Self-report Measures Of Depression Research Articles

A blinded validation of the Swedish version of the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS)

Purpose The Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS) was developed in order to advance the assessment of negative symptoms. The aim of this study was to validate the Swedish version of the CAINS. Materials and methods Thirty-four out-patients with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder were recruited. All patients were videotaped while interviewed with the CAINS and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Another rater watched the video recordings in the reverse order, enabling a blinded design. The patients also filled in self-reported measures of depression, quality of life, and social and vocational functioning. We calculated inter-rater agreement and internal consistency for the CAINS. We also calculated validity measures by correlating the subscales Motivation and Pleasure (CAINS-MAP) and Expression (CAINS-EXP) to subscales of the BPRS. Results The blinded inter-rater agreement for the CAINS total score was high (ICC = 0.92) but slightly lower for the expression subscale (ICC = 0.76). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.84 for the total score. Convergent validity with the negative symptoms subscale of BPRS was different for the blinded and the unblinded data, with a CAINS-MAP correlation of 0.10 (p = 0.580) and a CAINS-EXP correlation of 0.48 (p = 0.004) in the blinded data. The unblinded data had a CAINS-MAP correlation of 0.38 (p = 0.026) and a CAINS-EXP correlation of 0.87 (p < 0.001). Self-rated measures of anhedonia correlated to CAINS-MAP with a coefficient of 0.68 (p < 0.001), while the CAINS-EXP only had a correlation of 0.16 (p = 0.366) to these measures. Conclusion The Swedish version of the CAINS displays adequate psychometric properties in line with earlier validation studies.

An Evaluation of an ACT-Based “Aging Resiliently” Group

ABSTRACT Objectives There were two quality improvement aims in this project: (1) to evaluate the outcomes of a six-week closed geriatric focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based group called “Aging Resiliently” offered in a primary care setting, and (2) to obtain feedback from group members in order to make relevant modifications to future groups. Methods Four cohorts of veterans ages 58 and older participated in the group (N = 17). Paired samples t-tests were computed to determine the significance of changes on pre- and post- self-report measures of depression, experiential avoidance, and life satisfaction. Veterans also provided feedback in the form of an open-ended feedback questionnaire. Results There were statistically significant improvements in depressive symptoms and satisfaction with life, but not in experiential avoidance. Two major themes emerged from the feedback questionnaire about what group members found to be the most helpful: (1) self-reflection/values, and (2) the social process of the group. Conclusions At our institution, the Aging Resiliently group yielded meaningful outcomes for older veterans presenting with different problems related to aging. Clinical Implications This Aging Resiliently group proved to be a potential effective, feasible, and acceptable psychotherapy for older veterans in our established local primary care setting.

Response inhibition deficits are positively associated with trait rumination, but attentional inhibition deficits are not: aggressive behaviors and interpersonal stressors as mediators

Previous findings on relationships between inhibition that is a core executive function, and trait rumination have been inconsistent. This inconsistency could be overcome by investigating the association between rumination and the two subcomponents of inhibition: response inhibition and attentional inhibition. This study examined whether and how response inhibition and attentional inhibition were related to rumination as well as worry. University students in Japan (N = 213) conducted the Go/No-Go Task and the Modified Stroop Task. They also completed self-report measures of depression, trait rumination, trait worry, stressors, and aggressive behaviors. Results indicated that response inhibition deficits were positively associated with trait rumination, and this association was mediated by increases in aggressive behaviors and interpersonal stressors. The associations between these variables remained significant even after controlling for depression level. There were no significant direct or indirect associations between attentional inhibition deficits and rumination. These results suggest that response inhibition deficits, among the subcomponents of inhibition, have an indirect positive association with rumination through interpersonal processes. Results also showed nonsignificant differences between rumination and worry in the magnitude of correlation coefficients with the two subcomponents of inhibition. Therefore, it remains unclear whether the positive association with response inhibition is unique to rumination.

The association between diet and mental health and wellbeing in young adults within a biopsychosocial framework.

Predominantly plant-based diets can co-benefit human physical health and the planet. Young adults appear to be on the forefront of the shift to plant-based diets. However, little is known about the relationship between plant-based diets and mental health in this population even though mental health disorders contribute substantially to the global burden of disease, particularly among this age group. In this cross-sectional study we utilize a biopsychosocial framework to assess the association between dietary intake and mental health and wellbeing. Mental health was assessed using self-reported measures of anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9) and quality of life (single-item). Dietary intake in the prior month was assessed using a dietary screener (DSQ) and participants were asked to self-identify a diet preference (e.g., vegan). 339 university undergraduate students. A principal component analysis of dietary intake found three dominant dietary patterns (plant-based, animal-based, and 'junk foods'); 28.1% (n = 95) of participants self-identified as pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, other. The association between dietary patterns, diet preference and mental health was assessed through regression analysis. After controlling for covariables, we found a significant positive association between the junk food component and depression (z-score β = .21, p≤.001; adj. R2 = .39) and anxiety (z-score β = .14; p≤.001; adj. R2 = .32) while no association was found between plant-based, animal-based or self-identified diet preference and the mental health measures. We did not find a negative association between predominantly plant-based diet patterns and mental health and wellbeing. It is important to consider dietary composition and to conceptualize diet as a health behaviour that is embedded in a biopsychosocial framework.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder in Parkinson's Disease: Change in Cognitive, Psychiatric, and Functional Outcomes from Baseline to 16-47-Month Follow-Up.

Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is common in Parkinson's Disease (PD) and is associated with cognitive impairment; however, the majority of the evidence on the impact of RBD on multidomain cognitive batteries in PD is cross-sectional. This study evaluated the longitudinal impact of probable RBD (pRBD) on cognitive, psychiatric, and functional outcomes in people with PD. Case-control study. A total of 65 people with PD completed the study protocol at baseline and 16-to-47-month follow-up. Participants were classified as pRBD+ (n = 25) or pRBD- (n = 40) based on an established cutoff of 6 on the RBD Sleep Questionnaire (RBDSQ). Participants also completed a) comprehensive cognitive testing, b) self-report measures of depression, anxiety, and apathy, and c) performance-based and other-report forms of instrumental activities of daily living. Baseline mean age was 67.8 (SD = 8.1; range = 45-86) and baseline mean years of education was 16.4 (SD = 2.1; range = 12-20). The two groups did not differ on measured demographic characteristics. Baseline mean T-scores for cognitive tests were in the average range (46-55). Hierarchical linear models tested group differences in cognitive and functional decline from baseline to follow-up, controlling for appropriate demographic and psychiatric variables. Compared to the pRBD- group, pRBD+ participants showed greater decline in attention/working memory (r = -0.31; p = 0.01) and UPSA financial skills (r = -0.31; p = 0.01). No other group differences approached significance. RBD may differentially affect attention/working memory and financial abilities in PD. Results underscore the importance of regular RBD screening in older adults with PD in order to triage symptomatic patients to appropriate cognitive and medical interventions.

Comorbid Affective Symptomatology and Neurocognitive Performance in College Athletes.

The current study aims to examine the prevalence rates and the relationship of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and comorbid depression/anxiety with neurocognitive performance in college athletes at baseline. We hypothesized a priori that the mood disturbance groups would perform worse than healthy controls, with the comorbid group performing worst overall. Eight hundred and thirty-one (M = 620, F = 211) collegiate athletes completed a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery at baseline which included self-report measures of anxiety and depression. Athletes were separated into four groups [Healthy Control (HC) (n = 578), Depressive Symptoms Only (n = 137), Anxiety Symptoms Only (n = 54), and Comorbid Depressive/Anxiety Symptoms (n = 62)] based on their anxiety and depression scores. Athletes' neurocognitive functioning was analyzed via Z score composites of Attention/Processing Speed and Memory. One-way analysis of variance revealed that, compared to HC athletes, the comorbid group performed significantly worse on measures of Attention/Processing Speed but not Memory. However, those in the depressive symptoms only and anxiety symptoms only groups were not significantly different from one another or the HC group on neurocognitive outcomes. Chi-square analyses revealed that a significantly greater proportion of athletes in all three affective groups were neurocognitively impaired compared to the HC group. These results demonstrate that collegiate athletes with comorbid depressive/anxiety symptoms should be identified, as their poorer cognitive performance at baseline could complicate post-concussion interpretation. Thus, assessing for mood disturbance at baseline is essential to obtain an accurate measurement of baseline functioning. Further, given the negative health outcomes associated with affective symptomatology, especially comorbidities, it is important to provide care as appropriate.

The Neuropsychological Symptoms Self-Report: psychometric properties in an adolescent and young adult mental health cohort.

Subjective cognitive symptoms are common in young people receiving mental health treatment and are associated with poorer outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Neuropsychological Symptoms Self-Report (NSSR), an eight-item measure recently developed to provide a snapshot of young people's perceived change in cognitive functioning in relation to mental health treatment. The sample included 633 youth aged 12-25 years (Mage = 18.2, 66.5% female, 88.6% Australian-born) who had sought mental health treatment in primary headspace services. At three-month follow-up, participants completed the NSSR and self-report measures of depression and anxiety. Excellent internal consistency was found: Cronbach's alpha = 0.93. The NSSR had negative correlations with self-reported anxiety (r = -.33, p < .001) and depression (r = -.48, p < .001) symptoms, suggesting a link with affective symptoms, but still independence of constructs. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a single-factor model. Item response theory (IRT) analysis suggested good model fit (homogeneity, data integrity, scalability, local independence and monotonicity) for all items. There was some evidence of measurement noninvariance (for item thresholds) by sex and age, but not diagnosis. IRT models also supported briefer six- and three-item versions of the NSSR. In busy clinical practice, clinicians need a rapid and reliable method for determining whether cognitive symptoms are of concern and in need of further assessment and treatment. Study findings support the NSSR as a brief, psychometrically sound measure for assessing subjective cognitive functioning in adolescents and young adults receiving mental health treatment.

The Utility of the Pandemic Grief Scale in Identifying Functional Impairment from COVID-19 Bereavement.

Background: Meeting the needs of people bereaved by COVID-19 poses a substantial challenge to palliative care. The Pandemic Grief Scale (PGS) is a 5-item mental health screener to identify probable cases of dysfunctional grief during the pandemic. Objective: The PGS has strong psychometric and diagnostic features. The objective was to examine the incremental validity of the PGS in identifying mourners at risk of harmful outcomes. Design: A cross-sectional survey design involving sociodemographic questions and self-report measures of pandemic grief, generalized anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, separation distress, functional impairment, meaning-making difficulties, and substance use coping. Setting/Subjects: A sample of people bereaved through COVID-19 (N = 1065) in the United States. Results: Fully 56.6% of participants scored above the cut score of ≥7 on the PGS for clinically dysfunctional pandemic grief and 69.7% coped with their loss using drugs or alcohol for at least several days in past two weeks. PGS scores were not associated with time since loss. Hierarchical multiple regression models demonstrated that the PGS uniquely explained variance in functional impairment, meaning-making difficulties, and substance use coping, over relevant background factors, bereavement-related psychopathology, and separation distress. In the final model, the standardized regression coefficients for the PGS were 2-15 times larger than for the other competing measures in explaining each of the three outcomes. Conclusions: The findings underscore the clinical utility of this short and easy-to-use measure in identifying risk of deleterious outcomes across a range of functional and behavioral domains.

The functional and structural connectomes associated with geriatric depression and anxiety symptoms in mild cognitive impairment: Cross-syndrome overlap and generalization

Geriatric depression and anxiety disorders often manifest as neuropsychiatric symptoms among those with mild cognitive impairment. Both tend to co-occur, and overlap in symptomology and etiology. Such commonalities are likely to be reflected in the brain as common neural correlates. Using connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM), we examined the functional and structural connectomes predicting depression and anxiety symptoms, and subsequently the overlap and cross-syndrome generalization of the connectomes associated with either disorder. Ninety-one older adults completed self-reported measures of depression and anxiety, and underwent diffusion tensor imaging and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Functional connectivity (FC) and structural connectivity (SC) matrices were derived from these scans and, in various combinations, entered into CPM models to predict either type of symptoms. Leave-one-out cross-validation was performed. Predictive accuracy was assessed via the correlation between predicted and observed scores (ρpredicted-observed). While FC or SC features alone significantly predicted either type of symptoms, these symptoms were best predicted by models that consisted of both FC and SC features (depression: ρpredicted-observed = 0.497; anxiety: ρpredicted-observed = 0.455). The features common to depression and anxiety were identified and entered into another model which was similarly accurate in predicting either type of symptoms. Moreover, cross-syndrome generalization was observed— the depression-associated features significantly predicted anxiety symptoms (ρpredicted-observed = 0.403) and vice-versa (ρpredicted-observed = 0.378). These FC and SC features are complementary biomarkers of geriatric depression and anxiety symptoms. Both types of symptoms are largely underpinned by common patterns of altered FC and SC, alluding to the transdiagnostic neurobiological susceptibility in both disorders.

“Empathy without sympathy”: An analysis of support-related preferences among young adult cancer survivors

Objectives Young adult cancer survivors often experience altered social relationships which may be a result of social support networks not knowing how to effectively provide the support young adults need. This study aimed to identify and describe themes of young adults’ support preferences when engaging in cancer-related conversations and examine whether psychological distress is associated with support-related preferences. Methods Young adult survivors (M age=35.12, N = 59) completed validated self-report measures of depression, cancer-related stress, social isolation, and two open-ended questions on types of preferred support. Results Listening (81.4%) was most commonly preferred; showing pity/worry (33.9%) was most undesired. Other types of preferred support included empathy, validation, encouragement (42.4%), and honest conversation (23.7%); common types of undesirable support included being uninterested and changing the subject (32.3%), insensitive comments and questions (25.4%), and negative stories/personal comparisons (23.7%). Greater depressive symptoms (OR = 1.21, p = .05) were associated with a preference for honest conversations whereas lower depressive symptoms (OR = 0.83, p = 0.05) and greater cancer-related stress (OR = 1.07, p = .02) were associated with a preference for conversations that did not contain advice. Lastly, lower perceived social isolation (OR = 0.88, p = .05) was associated with a preference for conversations that were not minimizing and that did not contain expressions of pity/worry. Conclusions Study findings can inform communication interventions and educate support networks about types of support young adults prefer when discussing cancer-related concerns.

Depressed mood, brooding rumination and affective interference: The moderating role of heart rate variability

Facilitated processing of negative information might contribute to the etiopathogenesis and maintenance of depressive symptoms. Cardiac vagal tone, indexed by heart rate variability (HRV), is believed to represent a proxy of the functional integrity of the neural networks implicated in brooding rumination, affective interference and depression. The present study examined whether HRV may moderate the relation between brooding rumination, affective interference and depressive symptoms in a sample of healthy individuals (n = 68) with different degrees of depressed mood. Self-report measures of depression and brooding were collected, whereas the emotional Stroop task was employed to measure affective interference. Three-minute resting-state electrocardiogram was recorded to obtain time- and frequency-domain vagally mediated HRV parameters. Stepwise linear regression analyses revealed that HRV was a significant moderator of the positive association between depression and brooding rumination, but not of the association between depression and affective interference. An integrated model is supported, in which vagally mediated HRV appeared to potentiate the positive link between depressive symptoms and brooding rumination. Considering that HRV and brooding rumination were found to have an interacting role in determining the severity of depressive symptoms, they may represent potential clinical targets in the prevention and treatment of depressive symptoms.

Managing Anxiety from Cancer (MAC): A pilot randomized controlled trial of an anxiety intervention for older adults with cancer and their caregivers.

Anxiety is common in older adults with cancer (OACs) and their caregivers and is associated with poor outcomes including worse physical symptoms, poor treatment adherence and response, and longer hospitalizations. This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, adherence, and preliminary efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention for OACs and their caregivers. Patients with active cancer age 65 years and older and their caregivers were randomized to Managing Anxiety from Cancer (MAC), a seven-session CBT-based psychotherapy intervention delivered over the telephone or usual care. Patients and caregivers completed the intervention separately with licensed social workers. Self-report measures of anxiety, depression, and quality of life were administered after randomization and following intervention completion. Analyses were conducted separately for patients and caregivers and at the dyad level. Hierarchical Linear Modeling accounted for the within-dyad intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) by random intercepts associated with the dyads. Twenty-nine dyads were randomized; 28 (96.6%) patients and 26 (89.7%) caregivers completed all study procedures. Of dyads randomized to MAC, 85.7% (n = 12) of patients and caregivers completed all seven sessions. Most patients (≥50%) and over 80% of caregivers rated the overall intervention and intervention components as "moderately" to "very" helpful. MAC was associated with a greater reduction in anxiety among dyads than usual care, the effect of MAC was greater in caregivers than in patients, and improvement in patient anxiety was associated with the reduction in caregiver anxiety. However, these results did not reach statistical significance. This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of MAC and suggests strategies for improving acceptability, with a focus on adherence. Furthermore, these results indicate that MAC is promising for the reduction of anxiety in OAC-caregiver dyads and may be particularly beneficial for OAC caregivers. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of MAC.

Zoom or In-Person: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study of Time with Friends and Depressive Symptoms on Affect in Emerging Adults.

Depression is associated with increased negative affect (NA) and low positive affect (PA), as well as interpersonal difficulties. Although most studies examine symptoms and affect at only one time point, ecological momentary assessment (EMA) captures data on affect and activity in real time and across contexts. The present study used EMA to explore the links between in-person and virtual social interactions, depressive symptoms, and momentary affect. Emerging adults (N=86) completed a self-report measure of both general depression and dysphoria symptoms, followed by EMA surveys 8 times daily for one week, reporting momentary affect (PA and NA) and social context (in-person and virtual interactions with friends). In-person, but not virtual, presence of friends was associated with increased PA overall. Depressive symptoms were linked to less time with in-person friends and elevated NA. There was also a significant interaction between in-person presence of friends and dysphoria in predicting NA, such that presence of in-person friends was associated with lower NA only for those low in dysphoria. Findings suggest that time with in-person friends is associated with increased PA overall and decreased NA only for those lower in depressive symptoms, but these effects do not generalize to virtual interactions. Those with greater depressive symptoms may be less responsive to positive stimuli and experience less of an effect of friends' presence on affect. Alternatively, maladaptive social behaviors characteristic of depression may influence the effect of social interactions on affect.

Substance Use, Gambling, Binge-Eating, and Hypersexuality Symptoms Among Patients Receiving Opioid Agonist Therapies.

Patients receiving opioid agonist therapies have high rates of psychiatric comorbidity. Some data suggest that comorbidity is associated with poorer treatment outcomes. The current study assessed predictors of multiple putative addictive behaviors among patients receiving opioid agonist therapies. Adults (N = 176) recruited from an outpatient clinic providing opioid agonist therapy completed self-report measures of depression, anxiety, impulsivity, adverse childhood events, and the Recognizing Addictive Disorders (RAD) scale, which includes seven subscales assessing symptoms related to alcohol use, drug use, tobacco use, gambling, binge-eating, hypersexual behavior, and excessive video-gaming. Linear regression and hurdle models identified significant predictors of RAD subscales. Hurdle models included logistic regression estimation for the presence/absence of symptoms and negative binomial regression for estimation of the severity of symptoms. Most patients did not report significant symptoms beyond drug or tobacco use. However, 7% to 47% of participants reported some symptoms of other addictive behaviors (subscale score > 0). Higher impulsivity predicted the presence and/or increased severity of symptoms of drug use, gambling, binge-eating, and hypersexuality. Higher depression significantly predicted increased severity of drug use and binge-eating symptoms. Increased anxiety predicted lower severity of alcohol use and binge-eating and higher severity of smoking symptoms. A broader range of potentially addictive symptoms may be present among patients engaged in treatment for opioid use disorder. Few studies have assessed symptoms of binge-eating, hypersexuality, and excessive video-gaming among patients receiving opioid agonist therapy. This study contributes to preliminary findings and highlights important future directions. (Am J Addict 2021;00:00-00).

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Transcendental Meditation as Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans.

Preliminary studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Transcendental Meditation (TM) for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study extended previous research with a pilot trial of TM as a treatment for PTSD via a single-blinded, randomized controlled design. veterans with PTSD (N = 40) were assigned to a TM intervention or treatment-as-usual (TAU) control group. Participants in the TM group engaged in 16 sessions over 12 weeks, primarily in a 60-min group format. Change in PTSD symptoms, measured via the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included self-reported PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, anger, and quality of life (QoL). Assessments were conducted at baseline and 3-month follow-up. Mean CAPS-5 score decreases were significantly larger for participants in the TM group (M = -11.28, 95% CI [-17.35, -5.20]), compared to the TAU group (M = -1.62, 95% CI [-6.77, 3.52]), p = .012, d = -0.84. At posttest, 50.0% of veterans in the TM group no longer met PTSD diagnostic criteria as compared to 10.0% in the TAU group, p = .007. Adjusted mean changes on self-report measures of PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties indicated significant reductions in the TM group compared to TAU, ds = .80-1.16. There were no significant group differences regarding anger or QoL. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of TM as a treatment for veterans with PTSD and for comorbid symptoms. Combined with other research, they suggest that TM may be a tolerable, non-trauma-focused PTSD treatment.

An evaluation of a group-based cognitive behavioural therapy intervention for low self-esteem.

Self-esteem is a common factor in many mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. A cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based protocol called 'Overcoming Low Self-Esteem' is available; the use of this protocol in a group format has been associated with improvements in self-esteem. However, it is unclear whether improvements persist after the end of a group-based version of this programme. We aimed to assess whether changes in self-esteem, anxiety and depression persist 3 months after the end of a group version of the Overcoming Low Self-Esteem programme. Using data from the National Health Service in Fife, Scotland, we analysed whether there were improvements on self-report measures of self-esteem, anxiety and depression from the beginning of the group to the end of the group and at a follow-up session 3 months later. Significant improvements in self-esteem, anxiety and depression are maintained at 3 months follow-up. The Overcoming Low Self-Esteem group seems to be associated with improved self-esteem, anxiety and depression. However, further research from randomised controlled trials is needed to establish a causal link between the programme and improved psychological outcomes.

Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) for interpersonal trauma in transitional-aged youth.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following interpersonal trauma in transitional-aged youth (TAY), aged 15 to 25, is highly prevalent; however, evidence-based interventions have rarely been studied. A single-group pre-/posttest study was conducted at headspace Sunshine, Melbourne, Australia, evaluating the feasibility, acceptability, safety, tolerability, and potential clinical effectiveness of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). An intent-to-treat analysis was conducted for N = 20 participants (65% female, n = 13) who attended a mean of 15 TF-CBT sessions over 25 weeks. At the end of treatment, only 1 of the 16 participants with a baseline PTSD diagnosis still met diagnostic criteria. Significant improvements were also noted for self-report measures of PTSD (d = -.83), anxiety (d = -.74), and depression (d = -.76). A minority of participants reported a brief exacerbation in symptoms of PTSD (n = 8) and anxiety and depression (n = 5) during stabilization and directly before and/or after the trauma-narration phase. However, all symptoms resolved at the end of treatment. The majority of participants (85%, n = 17) rated the intervention as helpful. Regardless of the expected temporary symptom exacerbation, the results indicated that TF-CBT was safe, tolerable, and acceptable. Transitional-aged youth is an emerging area of research. With limited research available on this age group to inform evidence-based practice, it is recommended that a randomized controlled trial is conducted to determine if TF-CBT (Cohen et al., 2017) can be effectively translated to this underresearched age group. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Associations between insomnia and reward learning in clinical depression.

Depression and insomnia commonly co-occur. Yet, little is known about the mechanisms through which insomnia influences depression. Recent research and theory highlight reward system dysfunction as a potential mediator of the relationship between insomnia and depression. This study is the first to examine the impact of insomnia on reward learning, a key component of reward system functioning, in clinical depression. The sample consisted of 72 veterans with unipolar depression who endorsed sleep disturbance symptoms. Participants completed the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, self-report measures of insomnia, depression, and reward processing, and a previously validated signal detection task (Pizzagalli et al., 2005, Biological Psychiatry, 57(4), 319-327). Trial-by-trial response bias (RB) estimates calculated for each of the 200 task trials were examined using linear mixed-model analyses to investigate change in reward learning. Findings demonstrated diminished rate and magnitude of reward learning in the Insomnia group relative to the Hypersomnia/Mixed Symptom group across the task. Within the Insomnia group, participants with more severe insomnia evidenced the lowest rates of reward learning, with increased RB across the task with decreasing insomnia severity. Among individuals with depression, insomnia is associated with decreased ability to learn associations between neutral stimuli and rewarding outcomes and/or modify behavior in response to differential receipt of reward. This attenuated reward learning may contribute to clinically meaningful decreases in motivation and increased withdrawal in this comorbid group. Results extend existing theory by highlighting impairments in reward learning specifically as a potential mediator of the association between insomnia and depression.

Psychometric validation of the Persian version of the community assessment of psychotic experiences-42 (CAPE-42) in Iranian college students

ABSTRACT Background Psychotic-like experiences are common in the non-clinical population, but the fact that they are often neglected can lead to even more serious problems. The present study assessed the psychometric validation of the Persian version of the Community Assessment of Psychotic Experiences (CAPE-42). Methods 909 Iranian individuals participated in the study, completing the CAPE-42, as the confirmatory factor analysis was applied to assess the validity of the scale construct. The Pearson correlation coefficient Scale validity was estimated based on self-report measures for depression as well as positive and negative symptoms. Results The result of the Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated the relevance of the fitness of the current model with the three subscales (RMSEA =.077, SRMR =.09, CFI =.95, NFI =.94, PNFI =.9, IFI = 95, RFI =.94). Cronbach’s alpha for total score was 0.93, and for positive, negative, and depressive factors stood at 0.91, 0.71, and 0.88, respectively. There was a significant correlation among CAPE-42 25 scores and components of the Peters ?40 Delusions Inventory (PDI-40) and DASS-21. Discussion The Community Assessment of Psychotic Experiences scale was useful in assessing the psychotic experience in the non-clinical population especially Iranian non-clinical population, who were the subject of the research.

A Non-randomized Trial of Kundalini Yoga for Emotion Regulation within an After-school Program for Adolescents

Adolescence is a critical age for developing difficulties with emotion regulation and other psychosocial problems. Yoga programs implemented in schools may be a promising method of intervention, as previous research suggests that they improve emotion regulation and other psychological outcomes in adolescents. This study examined the effects of the Kundalini Yoga-based Y.O.G.A for Youth (Y4Y) after-school program on adolescents’ self-reported emotion dysregulation and psychological functioning. A sample of 119 students, ages 11–14, was recruited through after-school programs for middle school students in the North Carolina school system. Within four public schools, participants participated in 6 weeks of either the Y4Y after-school program (n = 52), or an alternate activity (n = 66) and completed self-report measures of emotion dysregulation, anxiety, depression, stress and mindfulness before and after the 6 weeks. Results from this study suggest that the students who participated in the Y4Y program reported significant decreases in emotion dysregulation over the 6-week program. They also reported significant decreases in anger, depression and fatigue over one yoga session. Students in the comparison condition only reported significant decreases in fatigue over one session of the program but reported no significant changes in any of the other outcomes. Results from exploratory between-subject analyses also suggested that the Y4Y program’s impact on depression, stress and anxiety depended on the school setting in which they were implemented. These findings suggest that the Y4Y program improved emotion dysregulation in adolescent students. However, some of its benefits may be influenced by the school environment.