Symptoms In General Population Research Articles

Reflux symptoms and upper abdominal pain: Reflux, Gastritis and whatever could be behind it

Reflux symptoms and upper abdominal pain are very common symptoms in general population. Both symptoms are visceral and thus cannot be linked to an organ or a disease. Diagnostic work-up revealed organic disease in up to 30%, when patients present with dyspeptic symptoms. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and functional dyspepsia (FD) represent the most frequent and important disorders in western countries, when diagnostic work-up is done in patients with reflux symptoms and abdominal pain.

Diurnal cortisol throughout pregnancy and its association with maternal depressive symptoms and birth outcomes

BackgroundDepression during pregnancy is a common complication that can negatively affect fetal health and birth outcomes. Cortisol is believed to be a key mediator of this association. Although pregnancy entails a natural increase in cortisol levels, preclinical depression could alter its circadian rhythm, producing excessively high overall diurnal cortisol levels that might be harmful for the fetus and future offspring development. ObjectivesUsing a prospective longitudinal design, we aimed to study (i) trimestral cortisol circadian rhythm and its overall levels throughout pregnancy in healthy women, (ii) the extent to which maternal depressive symptoms influence both cortisol rhythmicity and overall levels, and (iii) the possible adverse consequences of elevated maternal cortisol on the offspring’s weight and gestational age at birth. Study design112 healthy pregnant women from the general Spanish population were recruited before their first pregnancy. To assess cortisol circadian rhythm, participants provided four saliva samples at each trimester of pregnancy (at awakening, 30 min after awakening, before lunch and before going to bed). Overall cortisol levels were calculated with AUCg approximation. Depressive symptoms were evaluated in each trimester and defined according to EPDS cut-off values (1st trimester, EPDS ≥ 11; 2nd and 3rd trimesters, EPDS ≥ 10). At birth, the risk for low weight, prematurity and weight birth percentile was retrieved for 100 infants. Mixed models and simple effects were employed to study changes of maternal cortisol circadian rhythm and overall levels throughout pregnancy and the possible influence of maternal depressive symptoms. Finally, logistic regressions were performed to assess the associations between maternal overall cortisol levels in each trimester of pregnancy and birth anthropometrics. ResultsAlthough overall diurnal cortisol levels increase throughout pregnancy, cortisol circadian rhythm is preserved in all trimesters [1st (F(3110)= 92.565, p < .001), 2nd (F(3,85)= 46.828, p < .001) and 3rd (F(3,90)= 65.555, p < .001)]. However, women with depressive symptoms showed a flattened cortisol circadian pattern only during the second trimester, characterized by a blunted awakening peak and reduced evening decline (F(3,85)= 4.136, p = .009), but not during the first (F(3,11)= 1.676, p = .176) or the third (F(3,90)= 1.089, p = .358) trimesters. Additionally, they did not show a cortisol increase from second to third trimester (p = .636). Finally, higher maternal cortisol levels in second and third trimesters seemed to be associated with increased risk of prematurity (adjusted OR −0.371, 95% CI 0.490–0.972, p = .034) and low birth weight percentile (adjusted OR −0.612, 95% CI 0.348–0.846, p = .007) respectively. ConclusionMaternal cortisol levels increased throughout pregnancy, although cortisol circadian rhythm was preserved in all trimesters of pregnancy. However, prenatal depressive symptoms were associated with flattened maternal cortisol circadian rhythm in mid-pregnancy. Therefore, it seems that women with depressive symptoms tended to increase less gradually their cortisol levels from mid to late pregnancy. Finally, higher maternal cortisol levels in mid and late-pregnancy seem to be associated with poorer birth anthropometrics Early detection of depressive symptoms in general population could help to prevent putative obstetrical and birth adverse outcomes.

Association of Rosacea with Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms: A General Population Study

Background: The association between rosacea and psychiatric comorbidity has been reported previously. However, there is a lack of general population studies about this subject area. Objectives: The aim of this study was to the association between rosacea with depressive and anxiety symptoms at the population level. Methods: A clinical whole-body examination was performed by dermatologists for 1,932 subjects belonging to the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study during the 46-year follow-up survey. The presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was gathered by using validated Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) included in the self-administered questionnaires. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify associations between rosacea and psychological symptoms. Results: Rosacea was found in dermatological evaluation in 15.1% of the study subjects (n = 292). In logistic regression analyses, after adjusting for confounding factors, those with rosacea had 1.6-fold (OR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.02–2.32) risk for psychiatric symptoms according to HSCL-25 when compared with controls. In separate analyses of the HSCL-25 depression subscale, the risk was increased, especially for depressive symptoms (OR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.10–2.18). Conclusions: Patients with rosacea seem to have increased risk for depressive and anxiety symptoms in general population. Physicians treating patients with rosacea should pay more attention to the psychosocial health of patients.

Acute stress symptoms in general population during the first wave of COVID lockdown in Italy: Results from the COMET trial.

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unprecedented traumatic event that has severely impacted social, economic, and health well-being worldwide. The COvid Mental hEalth Trial was specifically designed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its containment measures on the mental health of the Italian general population in terms of COVID-19-related acute stress disorder (ASD) symptoms. The present cross-sectional study is based on an online survey carried out in the period March-May 2020. Italian general adult population was invited to compile an anonymous survey, which included the severity of acute stress symptoms scale/National Stressful Events Survey Short Scale to investigate the occurrence and severity of ASD symptoms. The final sample consisted of 20,720 participants. During the lockdown, subjects with pre-existing mental health problems reported a statistically significant higher risk of acute post-traumatic symptoms compared to the general population (B: 2.57; 95% CI:2.04-3.09; p<.0001) and health care professionals (B: .37; 95% CI: .02-0.72; p<.05). According to multivariate regression models, the levels of acute post-traumatic symptoms (p<.0001) were higher in younger and female respondents. Social isolation and sleep disorder/insomnia represented positive predictors of acute stress (B=3.32, 95% CI=3.08-3.57). Concerns about the risk of infection as well as social isolation caused a higher incidence of acute post-traumatic stress symptoms that may predict the subsequent development of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in the long term.

Identifying the Bridge Between Anxiety Response to COVID-19 and Depression Symptoms in General Population: A Network Analysis.

Previous studies have suggested links between anxiety response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and depression symptoms in general population. However, a symptom-level investigation has not been reported. This study aimed to use network analysis to identify central symptoms and bridge symptoms that link COVID-19 anxiety and depression. Data from 1788 participants were analyzed. Coronavirus anxiety and depression symptoms were measured using the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 Items Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, respectively. Network analysis was performed using R. The results revealed 'thoughts of suicide or self-harm' from Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and 'worry about others avoiding me' from Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 Items Scale as bridge symptoms. Findings suggest direct relationship between fear of social isolation and thoughts of suicide or self-harm. 'Feeling tired with little energy' and 'trouble concentrating' are strongly linked to 'thoughts of suicide or self-harm', suggesting these symptoms as risk factors for suicidal or self-injurious thoughts during the pandemic. The findings suggest fear of social isolation as a risk factor for developing thoughts of suicide or self-harm. These results should be taken into account during evaluation of risk of suicide or mental health interventions for the pandemic.

Association of serum individual and mixed aldehydes with depressive symptoms in the general population: A machine learning study

BackgroundHumans have many opportunities to be exposed to aldehydes which have potential mechanisms for causing depression. We aimed to explore the relationships between serum individual and mixed aldehydes with depressive symptoms in general population. MethodsThe data was extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2014. Depressive symptoms were assessed by Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Weighted binomial logistic regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model were used to explore the association of six individual aldehyde and mixed aldehydes with depressive symptoms, respectively. Sex stratification analysis and sensitivity analysis were conducted. ResultsA total of 701 participants were included. We found a positive association between the highest (Q4) versus lowest quartile (Q1) of butyraldehyde with depressive symptoms (OR: 2.86, 95 % CI: 1.22–6.68), and a negative association between the Q3 versus Q1 of benzaldehyde (0.21, 0.07–0.60) and isopentanaldehyde (0.28, 0.08–0.90) with depressive symptoms in multivariate-adjusted model. The mixed aldehydes were positively associated with depressive symptoms using BKMR model, and butyraldehyde and heptanaldehyde were the dominant aldehydes. Several aldehydes, such as butyraldehyde and benzaldehyde, interacted with each other in their effects on depressive symptoms. The results of gender stratification analysis showed that butyraldehyde was the major contributor to the total effect of aldehydes on depressive symptoms in males, while heptanaldehyde was the dominant aldehyde in females. LimitationsCausality cannot be inferred in this cross-sectional study. ConclusionsOur study indicated that mixed aldehydes can increase the risk of depressive symptoms, of which butyraldehyde and heptanaldehyde were the major contributing aldehydes.

Understanding the potential of digital therapies in implementing the standard of care for depression in Europe.

Depressive disorders represent the largest proportion of mental illnesses, and by 2030, they are expected to be the first cause of disability-adjusted life years [1]. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated prevalence and burden of depression and increased the occurrence of depressive symptoms in general population [2]. The urgency of implementing mental health services to address new barriers to care persuaded clinicians to use telemedicine to follow patients and stay in touch with them, and to explore digital therapeutics (DTx) as potential tools for clinical intervention [2]. The combination of antidepressants and psychotherapy is widely recommended for depression by international guidelines [3] but is less frequently applied in real-world practice. Commonly used treatments are pharmacological, but while being effective, some aspects such as adherence to the drug regimen, residual symptoms, resistance, lack of information, and stigma may hinder successful treatment. In case of less severe depression, standalone psychological therapies should be the first-line treatment option [3], but access to trained psychotherapists remains inequitable. DTx are evidence-based therapies driven by software programs to treat or complement treatment of a specific disease. DTx are classified as Medical Devices, and given their therapeutic purpose, they need to be validated through randomized controlled clinical trials, as for drug-based therapies. In the last 10 years, studies of digital interventions have proliferated; these studies demonstrate that digital interventions increase remission rates and lower the severity of depressive symptoms compared with waitlist, treatment as usual, and attention control conditions [4]. Despite the efficacy demonstrated in clinical trials, many of these tools never reach real-life patients; thus, it might be necessary to implement DTx in the public health system to expand access to valid treatment options. In this framework, DTx represent a good opportunity to help people with depression receive optimal psychotherapeutic care [5].

Psychological Sequelae of COVID-19: The Mediating Role of Family Communication as a Protective Factor

Objectives: To assess the mediating role of family communication between the relationship of psychological strengths or sequelae and anxiety symptoms in general population during lockdown in COVID-19 among.Methodology: A cross-sectional research design was used to assess a sample of age range 18 years to 60 years during a period of March 2020- July 2020 after taking Ethical approval by a institutional review board of university. The measures of the study including demographic variables form, indigenous scale for Psychological Strengths and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) was used to measure the anxiety in population. The Family Communication scale was used to measure the mediating effect of communication within family members. Using convenient sampling online google form was generate and from 371 participants’ data was collected, in which adult general population was included.Result: The present study showed that there was a significant relationship between the study variables, and family communication indicated partial mediating role between psychological sequelae and anxiety symptoms.Conclusion: It can be concluded that to better deal with the anxiety related to corona virus disease positive perspective is important and family bonding and communication play significant role in increasing psychological strengths.

Association of Screen Time with Depression or Anxiety in Adolescence: In Pakistan

Depression is a serious medical illness and impacted on everything that a person feels or perceive which causes persistent feeling of sadness, loneliness, anger, anxiety and depressive disorders. There is a close association exist between depression and over screening of smartphones, computer screens or various electric appliances thus increasing the risk of depressive disorders or negatively impacted psychological well-being. The incidence of depressive disorder was seen more frequently in females than in males due to increased screening time or social networking. This study aims to determine the link of screen time and depression or anxiety in the general population. To find out the association that whether increased screening time is associated with depressive symptoms in general population or not. Cross sectional study design was selected for study and 50 individuals was selected. Convenience sampling technique was used to collect samples. Their demographic information, screen time, anxiety and depression were assessed through pre-planned questionnaire. Data wasrecorded and analyzed through SPSS version 23. The results shown that the 70.37% female suffered from depression due to increased screen time and 29.63% male suffered. Increased monitoring time leads to an increased risk of depression and anxiety, though causality cannot be determined.

More than a year of pandemic: Longitudinal assessment of anxiety and depressive symptoms in the argentine general population during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The COVID‐19 pandemic has radically changed daily life and the way we interact with others. It has also brought negative psychological consequences: several studies have reported increased levels of distress symptomatology at the onset of the pandemic. However, few longitudinal studies have been carried out, and even fewer in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse longitudinally the anxiety and depressive symptomatology of the Argentine general population during the first 13 months of the pandemic. The total sample included 988 adults (ages 18–77) from different regions of Argentina. Open‐access surveys were distributed via social media at five time points (March, April, May, August 2020 and April 2021). Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed through the Beck Depression Inventory‐II and the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory. Mixed repeated‐measures ANOVA were applied, with time as a within‐subjects factor, and socioeconomic status, gender, and age group as between‐subjects factors. Results showed a progressive increases in anxiety (F (27.78, 3417.60) = 62.88, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.060) and depression (F (3.42, 3373.75) = 84.78, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.079) symptoms in the general population throughout the pandemic (except for a slight decrease in anxiety in Wave 2). All of the between‐subjects factors showed significant effects on both types of symptoms: female gender, younger age and lower income were associated with greater depression and anxiety in all waves. A time‐age interaction effect was found (F (10.26, 3364.05) = 2.99, p < 0.01, ηp 2 = 0.009): after the third wave, depressive symptoms tended to decrease or stabilise in the young adult group, whereas there was a positive linear increase in the older groups. This study provided evidence that anxiety and depression symptoms tend to increase during crisis contexts, and that this effect is even more pronounced for certain vulnerable population groups. Mental health monitoring and support interventions should be included in government strategies to deal with the long‐term impact of the pandemic.

Depressive symptoms in the general population: The 7th Tromsø Study

• In an adult population (≥40 years), participants in the age groups 40–49 and 80+ reported the highest prevalence of depressive symptoms. • Measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), men reported higher prevalence of depressive symptoms than women, but the difference disappeared after controlling for other factors. • Low social support, low education and living without a spouse increased the risk for depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms may differ in various age groups. The aim of the study was to investigate the point-prevalence of depressive symptoms in the adult general population and in various age groups. The impact of sex, marital status, education, and social support on depressive symptoms was also explored. The population ≥40 years in the city of Tromsø, Norway, were invited to participate in the survey, of whom 64.7% (n=21,083) participated. All participants with a completed Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were included in the study. A score ≥8 in the HADS depression subscale (HADS-D) was used to indicate caseness for depression. The caseness for depression was 7.5% for men and 6.3% for women, overall 6.9%. The age groups 40-49 years and 80+ years had highest caseness. The overall HADS-D score for the total population was 2.8 (SD 2.7). The mean HADS-D for men (3.1; SD 2.8) was higher than for women (2.6; SD 2,6) (p<0.001). Low social support, low education and not living with a spouse was associated with higher risk for depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was based on a questionnaire, and represents only an estimate of depression in the population. Participants over 80 years were underrepresented, as fragile elderly and elderly living in nursing homes did not participate. Depressive symptoms were more prevalent in the youngest and oldest age groups. Participants reporting low social support, low education and not living with a spouse had higher risk for depressive symptoms.

Prevalence of anxiety symptoms among the general population of Latvia in 2019–2020

Background Anxiety is among the most common and disabling mental disorders. The aim of our study was to determine the point prevalence of at least mild anxiety symptoms and associated factors in Latvian general population Methods Computer assisted face-to-face interviews were carried out between November 2019 and March 2020 to gather information on a representative sample of the Latvian adult population (n = 2687). The participants were interviewed using the 7-item anxiety scale: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7); a score of ≥5 was defined as indicating the presence of at least mild clinically significant symptoms of anxiety. A score of ≥10 or greater was defined as cut point for identifying cases of generalized anxiety disorder. Binary logistic regression was applied. Results There were 1238 males (46.1%) and 1449 females (53.9%) recruited. The point prevalence of at least mild anxiety symptoms in general population was 14.8% with no statistically significant difference between genders. The point prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder according to GAD-7 was 4.1%. Self-evaluation of health state as low or moderate (p < 0.001) (vs. high), unfinished primary education (p = 0.002) (vs. university degree) and age below 65 (p < 0.001) (vs. 65+) were statistically significantly associated factors for anxiety. The odds of having anxiety symptoms were lower in urban dwellers (but not in capital city; vs. rural) (p = 0.01) and married participants or those living with partner (vs. divorced, widowed) (p = 0.04). Conclusions Young people, people with low self-esteem of health-state, those with lower level of education are at particularly significant risk of anxiety symptoms.

Hormone replacement therapy after breast cancer: Yes, No or maybe?

Over nine million breast cancer survivors worldwide suffer compromised quality of life attributable to estrogen depletion related symptoms of menopause and side effects of cancer therapy. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is very effective in managing these symptoms in general population and in breast cancer survivors. However, the concern of breast cancer recurrence as a result of HRT use keeps many oncologists from using this approach in symptom management. Evidence from randomized trials, observational studies and met-analyses on the impact of HRT use on breast cancer recurrence and survival remains controversial. Climacteric symptoms in breast cancer survivors should be delineated for type and severity for methodical management. Lifestyle modifications are effective for mild symptoms, while non-hormonal pharmaceutical approaches can be used as second-line therapy for control of hot flashes, vulvo-vaginal atrophy, arthralgia, mood swings, sleep disturbance, and depression. Evidence does not conclusively render HRT, as a contraindicated approach for these patients; informed consent and shared-decision-making is a reasonable approach for HRT use in symptomatic breast cancer survivors.

Global Awareness of Myocardial Infarction Symptoms in General Population: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Knowledge about myocardial Infarction (MI) symptoms is crucial because inadequate awareness ensures direct association with patient delay and adverse health events subsequently. PRISMA guidelines were followed while conducting the systematic review with PROSPERO number CRD42020219802. An electronic search was conducted comprehensively through 5 databases to find those relevant articles systematically. Prevalence was calculated for each typical symptom of MI separately and subgroup analysis according to continent, country, gender and ethnicity was done. Meta-Analysis was conducted by using statistical software R version 3.4.3. A random-effects model was used. Studies from 35 different countries with 120,988,548 individuals were included in the final analysis. The prevalence of chest pain awareness was highest, while it was lowest for jaw, back, and neck pain. There was no difference in terms of awareness in males and females. Prevalence of awareness of typical MI symptoms was higher in the Caucasian white, white, and non-Hispanic white groups than in other groups. The prevalence varies from less than 5% in African countries such as Kenya, Tanzania and Asian countries such as Nepal to as high as 90% in Germany. People are well aware of chest pain as a symptom of MI. However, there is limited knowledge regarding other typical symptoms of MI.

Global Awareness of Myocardial Infarction Symptoms in General Population

Global Awareness of Myocardial Infarction Symptoms in General Population

Epidemiology of panic disorder and subthreshold panic symptoms in the Greek general population.

Panic disorder (PD) is a common anxiety disorder with severe social and health consequences in the lives of individuals who suffer from it. General population studies that attempt to measure the prevalence of this disorder across the world suggest that a 1.7% to 4.7 % of adults and adolescents suffer from Panic Disorder. In Greece, research analyzing the abovementioned matters is limited, and previous studies were put forward in small samples. The aim of the present study was to describe the prevalence and sociodemographic associations of panic disorder (PD) and related subthreshold panic symptoms in the general population of Greece and to appraise the comorbidity, use of services and impact on quality of life of these syndromes. This was a secondary analysis of the 2009-2010 psychiatric morbidity survey carried out in a representative sample of the Greek general population (4894 participants living in private households, 18-70 years, response rate 54%). Psychiatric disorders were assessed with the computerized version of the revised Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS-R). Quality of life was assessed with the EuroQoL EQ-5D generic instrument. The utilization of health services was examined by making relevant questions. Finally, direct questions were used to assess sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors According to our findings, 1.87% of the participants (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50-2.26%) met criteria for PD and 1.61% met criteria for subclinical PD (95% CI: 1.26-1.96%). There was a clear female preponderance for both PD (p=0.001) and Sub-PD (p=0.01). In addition, 3.48% of the participants reported having experienced panic attacks during the past week (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.98-4.01%). PD or subclinical PD was independently associated with a limited number of sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables especially after the adjusted analysis. Both panic related conditions involved significant reductions in quality of life and elevated utilization of health services for both medical and psychological reasons in comparison to healthy participants. In conclusion, PD and subclinical panic symptoms were common in the general Greek population with substantial comorbidity and impaired quality of life. The observed use of the general and psychological health services among adults with panic symptoms and its temporal and economic consequences calls for more efficient diagnostic and treatment policies.

Fear and Depression among Residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina during COVID-19 Outbreak - Internet Survey.

Occurrence of symptoms of fear and depression among general population during the outbreak of COVID-19 seems to present an emerging problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to examine levels of fear and depressive symptoms in association with COVID-19 outbreak and to assess other contributing factors in the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Link to an anonymous questionnaire, mainly based on The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (Ahorsu et al. 2020) and two-item and nine-item Patient Health Questionnaires (PHQs) (Maurer et al. 2018) (background information, fear assessment and information regarding depression) was distributed online to general population of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Out of 1201 respondents, 217 (18.0%) reported experiencing fear and 341 (28.4%) reported having symptoms of depression during COVID-19 outbreak. The mean age of the subjects was 30.57±11.26. Being older (OR=1.044; 95% CI 1.031-1.057; p<0.001) and having moderate to severe depressive symptoms (OR=1.093; 95% CI 1.067-1.120; p<0.001) were independent significant predictors for developing fear; living in rural environment (OR=0.551; 95% Cl 0.325-0.935; p=0.0027) significantly decreased the risk of developing fear; being female (OR=1.750; 95% CI 1.242-2.466; p=0.001), unemployed (OR=1.557; 95% CI 1.040-2.330; p=0.032) or student (OR=1.943; 95% CI 1.450-2.604; p<0.001) were independent significant predictors for developing moderate to severe depressive symptoms in association with COVID-19. Mann Whitney U-test showed that being older was statistically associated with fear (p<0.001) and being younger was statistically associated with depressive symptoms (p<0.001). In conclusion, based on our findings, fear and depressive symptoms in general population of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the outbreak of COVID-19 were present in 18.06% (fear) and 28.39% (depression) of subjects and it was statistically associated with age, gender, occupation, living environment and may present a secondary uprising problem connected to outbreak of COVID-19.

Validation of the Persian Version of the National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index.

To compose a comprehensible and fluent Persian translation of the National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), and to determine its linguistic validity in a Persian sample population. The standard double-back translation method, provided by the previous studies were utilized by three professional linguists to translate the English version of the NIH-CPSI to Persian, and a group of 10 urologists further reviewed and translated questionnaire. The questionnaire was then presented to the sample study, comprised of 60 men with CP/CPPS and 60 controls with adverse urological history, and the collected data was analyzed through IBM-SPSS software to test its validity, evaluative, and discriminatory power, psychometric qualities and internal consistency. A total of 80 subjects (42 CP/CPPS patients and 38 healthy controls) were considered eligible for this study. The total Persian NIH-CPSI scores and each subdomain showed significant difference (P < 0.001) between the two study groups, indicating a satisfactory discriminant validity for the index. Psychometric analysis established the index to benefit from a high internal consistency. The translation was also considered by both the subjects and the physicians to be easily comprehensible. The Persian NIH-CPSI is a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating CP/CPPS symptoms in general population, while also benefitting from high discriminatory power, and can be utilized with ease in both clinical practice and laboratory studies.

ADHD symptoms in the adult general population are associated with factors linked to ADHD in adult patients

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adults. It is characterized by inappropriate levels of inattention (IA) and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity (HI). The ADHD diagnosis is hypothesized to represent the extreme of a continuous distribution of ADHD symptoms in the general population. In this study, we investigated whether factors linked to adult ADHD as a disorder are associated with adult ADHD symptoms in the general population. Our population-based sample included 4987 adults (mean age 56.1 years; 53.8% female) recruited by the Nijmegen Biomedical Study (NBS). Participants completed the Dutch ADHD DSM-IV Rating Scale for current and childhood ADHD symptoms, the Symptom Check List-90-R (SCL-90-R) anxiety subscale, and the Eysenk Personality Questionnaire (EPQR-S). Partial Spearman correlation and Hurdle negative binomial regression analysis were used to assess how age, sex, childhood ADHD symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, and psychoticism) are associated with current IA and HI symptoms. Increasing age was associated with a lower proportion of participants reporting HI symptoms and with reduced levels of HI; IA levels remained fairly stable over the age-range, but the probability of reporting IA symptoms increased throughout middle/late adulthood. Females were more likely to report IA symptoms than males. Childhood ADHD symptoms, neuroticism, and psychoticism were positively associated with current IA and HI symptoms, while extraversion had an opposite association with these symptom domains. Anxiety symptoms affected HI symptoms in females. Our results indicate that factors associated with categorical ADHD are also correlated with ADHD symptoms in the adult population.

A J-shaped association between soy food intake and depressive symptoms in Chinese adults

Soy food has been proven to have multiple positive effects on human health, however, no study has yet investigated the association between habitual intake of soy food and depressive symptoms in general population. The objective of this study was to examine this association. In a cross-sectional analysis, we studied a sample of 13,760 adults (mean age 43.5 years) in Tianjin, China. The Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) was used to assess depressive symptoms, with four cut-off points (SDS ≥40, 45, 48 or 50) indicating increased level of depressive symptoms. Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary intake. In the total population, the prevalence of increased depressive symptoms was 7.2% (SDS ≥50). Comparing to the group with lowest intake frequency of soy food (<once/week), the fully adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of depressive symptoms were 0.80 (0.67, 0.95) for 1-3 times/week, 0.69 (0.55, 0.86) for 4-7 times/week, and 1.85 (1.21, 2.80) for ≥twice/day. Associations remained when other cut-off points (SDS ≥40, 45 or 48) were used as a definition of increased depressive symptoms. Findings from this study suggested a J-shaped association between intake frequency of soy food and incidence of depressive symptoms among adults. For the first time, the study provides evidence that light-to-moderate intake of soy food may reduce the incidence of depressive symptoms, while relatively high (≥twice/day) intake may generate the opposite effect.