivers, caregivers for individuals with severe care needs, and caregivers with increased burden during the pandemic had a high risk of depressive symptoms. ConclusionsFamily caregivers had a high risk of depressive symptoms during the pandemic. Our findings highlight the need for a support system for family caregivers.

Association between vitamin D status and depression in children with chronic liver disease

BackgroundDeficiency of vitamin D and depression are commonly occurring in patients with chronic liver diseases. This study aimed to determine the association between 25-OH-vitamin D status and depressive symptoms among children with chronic liver diseases. Eighty children were enrolled and divided into 2 groups: the patients’ group (60 children with chronic hepatitis) and the control group (20 healthy children). All children have been analyzed for their clinical, biochemical features, histological profile, serum 25-OH-vitamin D levels, and assessment of childhood depression using Arabic form based on Kovacs Children’s Depression Inventory.ResultsSerum level of 25(OH) D was significantly lower in the hepatic group than the control group [17 (5–52) ng/ml, 45 (13–95) ng/ml, p = <0001 respectively]. Depression score was significantly higher in the hepatic group as 30% of the control group had mild depression, while 36.7% of the hepatic group had mild depression, 16.7% had moderate depression, and 10% had severe depression. There was a statistically significant difference between children with depressive symptoms and non-depressive symptoms as regards the level of serum vitamin D as it was lower in children with depressive symptoms [median (range) 17 (5–40) ng/ml, 27.5 (8–52) ng/ml, p = 0.04 respectively]. There were statistically significant differences between the serum level of 25(OH) D and depression as it decreases with increasing severity of depression.ConclusionChildren with chronic liver disease who had depressive symptoms showed significantly lower levels of vitamin D when compared with those without depressive symptoms; also, vitamin D had an inverse correlation with depression scores in these children.

Subjective cognitive decline and subsequent dementia: a nationwide cohort study of 579,710 people aged 66 years in South Korea

BackgroundSubjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a potential risk factor for dementia. We aimed to investigate the association between SCD and subsequent dementia in a nationwide population-based cohort in South Korea.MethodsThis cohort included 579,710 66-year-old adults who were followed for a total of 3,870,293 person-years (average 6.68 ± 1.33 years per person). All subjects completed a questionnaire about subjective memory impairment, the Pre-screening Korean Dementia Screening Questionnaire (KDSQ-P), which included a validated 5-item derivative, and were determined to have SCD based on a single question assessing memory decline. Depressive symptoms were assessed in all subjects using a 3-item modified geriatric depression scale. Hazard ratios were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model and compared between subjects with and without SCD.ResultsCompared to subjects without SCD, those with SCD were more likely to develop dementia (incidence per 1000 person-years: non-SCD, 5.66; SCD, 8.59). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the risk of subsequent dementia significantly increased in subjects with SCD, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.38 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34 to 1.41). The risk of subsequent dementia was greatly increased in subjects with higher KDSQ-P scores (aHR = 2.77, 95% CI 2.35 to 3.27). A significant association between SCD and dementia was observed in both depressive and non-depressive symptom groups (aHR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.42 to 1.57 in subjects with depressive symptoms; aHR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.37 in subjects without depressive symptoms; P = 0.001).ConclusionsIn this population of 66-year-old individuals, SCD was significantly associated with an increased risk of subsequent dementia. This association was found in both depressive and non-depressive groups, with an increased risk of dementia in the presence of depressive symptoms. Our findings suggest that SCD indicates a risk for dementia. Further studies are needed to delineate potential approaches to preventing the development of dementia in individuals with SCD.