Screening Tool For Depression Research Articles

Using Large Language Models to Detect Depression From User-Generated Diary Text Data as a Novel Approach in Digital Mental Health Screening: Instrument Validation Study.

Depressive disorders have substantial global implications, leading to various social consequences, including decreased occupational productivity and a high disability burden. Early detection and intervention for clinically significant depression have gained attention; however, the existing depression screening tools, such as the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, have limitations in objectivity and accuracy. Therefore, researchers are identifying objective indicators of depression, including image analysis, blood biomarkers, and ecological momentary assessments (EMAs). Among EMAs, user-generated text data, particularly from diary writing, have emerged as a clinically significant and analyzable source for detecting or diagnosing depression, leveraging advancements in large language models such as ChatGPT. We aimed to detect depression based on user-generated diary text through an emotional diary writing app using a large language model (LLM). We aimed to validate the value of the semistructured diary text data as an EMA data source. Participants were assessed for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire and suicide risk was evaluated using the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation before starting and after completing the 2-week diary writing period. The text data from the daily diaries were also used in the analysis. The performance of leading LLMs, such as ChatGPT with GPT-3.5 and GPT-4, was assessed with and without GPT-3.5 fine-tuning on the training data set. The model performance comparison involved the use of chain-of-thought and zero-shot prompting to analyze the text structure and content. We used 428 diaries from 91 participants; GPT-3.5 fine-tuning demonstrated superior performance in depression detection, achieving an accuracy of 0.902 and a specificity of 0.955. However, the balanced accuracy was the highest (0.844) for GPT-3.5 without fine-tuning and prompt techniques; it displayed a recall of 0.929. Both GPT-3.5 and GPT-4.0 demonstrated relatively reasonable performance in recognizing the risk of depression based on diaries. Our findings highlight the potential clinical usefulness of user-generated text data for detecting depression. In addition to measurable indicators, such as step count and physical activity, future research should increasingly emphasize qualitative digital expression.

Development and Evaluation of the DMIND Questionnaire: Preparing for AI Integration into an Effective Depression Screening Tool

Objective: Thailand’s mental health crisis is exacerbated by high demand and a shortage of mental health professionals. The research objective was to develop and validate the Detection and Monitoring Intelligence Network for Depression (DMIND) questionnaire, designed to be culturally relevant and easily administered in clinical settings. Crafted with expert input, items specifically conducive to artificial intelligence (AI) analysis were selected to facilitate the future development of an AI-assisted depression scoring model. This approach underscores the tool’s dual utility in both human-led and technology-enhanced diagnostics. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 81 participants from psychiatric and tertiary care hospitals in Bangkok. Participants were assessed using the DMIND questionnaire, followed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17). Statistical analyses included the content validity index (CVI), Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Cohen’s kappa, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The Liu method, Youden index, and nearest neighbor method were used to determine the optimal cut-off point Results: The DMIND questionnaire showed strong validity, with an item-level CVI (I-CVI) and scale-level CVI (S-CVI) exceeding 1.0, indicating strong consensus on its relevance and utility. The tool also demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.96). ROC analysis showed an AUC of 0.88, indicating high accuracy in depression screening. An optimal cut-off score of 11.5 was identified, balancing predictive value and sensitivity. Conclusion: The DMIND questionnaire represents a significant advancement in innovative mental health diagnostics, addressing unmet clinical needs by providing accurate and efficient assessments capable of AI integration for further enhancing mental health service delivery in Thailand.

Comparing suicide risk screening strategies in Spanish-speaking pediatric patients

BackgroundSuicide and suicidal behaviors pose significant global public health challenges, especially among young individuals. Effective screening strategies are crucial for addressing this crisis, with depression screening and suicide-specific tools being common approaches. This study compares their effectiveness by evaluating the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) against item 9 of the Patient Health Questionnaire-A (PHQ-A). MethodsThis study is a secondary analysis of the Argentinean-Spanish version of the ASQ validation study, an observational, cross-sectional, and multicenter study conducted in medical settings in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A convenience sample of pediatric outpatients/inpatients aged 10 to 18 years completed the ASQ, PHQ-A, and Suicide Ideation Questionnaire (SIQ) along with clinical and sociodemographic questions. ResultsA sample of 267 children and adolescents were included in this secondary analysis. Results show that the ASQ exhibited higher sensitivity (95.1%; 95% CI: 83% - 99%) compared to PHQ-A item 9 (73.1%; 95% CI: 57% - 85%), and superior performance in identifying suicide risk in youth. LimitationsThe study included a convenience sampling and was geographically restricted to Buenos Aires, Argentina. The study also lacked longitudinal follow-up to assess the predictive validity of these screening tools for suicide risk. ConclusionThe study highlights the ASQ's effectiveness in identifying suicide risk among youth, emphasizing the importance of specialized screening tools over depression screening tools alone for accurate risk assessment in this population.

Voice-based depression assessment in patients with gynecological cancer.

161 Background: Although depression in patients with cancer can lead to a deterioration of treatment adherence and quality of life (QOL), diagnosis of depression in patients with cancer is difficult due to symptoms overlapping with side effects of cancer treatment such as fatigue. Traditional screening tools like the PHQ-9 questionnaire are underutilized in clinical practice. Recently, interest has grown in utilizing patients' voices to assess their mental well-being. This study aims to evaluate depression in patients with gynecological cancer and explore the usefulness of voice analysis as a depression detection tool. Methods: PHQ-9 scores were collected from 197 patients with gynecological cancer, with 28 cases undergoing longitudinal assessments at diagnosis, postoperatively, and during chemotherapy. Voice recordings were obtained from 70 patients at diagnosis, alongside serum samples from 22 patients. The PHQ-9 scores were compared across different treatment periods, with a specific focus on patients exhibiting a PHQ score of ≧10, who can be diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The provision of supportive care for MDD patients was also verified. A random forest model was developed from voice features obtained from 70 patients, with hyperparameter tuning and cross-validation to predict mild depression. Serum metabolites were comprehensively analyzed between depression prediction group and normal prediction group by the depression prediction model. Results: Mean PHQ-9 scores decreased over time since diagnosis; initially 6.50 ± 4.99 (mean ±SD), post-operatively 6.18 ± 4.25, and during chemotherapy 4.88 ± 4.29. The frequencies of MDD also decreased over the clinical course; at diagnosis 24.3%, post-operatively 15.5%, and during chemotherapy 15.4%. Out of 17 cases of MDD during chemotherapy, only one (6.25%) received psychiatric intervention. All MDD cases during chemotherapy had PHQ-9 scores of 5 or higher, representing mild depression at diagnosis. Mild depression at diagnosis could be predicted with an AUC of 0.89 using voice features. Metabolites identified by the voice-based depression prediction model were associated with depression, such as xanthine, methionine, and taurocholic acid. Conclusions: Depression during chemotherapy is often not intervened. Patients with mild depression at diagnosis tend to develop MDD during chemotherapy. Voice-based mental health assessment at diagnosis is possibly a promising screening tool for depression during subsequent cancer treatment. Clinical trial information: UMIN000044266 .

Longitudinal measurement invariance and psychometric properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire-Four in China

BackgroundDepression and anxiety symptoms among medical students are often a concern. The Patient Health Questionnaire-Four (PHQ-4), an important tool for depression and anxiety screening, is commonly used and easy to administer. This study aimed to assess and update the longitudinal measurement invariance and psychometric properties of the simplified Chinese version.MethodsA three-wave longitudinal survey was conducted among healthcare students using the PHQ-4. Structural validity was based on one-factor, two-factor, and second-order factor models, construct validity was based on the Self-Rated Health Questionnaire (SRHQ), Sleep Quality Questionnaire (SQQ), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and longitudinal measurement invariance (LMI), internal consistency, and test–retest reliability were based on structural consistency across three time points.ResultsThe results of the confirmatory factor analysis indicated that two-factor model was the best fit, and LMI was supported at three time points. Inter-factor, factor-total, and construct validity correlations of the PHQ-4 were acceptable. Additionally, Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, and the intraclass correlation coefficient demonstrated acceptable/moderate to excellent reliability of the PHQ-4.ConclusionsThis study adds new longitudinal evidence that the Chinese version of the PHQ-4 has promising LMI and psychometric properties. Such data lends confidence to the routine and the expanded use of the PHQ-4 for routine screening of depression and anxiety in Chinese healthcare students.

World Health Organization 5 (WHO-5) Well-Being Index and Problem Areas in Diabetes 5 Scale (PAID-5): A Cross-Sectional Study in Screening Tools for Depression and Anxiety Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in Kerala, India

World Health Organization 5 (WHO-5) Well-Being Index and Problem Areas in Diabetes 5 Scale (PAID-5): A Cross-Sectional Study in Screening Tools for Depression and Anxiety Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in Kerala, India

Endocannabinoid levels in female-sexed individuals with diagnosed depression: a systematic review

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent mental health disorder with females experiencing higher rates of depression (11.6%), anxiety (15.7%) and physiological distress (14.5%) than males. Recently, the Endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been proposed to be a key contributing factor in the pathogenesis and symptom severity of MDD due to its role in neurotransmitter production, inflammatory response and even regulation of the female reproductive cycle. This review critically evaluates evidence regarding ECS levels in female-sexed individuals with depressive disorders to further understand ECS role.Materials and methodsA systematic literature review of available research published prior to April 2022 was identified using PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), CINAHL (EBSCO), Web of Science, AMED and Scopus (Elsevier). Studies were included if they reported ECS analysis of female-sexed individuals with depression and were excluded if they did not differentiate results between sexes, assessed mental health conditions other than depression, tested efficacy of endocannabinoid/n-acylethanolamine/cannabis or marijuana administration and that were unable to be translated. Critical appraisal of each included study was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for Systematic Reviews.ResultsThe 894 located citations were screened for duplicates (n = 357) and eligibility by title and abstract (n = 501). The full text of 33 studies were reviewed, and 7 studies were determined eligible for inclusion. These studies indicated that depressed female-sexed individuals have altered levels of ECS however no significant pattern was identified due to variability of study outcomes and measures, limiting overall interpretation.DiscussionThis review suggests potential involvement of ECS in underlying mechanisms of MDD in female sexed-individuals, however no pattern was able to be determined. A major contributor to the inability to attain reliable and valid understanding of the ECS levels in female-sexed individuals with depression was the inconsistency of depression screening tools, inclusion criteria’s and analysis methods used to measure eCBs. Future studies need to implement more standardised methodology to gain a deeper understanding of ECS in female-sexed individuals with depressive disorders.Trial registration This review was submitted to PROSPERO for approval in April 2022 (Registration #CRD42022324212).

Sex Differences in the Association of Depression Symptoms and Cardiovascular Disease in Adults in the United States.

This study explores the relationship between depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the US adult population, focusing on sex differences. Cross-sectional study. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2013-2018). A total of 14699 community-dwelling adults (≥20years). The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) depression screening tool assessed depressive symptoms. CVD events included heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack, or stroke. Adjusted prevalence ratios were estimated using a Poisson regression model. The study finds a positive association between CVD incidents and both mild to moderate depressive symptoms (aPR:1.42, P = .002) and moderately severe to severe depression (aPR:1.72, P = .024). Overall, females exhibit a 47% lower likelihood of CVD incidents compared to males. However, in a subgroup analysis, increased depressive symptoms correlate with higher CVD incidents in females (aPRs range: 2.09 to 3.43, P < .001) compared to males (aPRs range: 1.45 to 1.77, P < .001). Depression is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Females generally have a lower CVD risk than males, but more severe depressive symptoms elevate CVD risk in females. These findings emphasize the significance of considering sex differences. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Patient Perspectives on Portal-Based Anxiety and Depression Screening in HIV Care: A Qualitative Study Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Electronic patient portals represent a promising means of integrating mental health assessments into HIV care where anxiety and depression are highly prevalent. Patient attitudes toward portal-based mental health screening within HIV clinics have not been well described. The aim of this formative qualitative study is to characterize the patient-perceived facilitators and barriers to portal-based anxiety and depression screening within HIV care in order to inform implementation strategies for mental health screening. Twelve adult HIV clinic patients participated in semi-structured interviews that were audio recorded and transcribed. The transcripts were coded using constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and analyzed thematically to identify the barriers to and facilitators of portal-based anxiety and depression screening. Facilitators included an absence of alternative screening methods, an approachable design, perceived adaptability, high compatibility with HIV care, the potential for linkage to treatment, an increased self-awareness of mental health conditions, the ability to bundle screening with clinic visits, and communicating an action plan for results. The barriers included difficulty navigating the patient portal system, a lack of technical support, stigmatization from the healthcare system, care team response times, and the novelty of using patient portals for communication. The patients in the HIV clinic viewed the use of a portal-based anxiety and depression screening tool as highly compatible with routine HIV care. Technical difficulties, follow-up concerns, and a fear of stigmatization were commonly perceived as barriers to portal use. The results of this study can be used to inform implementation strategies when designing or incorporating portal-based mental health screening into other HIV care settings.

Validation and optimal cut-off score of the World Health Organization Well-being Index (WHO-5) as a screening tool for depression among patients with schizophrenia

BackgroundThe utility of the World Health Organization Wellbeing Index (WHO-5) as rapid screening tool for depression has not yet been researched in the context of schizophrenia. The goals of this study were twofold: (1) to test the psychometric properties of the WHO-5 in a sample of Arabic-speaking patients with schizophrenia from Lebanon, with particular emphasis on validating the WHO-5 as a screening tool for wellbeing and depression in patients with schizophrenia; and (2) to determine the optimal cut-off point to identify schizophrenia patients with depression.MethodsChronic, remitted patients with schizophrenia took part in this cross-sectional study between August and October 2023 (n = 117; mean age of 57.86 ± 10.88 years and 63.3% males). The Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) was included as index of validity. For the validation of the WHO-5 scale, we performed a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the original structure of the scale. To assess the discriminatory validity of the Arabic version of the WHO-5 as a screening tool for depression, we conducted a Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, taking the WHO-5 reversed score against the dichotomized CDSS score at a cut off value of 6.ResultsThe results of CFA supported the originally proposed unidimensional structure of the measure, with good internal consistency reliability (α = 0.80), concurrent validity, and cross-sex measurement invariance. The WHO-5 showed a sensitivity of 0.8 and a specificity of 0.7 in the detection of depression with a cut-off point of 9.5. The validity of the WHO-5 as a screening tool for depression was supported by the excellent discrimination AUC value of 0.838. Based on this WHO-5 cut-off value, 42.6% of the patients were screened as having a depression.ConclusionThe study contributes to the field by showing that the WHO-5 is a concise and convenient self-report measure for quickly screening and monitoring depressive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. It is therefore highly recommended to apply this cut-off point for screening and follow-up assessments. The current findings will hopefully encourage clinicians and researchers working in Arab settings, who are often confronted with significant time and resource constraints, to start using the WHO-5 to aid their efforts in mitigating depression in this vulnerable population and fostering research in this under-researched area.

Involving stakeholders in designing a mental health curriculum for staff in the vision impairment sector

Depression and anxiety are common in people with congenital and acquired vision impairment but often go unaddressed. Staff from a variety of professions and roles in the sight impairment sector are well-placed to identify mental health issues and signpost individuals for support. However, many of these individuals need training to do this competently. The aim of this project was to develop a mental health training curriculum for staff. We used a seven-step method involving staff and service users from national sight loss charities and local authorities, and university researchers. The result was a curriculum containing five modules covering an introduction to mental well-being, the use of a standardised depression and anxiety screening tool, referral and support options and implementation issues to consider. Future work involves developing the curriculum into an online training programme for wide dissemination across the sight loss sector.

Assessing the Relationship between Physical Health, Mental Health and Students' Success among Universities in Lebanon: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Achieving high academic success is known to be influenced by many factors including, but not limiting to, physical and mental health. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between physical health, mental health, and university students' success, and to explore the associations between these factors and their academic achievement. A cross-sectional, self-administered online survey was used to collect data from college students in three different universities in Lebanon during the Fall 2023 semester. Mental health was evaluated using validated screening tools for depression, anxiety, and stress, specifically the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), respectively. Additionally, general questions regarding physical health and lifestyle factors were incorporated into the questionnaire. Academic achievement was measured using students' grade point average (GPA). A total of 261 students completed the self-administered online survey. The results revealed that approximately 42% and 36% of students were experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively, and 75.1% of students exhibited symptoms of moderate stress. The majority of participants (99.2%) did not report any physical disability. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between mental health status (depression, anxiety, and stress) and GPA level (p = 0.03, p = 0.044, p = 0.015, respectively). Multiple logistic regression models identified eight correlates of GPA and highlighted the relationship between physical health and student success. For instance, students who considered themselves moderately active had lower odds of achieving a higher GPA than those who considered themselves active (OR = 0.41, p = 0.045). This is the first investigation into Lebanese university students' academic success in relation to lifestyle and mental health profiles. The findings indicate that implementing public health programs and interventions targeting mental health and lifestyle behaviors is essential for enhancing student success.

How do Differences in Adolescent and Caregiver Reports of Adolescent Adverse Childhood Experiences Relate to Adolescent Depression?

ObjectiveThis study aims to compare adolescent and caregiver reports of adolescent ACEs and their relationship with current adolescent depression and to analyze the relationship between ACEs and depression. MethodsWe recruited 46 adolescent-caregiver dyads from a large inner city medical center's adolescent medicine clinic. Adolescents and caregivers completed the Center for Youth Wellness ACE questionnaire, encompassing traditional ACEs (e.g., abuse, neglect, household dysfunction) and non-traditional ACEs (e.g., foster care, parental death, exposure to community violence). Adolescents also completed the PHQ-9A depression screening tool. ResultsAmong adolescents, 14 (30%) reported no traditional ACEs, 11 (24%) reported one, and 21 (46%) reported more than one. Regarding non-traditional ACEs, 16 (35%) reported none, 11(24%) reported one, and 19 (41%) reported more than one. Caregiver reports consistently indicated lower ACEs compared to adolescent self-reports (p < .005). For the PHQ-9A scores, 26 (57%) of adolescents showed no or minimal depression, 14 (30%) mild, and six (13%) moderate depression. A moderate positive correlation emerged between PHQ-9A scores and self-reported traditional ACEs (rs=0.5, p<.001) and non-traditional ACEs (rs=0.49, p<.001). Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between the absolute differences in adolescent and caregiver reports of traditional ACEs and PHQ-9A scores (n=46, ρ=0.51, p<0.001). ConclusionAs the differences in ACE reports between adolescents and caregivers increased, there was a corresponding increase in adolescent depression scores. It is essential to incorporate comprehensive ACE screening and encourage open communication between adolescents and caregivers which may improve mental health outcomes.

Patterns of peripartum depression and anxiety during the pre-vaccine COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundPregnant people are vulnerable to new or worsening mental health conditions. This study aims to describe prevalence and course of depression and anxiety symptoms in pregnancy during the pre-vaccine COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study of pregnant individuals with known or suspected COVID-19. Participants completed Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Generalized-Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaires, screening tools for depression and anxiety, at 34weeks gestational age, 6-8weeks postpartum, and 6months postpartum. Prevalence of elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms at each visit was described. Univariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between demographic and clinical factors and those with elevated depression or anxiety symptoms.Results317 participants were included. The prevalence of elevated antepartum depression symptoms was 14.6%, 10.3%, and 20.6% at 34weeks gestational age, 6-8weeks postpartum, and 6months postpartum, respectively. The rate of elevated anxiety symptoms was 15.1%, 10.0%, and 17.3% at 34weeks gestational age, 6-8weeks postpartum, and 6months postpartum, respectively. A prior history of depression and/or anxiety (p’s < 0.03), as well as higher EPDS and GAD-7 scores at enrollment (p’s < 0.04) associated with elevated depression and anxiety symptoms throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. Quarantining during pregnancy was associated with elevated anxiety symptoms at 34weeks gestational age in univariate (P = 0.027) analyses. COVID-19 diagnosis and hospitalization were not associated with elevated depression or anxiety symptoms.ConclusionsElevated depression and anxiety symptoms were prevalent throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period, particularly in those with prior depression and/or anxiety and who quarantined. Strategies that target social isolation may mitigate potential adverse consequences for pregnant people, and continued vigilance in recognition of depression and anxiety in pregnancy should be considered.

Prevalence of major depressive disorder and its associated factors among adult patients with neurolathyrism in Dawunt District, Ethiopia; 2022: community-based cross-sectional study.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the commonest mental disorders affecting more than 250million people globally. Patients with chronic illnesses had higher risks for developing MDD than the general population. Neurolathyrism is a chronic illness characterized by lifelong incurable spastic paralysis of lower extremities; causing permanent disability. It is highly prevalent in Dawunt district, Ethiopia; with a point prevalence of 2.4%. Despite this, there were no previous studies assessing the prevalence of MDD among patients with neurolathyrism in Ethiopia. To assess the prevalence of MDD and to identify its associated factors among patients with neurolathyrism in Dawunt district, Ethiopia. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted on 260 samples in Dawunt district from February 01 to March 30/ 2021. Multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants. The patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) depression screening tool was used to diagnose MDD. PHQ-9 is a standardized depression screening tool and a PHQ-9 score of ≥ 10 has a sensitivity and specificity of 88.0% [95% CI (83.0-92.0%)] and 85.0% [95% CI (82.0-88.0%)] for screening MDD. Data were collected by interview; entered to EpiData version 4.2.0; exported to SPSS version 25.0 for analysis; descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model were used; AOR with 95% CI was used to interpret the associations; and finally results were presented by texts, charts, graphs, and tables. A total of 256 adult patients with neurolathyrism were participated; and the prevalence of MDD was found to be 38.7%. Being female [AOR = 3.00; 95% CI (1.15, 7.84)], living alone [AOR = 2.77; 95% CI (1.02-7.53)], being on neurolathyrism stage-3 [AOR = 3.22; 95% CI (1.09, 9.54)] or stage-4 [AOR = 4.00; 95% CI (1.28, 12.48)], stigma [AOR = 2.69; 95% CI (1.34, 5.39)], and lack of social/ family support [AOR = 3.61; 95% CI (1.80, 7.24)] were found to have statistically significant association with an increased odds of MDD; while regular exercise and ever formal counselling were found to have statistically significant association with a decreased odds of MDD. The prevalence of MDD among neurolathyrism patients in Dawunt district was high. Lack of social support, stigma, not getting formal counselling, and not involving in regular exercise were modifiable risk factors. Therefore, social support, reducing stigma, formal counselling, and encouraging regular exercise might help to reduce the burden of MDD among neurolathyrism patients.

IJCM_335A: Geriatric depression and associated factors: a community-based study in a rural area of Central Kerala

Background: Aging is a complex biological process associated with cellular and molecular damages. Rural India comprises 70 percent of the total geriatric population of the country. Kerala being a demographically advanced state have greater proportions of older population than the national average. Elderly constitutes a vulnerable group for depression, as they are especially prone to suffer adverse consequences of a depressive episode. Depression can cause great suffering and can lead to impaired functioning in daily life. Objective: : To estimate the prevalence of depression and determine the associated factors among elderly aged 60 years and above using Geriatric Depression Scale in Tholur Panchayath of Thrissur district, Kerala Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done among 200 older adults aged 60 years and above in October 2022 in Tholur village panchayat area of Thrissur District in Kerala. Using cluster sampling technique study participants were identified. After obtaining informed consent, a pretested questionnaire is administered to obtain sociodemographic characteristics and details of comorbid illness. The Geriatric Depression Scale, short-form questionnaire, was used as a screening tool for depression. Data was entered in MS Excel and statistically analyzed using the IBM SPSS software (trial version). Results: The mean age of the study population was 70.59 ± 7.89 years. 64.5% of the study population were females. 16.5% had mild depression, 10% had moderate depression and 11% had severe depression as per the geriatric depression scale (GDS) scoring. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression among the elderly was 37.8 %, and hence early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to reduce its burden in the community

Taste dysfunction as a predictor of depression in schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between taste dysfunction and depression among patients with schizophrenia, to achieve early detection of depression in clinical practice. Following PRISMA guidance, a comprehensive literature search was conducted globally, covering papers published from 1961 to June 2023. A total of 17 manuscripts were selected through meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis after examining available materials from seven databases to determine the correlation between depression and taste dysfunction. The comparison of the 17 selected manuscripts revealed that individuals with gustatory dysfunction may be more likely to experience depressive symptoms (SMD, 0.51, 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.93, p = 0.02). Depression is associated with taste dysfunction in certain aspects, as indicated by the pleasantness ratings of sucrose solutions (SMD, -0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.11 to 0.05, p = 0.08), gustatory identification ability (SMD, 0.96, 95% CI, 0.03 to 1.89, p = 0.04), and the perception threshold of sweet taste (MD, 0.80, 95% CI, 0.79 to 0.81, p < 0.00001). Due to variations in the methods, designs, and selection criteria employed in the included studies, it is necessary to establish a feasible framework. Future research using detailed and targeted approaches can provide clearer and more unified conclusions on the relationship between taste dysfunction and depression. Moreover, further high-quality research is needed to obtain clearer conclusions and explore the potential of taste dysfunction as an effective tool for early screening of depression. This review has been registered in the PROSPERO on April 2022 with the identifier CRD42023400172.

Moderate or major anxiety and depression versus high alcohol consumption in women in Honduras

&lt;b&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; The role of women in society is diverse and fundamental.&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Objectives&lt;/b&gt;: To determine whether anxiety and moderate or major depression were associated with high alcohol consumption in Honduran women.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Methods:&lt;/b&gt; A cross-sectional and analytic study was conducted using the self-reporting questionnaire test as a screening tool for anxiety, depression, and alcohol consumption.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results&lt;/b&gt;: Moderate or greater anxiety was more frequent among those with high alcohol consumption (aPR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.09-2.04; p=0.013), was also frequent among those reporting violence at home (aPR: 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36-1.94; p&amp;lt;0.001) and some history of mental pathology at home (aPR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.44-1.87; p&amp;lt;0.001). Moderate or major depression was more frequent among those reporting violence at home (aPR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.30-1.83; p&amp;lt;0.001) and having some history of mental pathology at home (aPR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.18-1.63; p&amp;lt;0.001).&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/b&gt;A significant association was observed between anxiety and high alcohol consumption in this population of women from Honduras.

Predictors of anxiety and depression in patients with oral cancer undergoing radical resection with reconstructive surgery

ObjectivesThe reduced survival rate and diminished quality of life (QOL) observed in cancer patients with depression have garnered significant attention in recent years. Oral cancer can cause psychological and social stress because its incidence and treatment not only impair oral functions, such as mastication, swallowing, and articulation, but also disfigure the face. In this study, we investigated the factors that predict worsening psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, in patients with oral cancer. Materials and methodsThirty-seven patients with oral cancer who underwent radical resection with reconstructive surgery between 2017 and 2022 were enrolled. The Japanese version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), a screening tool for anxiety and depression, was used to obtain preoperative scores and up to 9-month postoperative scores. ResultsThe number of patients that exceeded the cut-off values for adjustment disorder and depression was 19 (51.4%) preoperative and 20 (54.1%), 13 (35.1%), and 14 (37.8%) at 3, 6, and 9 postoperative months, respectively. The analysis of covariance showed that the primary site (F = 218.267, p = 0.0216) and marital status (F = 105.758, p = 0.0269) were factors that affected the HADS scores. ConclusionThe risk of postoperative anxiety and depression in patients with oral cancer undergoing radical resection with reconstruction may be increased in patients whose tongue is the primary site and in patients who are single.

An empirical comparison of statistical methods for multiple cut-off diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis of the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) depression screening tool using published results vs individual participant data

BackgroundSelective reporting of results from only well-performing cut-offs leads to biased estimates of accuracy in primary studies of questionnaire-based screening tools and in meta-analyses that synthesize results. Individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA) of sensitivity and specificity at each cut-off via bivariate random-effects models (BREMs) can overcome this problem. However, IPDMA is laborious and depends on the ability to successfully obtain primary datasets, and BREMs ignore the correlation between cut-offs within primary studies.MethodsWe compared the performance of three recent multiple cut-off models developed by Steinhauser et al., Jones et al., and Hoyer and Kuss, that account for missing cut-offs when meta-analyzing diagnostic accuracy studies with multiple cut-offs, to BREMs fitted at each cut-off. We used data from 22 studies of the accuracy of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; 4475 participants, 758 major depression cases). We fitted each of the three multiple cut-off models and BREMs to a dataset with results from only published cut-offs from each study (published data) and an IPD dataset with results for all cut-offs (full IPD data). We estimated pooled sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each cut-off and the area under the curve.ResultsCompared to the BREMs fitted to the full IPD data, the Steinhauser et al., Jones et al., and Hoyer and Kuss models fitted to the published data produced similar receiver operating characteristic curves; though, the Hoyer and Kuss model had lower area under the curve, mainly due to estimating slightly lower sensitivity at lower cut-offs. When fitting the three multiple cut-off models to the full IPD data, a similar pattern of results was observed. Importantly, all models had similar 95% CIs for sensitivity and specificity, and the CI width increased with cut-off levels for sensitivity and decreased with an increasing cut-off for specificity, even the BREMs which treat each cut-off separately.ConclusionsMultiple cut-off models appear to be the favorable methods when only published data are available. While collecting IPD is expensive and time consuming, IPD can facilitate subgroup analyses that cannot be conducted with published data only.