Progression Of Depressive Symptoms Research Articles

Triple digital divide and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Chinese adults: a disparity analysis

BackgroundThe triple digital divide refers to the lack of internet access, use and knowledge among specific populations. In China, middle-aged and older adults and those living in rural areas or...

Trace Elements Levels in Major Depressive Disorder-Evaluation of Potential Threats and Possible Therapeutic Approaches.

The multifactorial etiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) includes biological, environmental, genetic, and psychological aspects. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in metallomic studies in psychiatry, aiming to evaluate the role of chosen trace elements in the MDD etiology as well as the progression of symptoms. This narrative review aims to summarize the available literature on the relationship between the concentration of chosen elements in the serum of patients with MDD and the onset and progression of this psychiatric condition. The authors reviewed PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases searching for elements that had been investigated so far and further evaluated them in this paper. Ultimately, 15 elements were evaluated, namely, zinc, magnesium, selenium, iron, copper, aluminium, cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic, calcium, manganese, chromium, nickel, and phosphorus. The association between metallomic studies and psychiatry has been developing dynamically recently. According to the results of current research, metallomics might act as a potential screening tool for patients with MDD while at the same time providing an assessment of the severity of symptoms. Either deficiencies or excessive amounts of chosen elements might be associated with the progression of depressive symptoms or even the onset of the disease among people predisposed to MDD.

#4637 IS THE NEUTROPHIL/LYMPHOCYTE RATIO USEFUL IN PREDICTING THE OCCURRENCE OF DEPRESSION IN CHRONIC HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS?

Abstract Background and Aims Depression is one of the most described psychiatric disorders in chronic hemodialysis patients. Previous studies have shown that the chronic inflammatory state is involved in the progression of depressive symptoms. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an inexpensive and easily measured inflammatory marker. To date, the association between NLR and depression in this population in Morocco has never been described. Method In this multicenter cross-sectional study, we included a population of chronic hemodialysis patients over a period of 3 months (September- December 2023). The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) translated into Arabic (validated version) was used to assess depressive symptoms. NLR was calculated as the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes. An N/L ratio greater than 2.5 was considered high. We also used the patients' medical records to collect data on their biological tests and medical history. Results A total of 69 patients with a M/F sex ratio 1.2. The mean duration of HD was 7 ± 3.5 years, with a mean age of 53 ± 13.2 years. 28% were diabetic and 32% hypertensive. Depressive symptoms were detected in 20% of the 69 patients, and 72% of our patients had an NLR >2.5. In univariate analysis, PHQ-9 scores were positively correlated with NLR and negatively correlated with albumin. There was no correlation between PHQ-9 score and sex, age, duration of dialysis, diabetes, hypertension, ferritin. NLR was a significant predictor of mild (p = 0.06) and moderate or moderately severe (p = 0.04) depressive symptoms, after adjusting for age, gender, Kt/V, duration of dialysis, history of hypertension, diabetes and Charlson Comorbidity Index score. Conclusion These results suggest that NLR can be used as a biomarker to predict depressive symptoms in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Progression of depressive symptoms after early exposure to famine: The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

BackgroundThe effect of early exposure to famine on progression of depressive symptoms has not been studied and the Chinese Famine offers a unique opportunity to explore this association with its long duration and widespread influence. ObjectiveTo investigate the longitudinal association of early famine exposure with subsequent depressive symptoms and whether there existed a critical exposure period. MethodsData from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were analysed. Famine exposure was evaluated retrospectively in 2014 and severe famine exposure was defined as starvation to death of family members. Depressive symptoms were assessed prospectively from wave 1 (2011−2012) to wave 4 (2018) using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Linear mixed model and Cox proportional hazards model were applied to evaluate associations of famine exposure with progression or occurrence of depressive symptoms. ResultsA total of 7053 participants were included. Compared with no famine exposure, severe famine exposure was associated with a faster growth in CES-D score (0.169 point/year, 95 % CI 0.035 to 0.304, P = 0.013) and an elevated risk of occurrence of depressive symptoms (HR 1.360, 95 % CI 1.069 to 1.729, P = 0.012). Further analysis revealed that famine exposure during middle childhood was associated with a faster growth in CES-D score (0.404 point/year, 95 % CI 0.164 to 0.644, P = 0.001). LimitationsThis is an observational study therefore causal relationship cannot be concluded. ConclusionsEarly exposure to severe famine was associated with aggravation of depressive symptoms. Middle childhood might be a critical time window for depression prevention.

High neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is a significant predictor of depressive symptoms in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDepression is one of the most important psychiatric disorders in chronic kidney disease patients who undergo maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Previous studies have shown that low-grade inflammation is involved in the progression of depressive symptoms. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an inflammatory marker that is inexpensive and easy to measure. However, the association between NLR and depression symptoms in MHD patients has not been examined.MethodsIn this single-center, cross-sectional study, we included 160 patients undergoing MHD. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess depressive symptoms. NLR was calculated as the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes. Multinomial logistic regression and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between NLR and depressive symptoms in MHD patients.ResultsDepressive symptoms were detected in 36.7% of the 160 MHD patients. Multinomial logistic regression showed that NLR was a significant predictor of mild (odds ratio [OR]: 1.383, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.015–1.884, p = 0.04) and moderate/moderately severe depressive symptoms (OR: 1.441, 95% CI: 1.017–2.042, p = 0.04) in MHD patients, adjusted for age, sex, Kt/V, dialysis duration, history of kidney transplantation, history of hypertension, and Charlson comorbidity index score. In addition, multivariate linear regression analysis showed that NLR was an independent influencing factor for PHQ-9 score in MHD patients, after adjusting for confounding factors.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that NLR can be used as a biomarker for predicting depressive symptoms in MHD patients.

A latent class analysis of resilience and its relationship with depressive symptoms in the parents of children with cancer.

Depressive symptoms are among the most common afflictions that plague the parents of children with cancer. Given that resilience is an important factor that inhibits the development and progression of depressive symptoms, it can be harnessed as a potential solution for this psychological issue. This study aimed to identify the latent classes of resilience in the parents of children with cancer and explore the relationships of these classes with depressive symptoms. The study was conducted in three tertiary hospitals in mainland China. The parents of children (0-19years old) with cancer were invited to participate in the study. We used standardised self-report questionnaires to collect data. A latent class analysis was performed to identify the classes of resilience in the parents of children with cancer. The study recruited 258 participants. Four classes of resilience were identified, namely, good adaptation and optimism (24.9%), high strength and low control (12.1%), moderate resilience (37.3%), and maladaptation and low tenacity (25.6%). The mothers (OR = 3.48, P = 0.003) and parents with more than one child (OR = 2.73, P = 0.023) were more likely to belong to the maladaptation and low tenacity class. The depressive symptoms experienced by the participants differed significantly between the four classes of resilience (F = 30.80, P < 0.001). Targeted interventions should be developed and implemented based on the characteristics of each class of resilience to maximise the effectiveness of interventions and thereby promote parental well-being.

Risk and protective factors for depressive symptoms and suicidality among children and adolescents in Lebanon: Results from a national survey

· 6·2% of children and adolescents in Lebanon experience clinically significant depressive symptoms and 11·5% experience suicidal ideations. · Parent child conflict, parental psychopathology and bullying emerge as strong correlates of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideations among children and adolescents. · Incorporating parental psychopathology and parent-child relationship during assessments of children and adolescents is important, as are interventions that target bullying. This may help decrease the risk of depressive symptoms and suicidality in this age group. Depressive disorders and suicidal ideations among children and adolescents present a global public health concern. Our aim is to investigate the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms and suicidality in a nationally representative sample of Lebanese children and adolescents. 1287 participants aged 8–17 years 11 months and their parents were recruited and completed the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire, Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders, Conflict Behavior Questionnaire(CBQ), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Peer Relations Questionnaire. Parents completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). 79 participants (6·2%) screened positive for depressive symptoms and 147 (11·5%) had suicidal ideations. Among children, depressive symptoms were associated with suboptimal school performance (OR=11·543;95%CI=3·341–39·887), higher GHQ scores (OR=1·076;95% CI=1·045–1·108), higher odds of being victims of bullying (OR=3·545,95% CI=1·313–9·088) and of being both a victim and a bully (OR=8·700;95%CI=3·202–23·638). Suicidal ideations were associated with lower odds of having a monthly income greater than 2000$(OR=0·095;95%CI=0·012–0·760), higher odds of being victims of bullying (OR=3·392;95%CI=1·435–8·017), and of being both a victim and a bully (OR=3·347;95%CI=1·605–6·980). Among adolescents, depressive symptoms were associated with older age (OR=1·429;95%CI=1·149–1·778), school performance with some difficulties (OR=2·950;95%CI=1·408–6·181), being both a victim and a bully (OR=7·114;95%CI=2·588–19·556), higher parent reported CBQ score (OR=1·199;95%CI=1·124–1·279);. Suicidal ideations were associated with lower odds of having a monthly income between 1000 and 2000$ (OR=0·435; 95%CI=2·223–0·847), higher odds of being both a bully and a victim (OR=5·851;95%CI=2·287–14·973), higher parent reported CBQ scores (OR=1·123;95%CI=1·061–1·188). Among participants who showed depressive symptoms or suicidality, only 3.2%-14.9% had ever sought mental health care . We couldn't comment on the progression of depressive symptoms over time or establish causality. We used a screening depression tool, not a diagnostic instrument or a suicide-specific diagnostic interview. Parent-child conflict, parental psychopathology and bullying emerge as correlates of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideations in children and adolescents in Lebanon and treatment gap in this population is alarming.

Person-Work Mismatch, Retirement Context, and the Progression of Depressive Symptoms Over Mid-Later Years: A Dyadic Analysis of Couples in Enduring Marriages.

Objectives: This study investigates how person-work mismatch (PWM) and subsequent pre-retirement work circumstances lead to poor mental health in later years for husbands and wives in enduring marriages. Methods: Data from 224 dual-earner couples in enduring marriages who participated over 27 years (1991-2015) in their middle to their later years were used to test the conceptual model. Results: PWM was related to depressive symptoms in middle years, which continued into later years (a cumulative pathway). In addition, PWM contributed to a stressful pre-retirement work context, which, in turn, influenced depressive symptoms in later years (a stress proliferation pathway). Partner effects were also noted between husbands and wives. Discussion: The present study enhances knowledge about how middle-aged couples' PWM is related to their mental health in later years through their stressful pre-retirement work context with implications for national- and state-level policies.

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms as Predictors of Clinical Course in Neurodegeneration. A Longitudinal Study.

Background: To study the extent to which neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) influence the cognitive and functional decline in frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Methods: We assessed the progression of NPS and their influence on cognitive and functional progression in a group of FTD (n = 36) and AD patients (n = 47) at two different stages of the disease (2.5 years). A standardized scale was used to assess NPS—the Columbia University Scale for Psychopathology in Alzheimer’s Disease (CUSPAD)—which tracks different symptoms including depression, psychotic symptoms, as well as sleep and conduct problems. In addition, in a subsample of patients (AD n = 14 and FTD n = 14), we analyzed another group of NPS by using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Cognitive declines were tracked by using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), while functionality was tracked by using the Lawton scale and the Barthel Index.Results: The presence of NPS impacts cognitive and functional decline in both groups of patients 2.5 years after disease onset. However, we observed a dissociable profile of the affectation of NPS in each group. In the AD group, results indicate that the progression of depressive symptoms and sleep problems predict cognitive and functional decline. In contrast, the progression of a mixed group of NPS, including conduct problems and delusions, predicts cognitive and functional decline in FTD.Conclusion: The presence of NPS has a critical impact on the prediction of cognitive decline in FTD and AD patients after 2.5 years of disease progression. Our results demonstrate the importance of assessing different types of NPS in neurodegenerative disorders which, in turn, predict disease progression. Future studies should assess the role of NPS in predicting different neurocognitive pathways and in neurodegeneration.

Sleep quality and depressive symptoms after prostate cancer: The mechanistic role of cortisol.

A substantial portion of men treated for prostate cancer report clinically significant sleep problems and disturbance in sleep quality constitutes significant risk for the development of depressive symptoms in survivors. Dysregulation in biological stress processes underlies the impact of poor sleep on the onset and/or progression of depressive symptoms, yet few studies have sought to identify potential neurobiological mechanisms (e.g., HPA axis activation) underlying this association in PC survivors. The present study examines the relationships between sleep disturbance, depressive symptoms, and indices of diurnal cortisol patterns among men treated for prostate cancer. In total, 66 men (84.8% White; mean age = 65.8 years, SD = 9.04) treated in the prior 2 years for localized prostate cancer were recruited. They completed questionnaires to measure sleep quality and depressive symptoms at study entry (T1) and 4 months later (T2). They also provided 4 saliva samples per day, over 3 days, at T1. Three cortisol indices were computed: diurnal slope, area under the curve (AUCg), and cortisol awakening response (CAR). Analyses indicate that, controlling for body mass index and age, worse sleep quality at T1 was significantly associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms at T2. Significant indirect effects were observed for cortisol slope (indirect effect = -.17, 95% CI [-.61, -.01]) and AUCg (indirect effect = -.14, 95% CI [-.43, -.01]), but not CAR. Results suggest that dysregulation in HPA activity acts as a neurobiological mechanism of the impact of sleep disruption on depressive symptoms in men with prostate cancer. (PsycINFO Database Record

Impact and importance of anhedonia as a mediating variable in amelioration of social functioning in depressed patients

BackgroundAnhedonia is a core dimension of major depressive disorder (MDD). Paradoxically, the association between anhedonia and social impairment is poorly known.ObjectiveTo determine the longitudinal relationships between depressive symptoms, anhedonia, and social functioning in depressed patients treated with agomelatine.Material and methodOne thousand five hundred and seventy patients with MDD starting treatment with agomelatine prescribed by their GPs were included in a prospective study (follow-up: 10 to 14 weeks). Patients were assessed at baseline and at the end point of the study, using the MADRS to assess antidepressant efficacy, the SHAPS scale and an original visual analog scale exploring the subjective pleasure felt by patients in their main leisure activity to measure anhedonia, and the QFS to measure social functioning in its qualitative and quantitative dimensions. In addition to the univariate analyses, a mediation path analysis was performed using the Sobel test.ResultsThe results showed a robust and significant improvement in symptoms of depression, anhedonia, and social functioning. The correlations between the SHAPS and QFS scores were high and significant. Subsequent analyses showed that amelioration of anhedonia is a significant mediating variable between the progression of depressive symptoms and social functioning (Δ QFS G = –14.3, P &lt; 0.0001) and explains around one third of the variance of the model (35.37%).ConclusionAnhedonia, a major dimension of depression, provides specific insights into the understanding of the complex links between residual symptoms of MDD and social functioning. In conclusion, improving the evaluation of anhedonia is a fundamental issue in primary care.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Differential effects of white matter hyperintensity on geriatric depressive symptoms according to APOE-ε4 status

BackgroundWe aimed to examine differential effects of WMH on progression of depressive symptoms according to APOE ε4 status in the elderly. MethodsWe obtained data from elderly Korean subjects (n=707) aged 60 years or older at baseline from the CREDOS study from November 2005 to July 2014. A linear mixed model stratified according to APOE genotype (APOE ε4 carrier vs. non-carrier) was constructed using GDS score as a primary outcome and degree of overall, deep, periventricular WMH evaluated by a visual rating scale as a risk factor of interest. We also tested interaction between APOE ε4, WMH and time as predictors of clinical progression on GDS scores to examine the moderating effect of APOE ε4 allele on the relationship between degree of WMH and progression of geriatric depressive symptoms. ResultsThe mean (SD) follow-up duration of the participants was 2.0 (0.8) years. Among APOE ε4 carriers, a severe degree of overall and deep WMH, but not periventricular WMH, predicted progression of geriatric depressive symptoms (overall WMH: coefficient=0.96, p=0.010; deep WMH: 0.87, p=0.016). There were significant interaction between APOE ε4, degree of WMH and time in predicting GDS increase (5df, F=2.28, p=0.046). LimitationsOnly subjects seeking medical attention and with follow-up measurements were enrolled in this study. Specific location of WMH and use of antidepressant were uncontrolled. ConclusionsConsidering biological markers such as degree of WMH and APOE ε4 status may be clinically relevant to predicting progression of geriatric depressive symptoms.

Longitudinal association of carotid plaque presence and intima-media thickness with depressive symptoms in the elderly: the three-city study.

To investigate prospectively whether subclinical vascular disease is associated with future depressive symptoms in the elderly. A multicenter cohort of community-dwelling individuals aged 65 to 85 years was examined for carotid plaque presence and common carotid artery intima-media thickness at baseline and followed up after 2, 4, 7, and 10 years. At baseline and follow-up examinations, depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). High level of depressive symptoms was defined as a CES-D score >16 in men and >22 in women. Among 4125 participants (58% women) at baseline, men more frequently showed carotid plaque presence and had higher mean common carotid artery intima-media thickness than women. After adjustment for major cardiovascular risk factors, carotid plaque presence was associated with a higher CES-D score at the 10-year follow-up in men (+1.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-2.20; P<0.001), but not in women. When restricting analyses to individuals without cardiovascular disease at baseline, carotid plaque presence increased the likelihood of high level of depressive symptoms at follow-up examinations in men (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-2.05; P=0.022), but not in women. One SD increase in log-transformed common carotid artery intima-media thickness was associated with a higher CES-D score at the 10-year follow-up in women (+0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.95; P=0.006) and men (+0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.78; P=0.037). Common carotid artery intima-media thickness did not increase the likelihood of high level of depressive symptoms at follow-up in both sexes. Subclinical vascular disease is associated with the progression of depressive symptoms in elderly men and women and the occurrence of high level of depressive symptoms in elderly men.

Sex Differences in the Development of Perceived Family Cohesion and Depressive Symptoms in Taiwanese Adolescents

This study investigates the progression of family cohesion perceptions and depressive symptoms during the character development stage in adolescents. Data were used from the Taiwan Youth Project. The final sample comprised 2,690 adolescents with 1,312 girls (48.8%; M age = 13.0 yr., SD = 0.5). Latent curve growth analysis was employed to explore these developments. Seventh-grade girls reported greater family cohesion and more depressive symptoms than boys, and boys reported greater growth in family cohesion than girls. However, progression of depressive symptoms was not associated with the child's sex. Higher perceived family cohesion in Grade 7 correlated with less increase of depressive symptoms from Grades 9 to 11. The long-term positive influence of family cohesion on depressive symptoms is discussed.

Green tea consumption is associated with depressive symptoms in the elderly

BackgroundGreen tea is reported to have various beneficial effects (eg, anti–stress response and antiinflammatory effects) on human health. Although these functions might be associated with the development and progression of depressive symptoms, no studies have investigated the relation between green tea consumption and depressive symptoms in a community-dwelling population. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the relations between green tea consumption and depressive symptoms in elderly Japanese subjects who widely consumed green tea. DesignWe conducted a cross-sectional study in 1058 community-dwelling elderly Japanese individuals aged ≥70 y. Green tea consumption was assessed by using a self-administered questionnaire, and depressive symptoms were evaluated by using the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale with 2 cutoffs: 11 (mild and severe depressive symptoms) and 14 (severe depressive symptoms). If a participant was consuming antidepressants, he or she was considered to have depressive symptoms. ResultsThe prevalence of mild and severe and severe depressive symptoms was 34.1% and 20.2%, respectively. After adjustment for confounding factors, the odds ratios (95% CI) for mild and severe depressive symptoms when higher green tea consumption was compared with green tea consumption of ≤1 cup/d were as follows: 2–3 cups green tea/d (0.96; 95% CI: 0.66, 1.42) and ≥4 cups green tea/d (0.56; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.81) (P for trend: 0.001). Similar relations were also observed in the case of severe depressive symptoms. ConclusionA more frequent consumption of green tea was associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms in the community-dwelling older population.

Progression of cerebral white matter lesions is not associated with development of depressive symptoms in elderly subjects at risk of cardiovascular disease. The PROSPER Study

Cerebral white matter hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans have been associated with vascular disease and late-life depression, both in the general population and in psychiatric patients. Therefore, a cerebrovascular etiology for late-onset depression has been hypothesized. However, longitudinal studies on the causal role of white matter hyperintensities in the development of depressive symptoms in elderly adults are lacking. To investigate the relation between white matter hyperintensities and depressive symptoms in elderly subjects at risk of cardiovascular disease. In the Dutch sample of the PROSPER (PROspective Study of Pravastatine in the Elderly at Risk of cardiovascular disease) cohort, 527 non-demented elderly, all aged 70 years or older, received a cranial MRI scan and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, at baseline and 33 months (SD 1.6) later. Presence of white matter hyperintensities at baseline was not related to baseline depressive symptoms nor to the development of depressive symptoms during follow-up. Moreover, no association was found between progression of white matter lesion volume and progression of depressive symptoms. This longitudinal study does not confirm the involvement of cerebrovascular disease expressed as MRI white matter hyperintensities in the development of depressive symptoms in elderly subjects.