Depressive Symptoms In Individuals Research Articles

Examining the influence of episode number and age of onset on individual depressive symptoms across episodes of major depression

Major depression is characterized by an episodic course with symptom manifestations differing across episodes. Previous work has found that symptom presentation differs across age. However, studies of symptom presentation have largely focused on symptoms in individual episodes, requiring further investigation of longitudinal symptom change. This study explored the impact of the initial age of onset, the number of episodes, and age of onset of each episode on individual depressive symptoms, while accounting for episode severity. We used data from the Oregon Adolescent Depression Project (N = 629) examining participants with at least one major depressive episode, assessed by diagnostic interview, across a 15-year follow-up. Multilevel logistic regression models revealed that approximately 20–25% of the main effects were significant and some were qualified by cross-level interactions. However, only a few associations remained robust after correcting for multiple comparisons. Specifically, older initial age of onset was associated with fatigue, younger initial age of onset for the first episode was associated with suicidal ideation, and a lower episode number was associated with weight loss. These findings highlight potential initial age of onset and scar effects influencing symptom manifestation, but require replication.

The association of impulsivity with depression and anxiety symptoms: A transdiagnostic network analysis and replication

BackgroundImpulsivity increases the risk for depression and anxiety. However, the granular pathways among them remain unknown. A network approach that moves from disorder-level analysis to symptom-level analysis can provide further understanding of psychopathological mechanisms. In this study, we examined the network structure of impulsivity and separate and comorbid symptoms of depression and anxiety. MethodsRegularized partial-correlation networks were estimated using cross-sectional data from 1047 Chinese participants aged 18–26 years (main dataset, mean age = 21.45 ± 2.01 years) and 325 Chinese participants aged 18–36 years (an independent replication dataset, mean age = 21.49 ± 3.73 years), including impulsivity-depression, impulsivity-anxiety, and impulsivity-depression-anxiety networks. The datasets were collected from 1 June 2023 to 4 August 2023 and from 27 April 2022 to 16 May 2022, respectively. Impulsivity, depression, and anxiety were assessed using Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Version 11, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, respectively. Bridge centrality was analyzed, and a network comparison test (NCT) was conducted to investigate the differences between the main dataset and replication dataset. ResultsThe motor impulsivity dimension was revealed to be closely connected with individual symptoms of depression and anxiety regardless of whether they were in separate disorder forms or comorbid forms. In all the networks, motor impulsivity was the most important bridge node. The NCT showed comparable network connectivity and network structure between the main and replication datasets. LimitationsThe use of cross-sectional data limited the inferences about the direction of causality between variables. ConclusionsThese findings elucidate the psychopathological mechanisms underlying how impulsivity functions within depression, anxiety, and comorbidity and support that motor impulsivity is an important risk factor across different mental disorders and is responsible for comorbidity. The implications of these findings are discussed.

196. Associations Between Peripheral C-Reactive Protein and Individual Symptoms of Depression in a Lower-Middle Income Country

196. Associations Between Peripheral C-Reactive Protein and Individual Symptoms of Depression in a Lower-Middle Income Country

Effect of Dialectical Behavior Therapy on Negative Affect, and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety in Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder during COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: This study investigated the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) during the COVID-19 pandemic, assessing negative affect, depression, and anxiety levels as indicators of health. Methods: A total of 287 participants were recruited, including BPD patients at different stages of treatment and the general population without a diagnosis of BPD. Questionnaires were used to assess the fear of COVID-19 and the referenced health indicators. Results: No differences were observed between groups in levels of fear of COVID-19, but there were differences in the health indicators studied. BPD patients in long-term treatment showed levels of negative affect similar to those of the general population, while those in early treatment stages exhibited significantly higher levels. However, no significant improvements were observed in levels of depression and anxiety in the long-term treatment group compared to those who underwent the initial treatment phase. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of effectively intervening in BPD, especially in stress-inducing situations such as the pandemic, and suggest the need to explore complementary approaches to addressing depression and anxiety in this clinical context.

Association between mild depressive states in polycystic ovary syndrome and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent and frequently encountered gynecological disorder. Its high variability and the complexities associated with its management often lead to psychological stress in affected women, manifesting in symptoms of depression. Embracing a healthy lifestyle is fundamental in PCOS treatment. Consistent adherence to a healthy lifestyle not only aids in improving PCOS symptoms but also plays a role in enhancing mental well-being. However, there is currently limited research examining the extent of depression, its prevalence, and its correlation with lifestyle among individuals with PCOS. Therefore, this study aims to explore the impact of lifestyle factors on the depressive state of individuals with PCOS. This cross-sectional study gathered data from 411 individuals with PCOS at a comprehensive hospital in Henan, China. Depression status was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale, and demographic information as well as lifestyle habits were simultaneously collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses using logistic regression were conducted to identify risk factors associated with the depressive state in PCOS. Among the surveyed 411 individuals with PCOS, approximately 49.4% exhibited symptoms of depression, with 83.7% experiencing mild depressive symptoms. A disease duration of 1-3 years, the presence of acne, and unhealthy lifestyle factors such as high-fat diet, staying up late, lack of exercise, and mental stress emerged as significant risk factors for the onset of depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms in individuals with PCOS are predominantly mild. The risk of comorbid depression in PCOS is associated with the presence of acne, frequent high-fat diet, regular staying up late, lack of exercise, and mental stress.

Stress in Huntington's Disease: Characteristics and Correlates in Patients and At-Risk Individuals.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease that presents families with significant numbers of stressful events. However, relatively little empirical research has characterized the stressors encountered by members of HD-affected families and their correlations with psychological symptoms. This study examined frequencies of specific stressors in HD patients and at-risk individuals and the correlates of these stressors with demographics, disease characteristics, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. HD patients (n = 57) and at-risk individuals (n = 81) completed the Responses to Stress Questionnaire -Huntington's Disease Version to assess HD-related stressors. Participants completed measures of depression and anxiety symptoms. Patient health records were accessed to obtain information related to disease characteristics. Patients endorsed a mean number of 5.05 stressors (SD = 2.74) out of the 10-item list. Demographics were not related to total stressors, but disease characteristics were significantly related to specific stressors. At-risk individuals endorsed a mean number of 3.20 stressors (SD = 2.65) out of the 11-item list. Age and sex were significantly related to specific stressors. Total number of stressors was significantly related to depression (β=0.67, p < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (β=0.58, p < 0.001) in patients and at-risk individuals (β=0.35, p = 0.003 and β=0.32, p = 0.006, respectively). hese findings emphasize the significant burden of stress experienced by HD patients and at-risk individuals. We highlight a need for more specific stress-based measures and psychosocial support interventions for HD-affected families.

Ecological momentary assessment of anxiety and depression symptoms in individuals with phenylketonuria

Ecological momentary assessment of anxiety and depression symptoms in individuals with phenylketonuria

Effects of high-intensity interval training on depressive and anxiety symptoms in healthy individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Although evidence regarding the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on mental health has increased in recent years, there is still no consensus regarding the effects of HIIT on the symptoms of depression and anxiety in a healthy population. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to investigate the effects of HIIT on depressive and/or anxiety symptoms in healthy individuals. The following four databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and PsycINFO. Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis based on standardized mean difference (SMD). The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2.0 tool, and the certainty of the evidence was evaluated based on recommendations GRADE. Eight RCTs evaluating 471 participants (81% female) were considered eligible for inclusion. The results of the meta-analysis showed that HIIT-based interventions had no significant effect on reducing anxiety (SMD = -0.17; 95% CI: -0.53, 0.19; p = 0.27) and depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.38; 95% CI: -1.06, 0.30; p = 0.17) compared with the passive control group. In conclusion, HIIT does not improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in healthy individuals. This finding is based on evidence of very low certainty. Therefore, the evidence is still not consistent enough to support HIIT as a viable strategy to reduce both outcomes because of the limited number of included studies and the overall quality of evidence.

Disability acceptance and depressive symptoms: the moderating role of social support

Purpose: This study aims to estimate (a) the relationship between disability acceptance and depressive symptoms, and (b) how the quality and quantity of social support might moderate the link between disability acceptance and depressive symptoms.Materials and methods: The data for this study included information from 5165 individuals with disability who participated in 3 waves of the Disability and Life Dynamic Panel spanning years 2018 to 2020. This study employed fixed effects models to estimate the association between disability acceptance and depressive symptoms. Interaction models were used to assess the moderating effects of both the quantity and quality of social support.Results: A lower acceptance of disability was positively associated with depressive symptoms. Moreover, both the quantity and quality of social support were associated with a decrease in depressive symptoms. Only the quality of social support played a significant role in moderating the relationship between disability acceptance and depressive symptoms.Conclusion: A lower acceptance of disability increases depressive symptoms in individuals with disabilities. This study underscores the need for interventions to focus on enhancing the quality of social support to mitigate the link between disability acceptance and depressive symptoms.

Proximity to public green spaces and depressive symptoms among South African residents: a population-based study

BackgroundExposure to green spaces has been suggested to improve mental health and may reduce the risk of depression. However, there is generally limited evidence on the association between green spaces and depression originating from low-and middle-income countries and Africa in particular. Here, we investigate the association between proximity to public green spaces and depressive symptoms among residents of Gauteng Province, South Africa.MethodsWe used data from the 2017/2018 Gauteng quality of life survey. We included all individuals aged 18 years or older residing in the nine municipalities of Gauteng Province that completed the survey (n = 24,341). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2. Proximity to public green spaces was defined as self-reported walking time (either less or greater than 15 min) from individuals’ homes to the nearest public green space. To assess the association between access to public green spaces and depressive symptoms, we used mixed-effects models, adjusted for age, sex, population group (African, Indian/Asian, Coloured (mixed race), and White), educational attainment, and municipality. We additionally performed stratified analyses by age, sex, educational attainment, and population group to evaluate whether associations differed within subgroups. Associations are expressed as prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).ResultsWe observed a 6% (PR = 0.94, 95%CI = 0.92–0.96) prevalence reduction in depressive symptoms for individuals who reported that the nearest public green space was less than 15 min from their homes as compared to those who reported > 15 min. After stratification, this inverse association was stronger among females, individuals aged 35–59 years,those with higher levels of educational attainment, and Coloured individuals as compared to their counterparts.ConclusionOur findings suggest that public green spaces close to residential homes may be associated with a reduction in the occurrence of depressive symptoms among urban populations in resource-constrained settings like South Africa.

Network Motif Detection in the Network of Inflammatory Markers and Depression Symptoms among Patients with Stable Coronary Heart Disease: Insights from the Heart and Soul Study

Background. Network motif analysis is a technique used to explore recurrent and statistically significant subgraphs within a network. Applying a motif analysis to the complex network of inflammation and depression may yield nuanced insight into the specific interaction mechanisms between inflammatory markers and individual depression symptoms, which is our aim. Methods. This cross-sectional study is based on patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD). A partial correlation network was initially constructed to link inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), individual depression symptoms, and covariates. A network-centric approach searched all possible non-isomorphic subgraph patterns of size k = 4 in the network. Results. Although CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α displayed an insignificant association with specific depression symptoms, the motif analysis revealed various subgraph patterns of interactions between depression symptoms associated with MCP-1. Generally, MCP-1 formed a closed loop with psychomotor problems and sleep disturbances, and this configuration was connected in various forms with other symptoms, particularly cognitive (e.g., feelings of worthlessness, concentration difficulty, and suicidal ideation) and neurovegetative/somatic (e.g., appetite changes and fatigue) symptoms. Moreover, MCP-1 was frequently associated with a closed-loop triangle comprising cognitive and neurovegetative/somatic symptoms but not with mood symptoms (e.g., loss of interest and feelings of sadness). Conclusions. The findings provide insight into how MCP-1 may be involved in the pathology of depression among patients with stable CHD in a more precise manner. This study also proposes future directions for research on depression.

Metabolic Health, Overweight or Obesity, and Depressive Symptoms among Older Australian Adults.

The relationship between overweight or obesity and depressive symptoms in individuals with or without cardio-metabolic abnormalities is unclear. In a cross-sectional study we examined the odds of experiencing depressive symptoms in overweight or obese older adults with or without metabolic abnormalities. The participants included 3318 older adults from the Hunter Community Study Cohort with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 18.5 kgm2, stratified by BMI and metabolic health risk. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kgm2 and metabolically healthy as the absence of metabolic risk factors, according to International Diabetic Federation criteria for metabolic syndromes. Moderate to severe depressive symptoms were defined as a Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) score ≥ 16. Compared to the metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW) group, the odds of experiencing moderate/severe depressive symptoms were higher in those classified as a metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW) (odds ratio (OR) = 1.25, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.76-2.06) or metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.00-2.19), but not in those classified as metabolically unhealthy overweight (MUOW) (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.63-1.45), metabolically healthy overweight (MHOW) (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.51-1.26), and metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.65-1.64). Compared with MHNW males, the odds of moderate/severe depressive symptoms were increased in all other BMI category-metabolic health groups for males and females. Our relatively small sample size and cross-sectional design did not allow us to robustly establish causality. The odds of experiencing moderate/severe depressive symptoms were increased in metabolically unhealthy older adults regardless of normal weight or obesity, with the odds of having moderate/severe depressive symptoms being higher in females than in males.

Patterns of gender inequality perception and depressive symptoms among Chinese adults: The mediating role of marital life satisfaction

ObjectivesAs one of the most severe public health issues, depressive symptoms have attracted wide attention around the world. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of marital life satisfaction in the relationship between gender inequality perception and depressive symptoms. MethodsData were obtained from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) conducted in 2020. This study incorporated a total of 13,409 married residents aged 20 and above. ResultsThe residents with middle (B = 0.19, 95 % CI = 0.01, 0.40) or high perception of gender inequality (B = 0.55, 95 % CI = 0.34, 0.75) were more likely to develop depressive symptoms. Marital life satisfaction plays a mediating effect in the relationship between patterns of gender inequality perception and depressive symptoms, and the mediating effect accounted for 4.89 % or 1.37 % of the total impact in the residents with middle or high patterns of gender inequality perception. LimitationsFurther studies need to understand the mechanisms of perceived patterns of gender inequality and depressive symptoms, because the cross-sectional design in this study cannot draw causal inferences. ConclusionPatterns of gender inequality perception are significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Marital life satisfaction plays a mediating role in the relationship between patterns of gender inequality perception and depressive symptoms. It is plausible that nurturing healthy marital relationships could mitigate depressive symptoms in individuals who perceive high degrees of gender disparity.

How is inflammation biology truly associated with depression in patients with stable coronary heart disease?: Insights from the heart and Soul study

Depression is known to be associated with inflammation among patients with established coronary heart disease (CHD), but it is unclear whether this is due to individual depression symptoms or to the broader construct of depression. We addressed this gap by using moderated non-linear factor analysis (MNLFA) to determine the extent that inflammation is associated with latent depression and/or individual symptoms in this patient group. We evaluated 1,024 outpatients with stable CHD from the baseline cross-sectional data of the Heart and Soul Study. Depression was assessed using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, while inflammation was evaluated via C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels. MNLFA is based on the concept of model parameter moderation with regard to individual characteristics. Using the MNLFA approach, we simultaneously tested for differences in (1) latent depression, (2) individual depression items, and (3) the factor loading of the item on latent depression as a function of inflammatory markers, with and without covariate adjustment. Higher TNF-α levels were associated with both higher levels of a latent depression factor and greater endorsement of an individual symptom (appetite changes). Increased CRP levels were significantly associated with greater appetite changes, lower concentration difficulty, and greater fatigue. Elevated IL-6 levels were only related to greater fatigue, while increased MCP-1 levels were linked to greater sleep disturbance. After adjusting for covariates, some associations became insignificant. Inflammatory markers were not consistent predictors of factor loadings. This study represents the initial step to discussing how inflammation biology is truly related to depression among patients with established CHD.

Implications of an 8-week strength and flexibility training program on depressive symptoms in individuals aged 60 - 65 years

The psychological aspects are areas of study with ample importance for the third age and as well as significant improvements in the biological dimensions are told, research point positive effect on the psychological dimensions. Studies suggest that the aged ones if show overwhelming for problems that involve the health. From the moment that the health is reached the concerns in what start it says respect the individuals to become incapable, changedding itself into not motivated individuals and without interests, and of this form reaching them in such a way in the psychological aspect how much in the physical aspect. Methods: One is about a transversal analytical study. The sample was formed by 23 women and 7 healthful sedentary men, who had been submitted to a program of training of force of inferior and superior members and flexibility (emphasis in the flexibility of the trunk). For the evaluation of the depression, a described questionnaire for FIATARONE was used (1996). This instrument consists of 30 related questions the satisfaction with the life and states of spirit of the individual. The total number of negative points was considered, that is, all those answers that are associates the depression feelings. The analysis used statistics to measure the level of significance between daily pay and after-test of the evaluation of the depression was the test of McNemar, that tests given made use in contingency table 2x2, in order to compare ratio of two pairs groups, where the concordant pairs and the opponents in relation are observed the two treatments. Results: The use of the test of McNemar for the comparison enters the collected data in the daily pay-test and after-test program of physical activity, evaluating the depression, demonstrated not to have significant difference in none of the thirty 0 variable that the applied test composes. The study it demonstrated not to collaborate with this psychological state, assuring to be unsatisfactory the point in such a way to present level insignificant for the men how much for the women. This result was observed in both the sorts. Conclusions: The study it demonstrated not to collaborate with this psychological state of depression, being assured to be unsatisfactory the point in such a way to present level of insignificant for the men how much for the women.

Depressive Symptoms and Plasma Markers of Alzheimer's Disease and Neurodegeneration: A Coordinated Meta-Analysis of 8 Cohort Studies

Depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). There has been a recent emergence in plasma biomarkers for AD pathophysiology, such as amyloid-beta (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau), as well as for axonal damage (neurofilament light, NfL) and astrocytic activation (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP). Hypothesizing that depressive symptoms may occur along the AD process, we investigated associations between plasma biomarkers of AD with depressive symptoms in individuals without dementia. A two-stage meta-analysis was performed on 2 clinic-based and 6 population-based cohorts (N = 7210) as part of the Netherlands Consortium of Dementia Cohorts. Plasma markers (Aβ42/40, p-tau181, NfL, and GFAP) were measured using Single Molecular Array (Simoa; Quanterix) assays. Depressive symptoms were measured with validated questionnaires. We estimated the cross-sectional association of each standardized plasma marker (determinants) with standardized depressive symptoms (outcome) using linear regressions, correcting for age, sex, education, and APOE ε4 allele presence, as well as subgrouping by sex and APOE ε4 allele. Effect estimates were entered into a random-effects meta-analysis. Mean age of participants was 71 years. The prevalence of clinically relevant depressive symptoms ranged from 1% to 22%. None of the plasma markers were associated with depressive symptoms in the meta-analyses. However, NfL was associated with depressive symptoms only in APOE ε4 carriers (β 0.11; 95% CI: 0.05-0.17). Late-life depressive symptoms did not show an association to plasma biomarkers of AD pathology. However, in APOE ε4 allele carriers, a more profound role of neurodegeneration was suggested with depressive symptoms.

Correlations of Depressive Symptoms with Glycemic Control in Patients with type 2 Diabetes in Karbala City Iraq

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a well-known co-occurring illness that has been around for 21 centuries. Diabetes mellitus and depression symptoms can both have an impact on a person's capacity to complete daily tasks. Objectives: To evaluate correlations of depressive indications with deprived glycemic control in patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Karbala city Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional research aiming to examine depression symptoms in 200 persons suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. Before the interview, each participant gave verbal informed permission. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was rummage-sale to amount the individual's symptoms of depression. All names were left blank on the surveys. By employing Spearman's rho correlation, depression was found to be connected with tests of liver and kidney function. Results: 200 diabetic patients aged 30-65 showed no significant differences in variables such age, monthly income, duration, social status, medications, and concomitant disease. Significant differences exist between education levels and family history. Mild positive statistically significant association between depression and HbA1c in diabetics versus healthy people. However, FSG, FSI, and HOMA-IR are not significantly different between healthy and diabetic persons (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions: Poor glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes is associated with depression, indicating that early identification is critical for maintaining glycemic control and averting future difficulties. To fully comprehend the effects of depression therapy, more study is required.

An e-mental health intervention to reduce depression symptoms in individuals with obesity: study protocol for the randomized, controlled, two-armed, confirmatory LightMood trial

BackgroundPatients with obesity often experience psychological distress, specifically depression symptoms. Due to various barriers, such as limitations of healthcare offers, digital interventions, for example medical apps, can provide a suitable approach to support affected people. In the envisaged prospective randomized controlled trial, we aim to examine the efficacy of the LightMood intervention. The LightMood intervention is a manualized and user-centered, digital intervention for patients with obesity, with a duration of 4 months, which contains elements of cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based and skills-based exercises. We expect the LightMood intervention to be superior to treatment as usual (TAU) in terms of reducing depression symptoms.MethodsThe trial incorporates four distinct measurement time points: the baseline assessment, the post-treatment assessment, and 1- and 3-month follow-up assessments. Furthermore, we implemented in-treatment assessments for both groups. Participants will be randomized into two groups (LightMood intervention vs TAU). The aim is to include 128 participants (64 per group) in the study. Inclusion criteria are patients who are obese, at least 18 years old, with a private Internet access, and with adequate digital literacy and show depression symptoms (PHQ ≥ 10). Exclusion criteria are weekly outpatient individual psychotherapy, obesity surgery within the last year or planned within the next 7 months, no private Internet access, and the prescription of a new psychotropic drug within the last 2 weeks. The primary outcome is the post-assessment reduction in depression symptoms. Secondary outcomes will include the improvement in self-efficacy, quality of life, mindfulness, reduction in eating disorder symptoms, and body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, we expect a positive development of depression symptoms throughout the different time points (T1, T2, and T3) in patients with obesity.DiscussionLightMood is an evidence-based, efficient, low-threshold online intervention that aims to reduce depression symptoms in people with obesity. Online interventions could offer a promising alternative to conventional face-to-face therapy. The primary objective of the current study is to add essential insight into the feasibility, efficacy, effectiveness, and acceptance of e-mental health interventions for people with obesity and depression symptoms.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trial Register (DRKS), DRKS00029219. Registered on May 19, 2023

Correlation of allostatic load and perceived stress with clinical features in first-episode schizophrenia

BackgroundStress plays an important role in the etiology of schizophrenia. However, the mechanisms by which chronic physiological stress and perceived stress relate to the clinical features of schizophrenia may differ. We aimed to elucidate the relationships among chronic physiological stress indexed by allostatic load (AL), perceived stress, and clinical symptoms in individuals with first-episode schizophrenia (FES). MethodsIndividuals with FES (n = 90, mean age = 28.26years old, 49%female) and healthy controls (111, 28.88, 51%) were recruited. We collected data of 13 biological indicators to calculate the AL index, assessed subjective stress with the Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14), and compared AL and perceived stress between groups. Patients with FES were also evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS). ResultsIndividuals with FES had higher AL and PSS score than healthy controls. There were no significant correlations between AL and PSS score in either patients or controls. Among individuals with FES, the AL index was associated with the severity of positive symptoms, while the PSS score was positively associated with CDSS score. Both elevated AL and PSS were correlated with the occurrence of schizophrenia. ConclusionsPhysiological stress, as reflected by AL, may be more related to positive symptoms, while perceived stress appear to be associated with depressive symptoms in individuals with FES. Longitudinal studies are necessary to explore the relationships between interventions for different stressor types and specific clinical outcomes in FES.

Traffic-related pollution and symptoms of depression and anxiety among Chinese adults: A population-based study

BackgroundLimited understanding exists regarding the associations of traffic-related pollution with depression and anxiety symptoms in individuals residing within low- and middle-income countries. MethodsData for this study were extracted from the Psychology and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents (PBICR) survey, implemented between June 20 and August 31, 2023. We determined residential proximity to major roadways through self-reports and evaluated depression symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), along with anxiety symptoms assessed through the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). We examined the associations between residential proximity to major roadways and depression and anxiety symptoms using logistic regressions and generalized linear models, while controlling for potential confounding variables. ResultsThis study comprised a total of 22,723 participants. The adjusted odds ratios (OR) for depression symptoms were 1.34 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.20, 1.51), 1.29 (95 % CI 1.17, 1.43), 1.34 (95 % CI 1.20, 1.49), and 1.32 (95 % CI 1.17, 1.49) among individuals residing within <50 m, 50–100 m, 101–200 m, and 201–300 m, respectively, in comparison to those residing >300 m from a major roadway. Individuals residing <50 m, 50–100 m, 101–200 m, and 201–300 m from a major roadway exhibited adjusted OR for anxiety symptoms of 1.49 (95 % CI 1.30, 1.69), 1.21 (95 % CI 1.07, 1.37), 1.38 (95 % CI 1.21, 1.56), and 1.38 (95 % CI 1.20, 1.59), respectively, in contrast to those residing >300 m. ConclusionsThis study provides valuable insights into the associations between environmental factors and mental health. The findings underscore the importance of integrating environmental considerations into comprehensive mental health frameworks, especially for individuals residing near high-traffic areas.