Past Depressive Symptoms Research Articles

Does biological age mediate the relationship between childhood adversity and depression? Insights from the Detroit Neighborhood Health Study

The link between childhood adversity and adulthood depression is well-established; however, the underlying mechanisms are still being explored. Recent research suggests biological age may mediate the relationship between childhood adversity and depression in later life. This study examines if biological age mediates the relationship between childhood adversity and depression symptoms using an expanded set of biological age measures in an urban population-based cohort. Data from waves 1–3 of the Detroit Neighborhood Health Study (DNHS) were used in this analysis. Questions about abuse during childhood were coded to form a childhood adversity score similar to the Adverse Childhood Experience measure. Multiple dimensions of biological age, defined as latent variables, were considered, including systemic biological age (GrimAge, PhenoAge), epigenetic age (Horvath, SkinBlood), and immune age (cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus type 1, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6). Depression symptoms, modeled as a latent variable, were captured through the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Models were adjusted for age, gender, race, parent education, and past depressive symptoms. Total and direct effects of childhood adversity on depression symptoms and indirect effects mediated by biological age were estimated. For total and direct effects, we observed a dose-dependent relationship between cumulative childhood adversity and depression symptoms, with emotional abuse being particularly influential. However, contrary to prior studies, in this sample, we found few direct effects of childhood adversity on biological age or biological age on depression symptoms and no evidence of mediation through the measures of biological age considered in this study. Further research is needed to understand how childhood maltreatment experiences are embodied to influence health and wellness.

The relationship between perceived stress and depressive symptoms in adolescents during high stress: The moderating role of emotion regulation.

This study examined the moderating role of adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation in the relationship between general perceived stress and depressive symptoms during the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown in March-April 2020 in Belgium, while controlling for past depressive symptoms in 2016. Participants were 110 adolescents (55% female; Mage = 16, SDage = 1.80) who filled out different questionnaires assessing maladaptive and adaptive emotion regulation strategies (ERS), perceived stress, and depressive symptoms. Results revealed that only maladaptive ERS statistically significantly moderated the relationship between perceived stress and depressive symptoms. More specifically, the amount of perceived stress is positively associated with the level of depressive symptoms, especially in adolescents who use more maladaptive ERS. The repertoire of adaptive ERS might not be sufficient for adolescents to flexibly cope with a highly stressful situation such as the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. Study findings highlight the need to support youth, particularly those who use more maladaptive ERS, in adaptively coping with intense stressful life events.

Individual differences in latent trait cortisol (LTC): Implications for the onset and course of future depressive symptoms

Research suggests that various indicators of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis activity prospectively predict depression, but few studies have evaluated whether trait indicators of HPA axis activity are related to depression. Further, no prior study has examined links between trait cortisol and psychopathology using a trait indicator that captures HPA axis activity over multiple time points. Here we examined whether we could construct an across-wave latent trait cortisol (LTC) factor using cortisol samples collected over 13 weeks, and whether the across-wave LTC prospectively predicted new depressive symptom onsets and symptom duration. Emerging adults (n = 85; M age = 19.37 years) provided salivary cortisol samples four times a day (waking, 30 min and 45 min post-waking and bedtime) over three 3-day measurement waves separated by 6 weeks. Diagnostic interviews at 3 timepoints (baseline, 1- and 2.5 years post-baseline) assessed lifetime and current depressive symptoms. Results indicated that the across-wave LTC predicted new onsets of depressive symptoms and longer symptom duration. Follow-up tests revealed that the link between the across-wave LTC and new onsets was not significant after adjusting for past depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that an indicator of individual differences in HPA axis regulation has implications for depressive symptom onsets and course.

Dysfunctional sleep insufficiency and reduced P3 attentional response to positive social information

One must process others’ facial affect proficiently to facilitate social functioning, and both social functioning and processing of facial affect can be impaired in sleep-deficient states. Based on mood-salience, decreased positive affect and increased negative affect experienced from sleep deficits or from depression might differentially modulate attentional responses to others’ positive and negative facial expressions. The present study examined this possibility by assessing college students’ subjective sleep–wake experience and their P3 event-related potentials responses, which indicate attention allocation. Fifty-five participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), assessments of current and past depressive symptoms, and a modified oddball task including affective facial expression stimuli. Factor analysis was conducted on PSQI data, and structural equation models were estimated to examine associations between PSQI latent factors and oddball P3 amplitude, controlling for current and past depressive symptomatology. Results indicated that one of the two identified PSQI factors (dysfunctional sleep insufficiency) was negatively associated with P3 amplitude in response to happy facial stimuli, while PSQI factor associations with sad and neutral stimuli were non-significant. Findings suggest that particular self-reported sleep–wake problems (dynamic interplay of sleep duration, sleep quality, and psychosocial functioning) can be related to decreased elaborated attention towards others’ positive facial expressions, potentially a marker of decreased inclination towards social rewards. This pattern may be particularly relevant in college, a context that can present important social opportunities and reinforce problematic sleep habits. Future longitudinal research that includes assessments of social functioning and diverse samples would be beneficial.

Associations of depressive symptoms and history with three a priori diet quality indices in middle-aged and older adults

BackgroundEvidence for the diet-depression link is growing but longitudinal studies on the reverse association are scarce. We investigated associations of (1) current depressive symptoms, (2) short-term changes in and (3) long-term history of depressive symptoms with three a priori diet quality indices. MethodsData were from participants (≥ 55 years) of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA). The Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI-2010) and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet (DASH) were derived in 2014/2015. Depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale; CES-D) were assessed in 2014/2015 and at five regular 3-yearly cycles from 2001–2003 to 2015/2016. Associations between three depression determinants and the diet indices were analysed by multivariable linear regression models. ResultsCross-sectionally (n = 1312), current depressive symptoms (CES-D ≥ 16) were associated with lower MDS (adjusted B = −1.21, 95%CI = −2.41, −0.023) and AHEI (B = −2.72, 95%CI = −5.24, −0.20) scores in men only. Chronic/recurrent depressive symptoms (CES-D ≥ 16 in both 2011–2013 and 2015/2016) were associated with lower MDS scores (n = 1233; B = −2.22, 95%CI = −3.40, −1.04) and a trend for lower AHEI scores (B = −2.37, 95%CI = −4.92, 0.18), compared to no depressive symptoms (twice CES-D < 16). History of depressive symptoms (ever CES-D ≥ 16 from 2001–2003 to 2011–2013; n = 687) was associated with lower MDS (B = −1.87, 95%CI = −3.47, −0.27) and AHEI (B = −4.33, 95%CI = −7.54, −1.13) scores in men only. No associations were found with the DASH score. LimitationsSingle dietary data collection impeded investigation of prospective depression-diet associations. ConclusionsOur study in middle-aged and older adults suggests that current and past depressive symptoms are associated with poorer diet quality, particularly in men.

Current and past depressive symptoms and contraceptive effectiveness level method selected among women seeking reproductive health services

RationaleMore thoroughly understanding the association between elevated depressive symptoms and effectiveness level of contraceptive method selected at a reproductive health visit could help women prevent unintended pregnancy. ObjectiveThis study examined how the association between both current and past depressive symptoms and effectiveness level of contraceptive method selected at a clinic visit varies by type of reproductive health visit. MethodsCurrent and past depressive symptoms and contraceptive method selected were assessed among 1215 women aged 18–25 years seeking general reproductive health or abortion services at 40 community clinics throughout the United States. Using standard categories of effectiveness based on pregnancy rates during typical use, women's contraceptive method selected was coded as a low (e.g., no method, withdrawal, condoms), moderately (pill, patch, ring, or shot), or highly effective method (IUD, sterilization, implant). Depression status was divided into four categories: 1) no elevated depressive symptoms ever, 2) current elevated depressive symptoms only, 3) past elevated depressive symptoms only, and 4) past and current elevated depressive symptoms. Visit type, general reproductive health versus abortion care, was a moderator. The interaction effect between depressive symptoms and visit type on contraceptive method effectiveness level chosen was estimated with multinomial logistic regression analyses. ResultsIn general reproductive health visits, having both elevated current and past depressive symptoms increased women's likelihood of choosing low versus moderately effective methods (RRR = 5.63, 95% CI = 2.31 to 13.71, p < .0005). In contrast, among abortion patients, only current elevated depressive symptoms were associated with choosing high versus moderate effectiveness methods (RRR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.06 to 2.86, p = .029). ConclusionResults suggest that considering both women's current and past elevated depressive symptoms and the type of reproductive health visit may assist providers in helping women prevent unintended pregnancy.

Protective and Harmful Effects of Religious Practice on Depression Among Jewish Individuals With Mood Disorders

Research suggests that religious practice has a small but consistent inverse relationship with depression, but recent work within the Jewish population has been equivocal. Following the behavioral model of depression, one explanation is that religious activity may provide positive reinforcement. We hypothesized that this would be true only for those who intrinsically value religion, and conversely, religious practice may be depressogenic for individuals lacking intrinsic motivation. We tested this possibility in a longitudinal sample of 160 Jewish individuals meeting DSM–IV criteria for a mood disorder. Multilevel autoregressive growth modeling suggested that controlling for past depressive symptoms, past intrinsic religiosity, and religious practice jointly predicted future depression. Individuals with high religious practice and high intrinsic religiosity reported lower future depressive symptoms, whereas those with high practice and low intrinsic religiosity reported higher depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that religious practice can have both protective and harmful effects, depending on internal values.

Endometriosis and Its Relationship with Depression

INTRODUCTION: There is evidence that the physical and psychic pain resulting from endometriosis is responsible for depression, and that one disease would complicate the other. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to detect depressive symptoms in women diagnosed with endometriosis, comparing them with those without the disease, and to evaluate if there is a relationship between the presence of current depressive symptoms and in childhood/adolescence. METHODS: Were done Beck’s Depression Inventory for adults and an adaptation of the infant, both self-applied. RESULTS: Of the women with endometriosis, 66% had symptoms of depression in the Beck’s Inventory, while in the control group, 58% had some degree of depression, but Fisher’s exact test showed that it was not possible to identify the relationship between endometriosis and depression (p = 0.423). CONCLUSION: The entity endometriosis has no relation to present or past depressive symptoms. When depressed, women with endometriosis tend to have mild symptoms for reasons not yet known, requiring further research on the subject.

Revisiting the Link Between Depression Symptoms and High School Dropout: Timing of Exposure Matters

PurposeRecent reviews concluded that past depression symptoms are not independently associated with high school dropout, a conclusion that could induce schools with high dropout rates and limited resources to consider depression screening, prevention, and treatment as low-priority. Even if past symptoms are not associated with dropout, however, it is possible that recent symptoms are. The goal of this study was to examine this hypothesis. MethodsIn 12 disadvantaged high schools in Montreal (Canada), all students at least 14 years of age were first screened between 2012 and 2015 (Nscreened = 6,773). Students who dropped out of school afterward (according to school records) were then invited for interviews about their mental health in the past year. Also interviewed were matched controls with similar risk profiles but who remained in school, along with average not at-risk schoolmates (Ninterviewed = 545). Interviews were conducted by trained graduate students. ResultsAlmost one dropout out of four had clinically significant depressive symptoms in the 3 months before leaving school. Adolescents with recent symptoms had an odd of dropping out more than twice as high as their peers without such symptoms (adjusted odds ratio = 2.17; 95% confidence interval = 1.14–4.12). In line with previous findings, adolescents who had recovered from earlier symptoms were not particularly at risk. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that to improve disadvantaged youths' educational outcomes, investments in comprehensive mental health services are needed in schools struggling with high dropout rates, the very places where adolescents with unmet mental health needs tend to concentrate.

Changes in Depressive Symptoms and Subsequent Risk of Stroke in the Cardiovascular Health Study.

Depression is associated with stroke, but the effects of changes in depressive symptoms on stroke risk are not well understood. This study examined whether depressive symptom changes across 2 successive annual assessments were associated with incident stroke the following year. We used visit data from 4319 participants of the Cardiovascular Health Study who were stroke free at baseline to examine whether changes in depressive symptoms classified across 2 consecutive annual assessments predicted incident first stroke during the subsequent year. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (high versus low at ≥10). Survival models were inverse probability weighted to adjust for demographics, health behaviors, medical conditions, past depressive symptoms, censoring, and survival. During follow-up, 334 strokes occurred. Relative to stable low scores of depressive symptoms, improved depression symptoms were associated with almost no excess risk of stroke (adjusted hazards ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-1.58). New-onset symptoms were nonsignificantly associated with elevated stroke risk (adjusted hazards ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.97-2.14), whereas persistently high depressive symptoms were associated with elevated adjusted hazard of all-cause stroke (adjusted hazards ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-2.56). No evidence for effect modification by race, age, or sex was found. Persistently high symptoms of depression predicted elevated hazard of stroke. Participants with improved depressive symptoms had no elevation in stroke risk. Such findings suggest that strategies to reduce depressive symptoms may ameliorate stroke risk.

Current and past depressive symptoms as predictors of effectiveness level of contraceptive method selected among women at reproductive health visits

Objectives: This study examines the association of current and past depressive symptoms with effectiveness of contraceptive method chosen at a reproductive health care visit.

Cumulative Load of Depressive Symptoms Is Associated With Cortisol Awakening Response in Very Old Age

This study examined links of cumulative and present depressive symptoms with present cortisol diurnal profiles in oldest-old adults. Five waves of data from 50 older adults (M age = 89.05 years; 64% women) who participated in the Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing were used to combine 15 years of longitudinal data with seven cortisol samples per day over a one-week period. Findings revealed that individuals with more past depressive symptoms showed a lower cortisol awakening response (CAR). Interestingly, present depressive symptoms were not associated with the CAR. These findings inform our understanding of distal health factors in very old age.

Prevalence of depression among young people with Type 1 diabetes: a systematic review

To determine: (1) prevalence of depression among young people with Type 1 diabetes compared with control groups or population norms; (2) implications of depression for HbA(1c) level; and (3) the relationship between history of depressive symptoms and future depressive symptoms. Among adults with Type 1 diabetes depression is higher than the general population, and has been associated with adverse implications for self-care and HbA(1c) level. The last published review of depression among young people with Type 1 diabetes only included studies up to 1999. Systematic searches were conducted for articles published from January 1999 to December 2011 including young people (up to 25 years old) with Type 1 diabetes. Twenty-three articles met the inclusion criteria. Of five studies that reported prevalence of depression compared with control groups, three found no differences. Of the three studies that investigated prevalence of depression making reference to population norms, all three showed higher rates of depressive symptoms. Fourteen of 15 studies found associations between more depressive symptoms and higher HbA(1c) level either cross-sectionally or longitudinally. Past depressive symptoms were associated with later depressive symptoms. Current evidence is inconclusive about whether there is increased prevalence of depression among young adults with Type 1 diabetes, as established among adults, but those who are more depressed have higher HbA(1c) level. This review is limited by methodological problems and no identified work in the UK met the inclusion criteria. Given the adverse clinical outcomes, we conclude there is a case for routine mental health screening for young adults with Type 1 diabetes.

Executive function deficits associated with past depressive symptoms

• Questionnaire designed to assess EF outside of the laboratory • Can be considered a “trait” measure of EF • Participants report on their general experiences, rather than a specific instance • Behavioral tasks administered during a single session do not permit this distinction • Has separate scales designed to tap different dimensions of EF • Primary DVs = scores from the inhibition and shifting scales

Differential Effects of L-Dopa and Subthalamic Stimulation on Depressive Symptoms and Hedonic Tone in Parkinson's Disease

Differential Effects of L-Dopa and Subthalamic Stimulation on Depressive Symptoms and Hedonic Tone in Parkinson's Disease

Predictors of Subjective Memory Complaint in Cognitively Normal Relatives of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

The authors utilized a family-based, case-control study to identify factors predicting subjective memory complaint in relatives of Alzheimer's disease patients. The authors ascertained 1,499 cognitively healthy relatives of Alzheimer's disease patients at 15 centers, who contributed demographic and medical information, including self-assessment of memory. First-degree relatives of Alzheimer's disease patients reported subjective memory complaint more than spouses of Alzheimer's disease patients. Relatives with past depression symptoms endorsed subjective memory complaint more than those without such history. Clinicians counseling family members of Alzheimer's disease patients who express subjective memory complaint should first evaluate cognition. If cognition is intact, depression should be considered.

Risperidone Treatment of Periodic Catatonia

Dear Editor: Periodic catatonia is an enigmatic and underrecognized clinical entity that has mostly been described in European literature (1). Benzodiazepines remain the first-line treatment for catatonia because of their favourable efficacy and side effect profile. Patients failing to respond to benzodiazepines have been shown to respond to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT, 2). The use of atypical antipsychotics to treat catatonia remains anecdotal, owing to concerns that they may worsen catatonic symptoms (3). We report the use of risperidone in a patient with periodic catatonia whose symptoms did not improve with a benzodiazepine trial; we also discuss the role of atypical antipsychotics in treating catatonia. Case Report The morning before he presented, Mr A, aged 28 years, was found by his mother to be acting strange. He was mute, did not respond to any commands, kept staring into empty space, and sat curled up on the floor for hours without changing his posture. He refused to eat or drink anything and was brought to the medical emergency department (ED). He had a normal head CT, EEG, and blood work-up (including electrolytes, liver and renal function tests, and blood counts). His urine drug screen was negative. He was subsequently transferred to the psychiatric ED with a diagnosis of conversion disorder. On examination, Mr A was alert, awake, and fully oriented. He exhibited psychomotor retardation and rigidity. In addition, he exhibited catatonic signs, including mutism, negativism, staring, posturing, waxy flexibility, gcgenhalten, automatic obedience, urinary incontinence, and ambitendecy. Interspersed with these symptoms were stereotypic movements and facial grimacing. He scored 38 (out of a maximum of 69) on the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS, 2). There were no focal neurological deficits, and vital signs revealed tachycardia and tachypnca. Interestingly, Mr A had experienced 4 prior episodes of catatonia over the past 5 years. These episodes lasted from a few hours to 1 week. His first catatonic episode was successfully treated with risperidone, but neither he nor his family remembered the dosage of the medication or the duration of treatment. During his last catatonic episode 1 month earlier, which lasted a few hours, Mr A had become extremely agitated while in the medical ED and was given 5 mg of parenteral haloperidol. This single dose resulted in a dramatic resolution of his symptoms. The patient was subsequently discharged without any psychiatric referral. There was no history of treatment with ECT, and he had a normal head CT and EEG during these episodes. The family history was unremarkable. During the index episode, MrA had received 2 mg of lorazepm in the medical ED, with minimal response. After admission to psychiatry, he was continued on lorazepam, up to 4 mg daily; however, he showed no change in his symptoms over the next 2 days, and lorazepam was then tapered in another couple of days. ECT was considered as an option, but given the past response of his catatonia to antipsychotics (specifically, risperidone and haloperidol), we decided to treat him again with risperidone. Mr A was started on risperidone at 1 mg daily 3 days after admission, and 3 days after commencing risperidone, the catatonia began to improve. The patient began to communicate more and reported feeling snapped from stress after a recent break-up with his girlfriend. He provided a history of past depressive symptoms but denied having depressive symptoms just preceding the catatonia. He endorsed auditory hallucinations of a male voice but was not sure about the content. There was no evidence of delusions and he denied any recent drug or alcohol use. Risperidone was increased to 3 mg on the sixth day of admission, with improvement in the remaining catatonic signs. Mr A was no longer incontinent and disorganized and was eating properly and maintaining his hygiene. Hc was discharged on risperidone (3 mg daily) on the 11th day. …

Gambling Among Older, Primary-Care Patients: An Important Public Health Concern

Authors assessed the prevalence rate of gambling in a sample of elderly patients (over age 65) and evaluated the sociodemographic characteristics, health, cognitive status, and psychiatric comorbidities of elderly gamblers. This study is a cross-sectional survey of gambling habits. A random sample of older adults with a scheduled primary-care clinic appointment was selected and screened with the General Health Questionnaire and questions about suicidality and alcohol use. Also, participants were asked about their gambling habits. Of 843 screened patients completing the gambling questionnaire, 69.6% reported that they had participated in at least one gambling activity in the last year. At-risk gamblers were defined as those who reported having bet more than $100 on a single bet and/or having bet more than they could afford to lose in the last year. Of those responding, 10.9% were identified as at-risk gamblers. The strongest predictors of at-risk gambling behavior were being a binge drinker, presence of current posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, minority race/ethnicity, and being a VA clinic patient. Subjects with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment were just as likely as those without impairment to gamble and to report at-risk gambling behavior. At-risk gambling behavior was not significantly associated with gender, current or past depressive symptoms, or cigarette smoking. These data raise a significant public health concern that gambling behaviors are prevalent in older adults. Additional research is needed to further define the determinants of gambling behavior in older adults and evaluate the social, health, and economic costs and benefits of gambling by older adults, especially among those groups determined to be at risk.

Gambling Among Older, Primary-Care Patients: An Important Public Health Concern

<h3>Objectives</h3> Authors assessed the prevalence rate of gambling in a sample of elderly patients (over age 65) and evaluated the sociodemographic characteristics, health, cognitive status, and psychiatric comorbidities of elderly gamblers. <h3>Methods</h3> This study is a cross-sectional survey of gambling habits. A random sample of older adults with a scheduled primary-care clinic appointment was selected and screened with the General Health Questionnaire and questions about suicidality and alcohol use. Also, participants were asked about their gambling habits. <h3>Results</h3> Of 843 screened patients completing the gambling questionnaire, 69.6% reported that they had participated in at least one gambling activity in the last year. At-risk gamblers were defined as those who reported having bet more than $100 on a single bet and/or having bet more than they could afford to lose in the last year. Of those responding, 10.9% were identified as at-risk gamblers. The strongest predictors of at-risk gambling behavior were being a binge drinker, presence of current posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, minority race/ethnicity, and being a VA clinic patient. Subjects with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment were just as likely as those without impairment to gamble and to report at-risk gambling behavior. At-risk gambling behavior was not significantly associated with gender, current or past depressive symptoms, or cigarette smoking. <h3>Conclusions</h3> These data raise a significant public health concern that gambling behaviors are prevalent in older adults. Additional research is needed to further define the determinants of gambling behavior in older adults and evaluate the social, health, and economic costs and benefits of gambling by older adults, especially among those groups determined to be at risk.

Depressive symptoms, health promotion, and health risk behaviors.

To assess the relationships between history of depressive symptoms and smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary changes, attempts to lose weight or increase exercise, use of health services, and the likelihood of receiving influenza and pneumonia vaccinations, mammograms, and Pap tests. A survey of randomly sampled members of a large health maintenance organization (n = 5841). Individuals with past depressive symptoms were more likely to smoke cigarettes (despite making more attempts to quit smoking); to drink more alcohol; to attempt to lose weight, increase exercise, reduce fat intake, increase fiber intake; and, for women, to have a mammogram. Individuals with histories of depressive symptoms engage in more positive and negative health behaviors. Additionally, their increased service use provides opportunities to achieve positive health changes and improve treatment outcomes.