Depressive Symptoms In Women Research Articles

Sexual Function and Depressive Symptoms in Young Women with Euthyroid Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Receiving Vitamin D, Selenomethionine and Myo-Inositol: A Pilot Study.

Thyroid autoimmunity is associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. The aim of this study was to compare sexual functioning and depressive symptoms in women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis receiving different treatments. The study included euthyroid women with autoimmune thyroiditis, untreated or receiving vitamin D, selenomethionine, or myo-inositol. Apart from measuring antibody titers and hormone levels, all participants completed questionnaires evaluating female sexual function (FSFI) and depressive symptoms (BDI-II). In untreated women, the overall FSFI scores and domain scores for desire, arousal, lubrication, and sexual satisfaction were lower than in women receiving vitamin D, selenomethionine, and myo-inositol. In the vitamin D-treated women, the total FSFI scores and scores for desire and arousal were higher than in women receiving the remaining micronutrients. The BDI-II score was lowest in the vitamin D-treated women and highest in the untreated patients with thyroiditis. Vitamin D-treated women were also characterized by lower antibody titers and higher testosterone levels than the women receiving the remaining micronutrients. There were no differences in sexual functioning and depressive symptoms between the selenomethionine- and myo-inositol-treated women. The study results suggest that although all antibody-lowering treatments are associated with better sexual functioning and well-being in young women with euthyroid autoimmune thyroiditis, the greatest benefits are observed in patients receiving vitamin D.

Stage 2 Registered Report: Epigenetic Intergenerational Transmission: Mothers’ Adverse Childhood Experiences and DNA Methylation

Individual differences in risk for mental disorders over the lifespan are shaped by forces acting before the individual is born-in utero, but likely even earlier, during the mother's own childhood. The environmental epigenetics hypothesis proposes that sustained effects of environmental conditions on gene expression are mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Recent human studies have shown that adversities in childhood are correlated with DNA methylation (DNAm) in adulthood. In the current study, we tested the following pre-registered hypotheses: Mothers' adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are correlated with DNAm in peripheral blood during pregnancy (hypothesis 1) and in cord blood samples from newborn infants (hypothesis 2), and women's depression and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy mediate the association between mothers' ACE exposure and prenatal/neonatal DNA methylation (hypothesis 3). Data were from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children Accessible Resource for Integrated Epigenomic Studies substudy. Women provided retrospective self-reports during pregnancy of ACE exposure. We conducted an epigenome-wide association study testing whether mothers' ACE exposure, cumulative score (0-10), was associated with DNAm in maternal antenatal blood and infant cord blood in more than 450,000 CpG (point on DNA sequence where cytosine and guanine base pairs are linked by a phosphate, where methylation usually occurs) sites on the Illumina 450K BeadChip. Analyses for cord blood were separated by infant sex, a pre-registered analysis. Hypothesis 1: In 896 mother-infant pairs with available methylation and ACE exposure data, there were no significant associations between mothers' ACE score and DNAm from antenatal peripheral blood, after controlling for covariates. Hypothesis 2: In infant cord blood, there were 5 CpG sites significantly differentially methylated in relation to mothers' ACEs (false discovery rate [FDR]< .05), but only in male offspring. Effect sizes were medium, with partial eta squared values ranging from 0.060 to 0.078. CpG sites were in genes related to mitochondrial function and neuronal development in the cerebellum. Hypothesis 3: There was no mediation by maternal anxiety/depression symptoms found between mothers' ACEs score and DNAm in the significant CpG sites in male cord blood. Mediation was not tested in antenatal peripheral blood, because no direct association between mothers' ACE score and antenatal peripheral blood was found. Our results show that mothers' ACE exposure is associated with DNAm in male offspring, supporting the notion that DNAm could be a marker of intergenerational biological embedding of mothers' childhood adversity. Epigenetic Intergenerational Transmission: Mothers' Adverse Childhood Experiences and DNA Methylation; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2020.03.008.

Efficacy of the intervention based on the self-silencing model in reducing depression and increasing self-expression in women with depression symptoms

Background. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the self-silencing model in reducing depression and increasing self-expression of depressed women. The self-silencing model is influenced by cognitive, attachment, and gestalt theories, and the role of social and cultural factors is emphasized in it, and these factors lead to depression in women by creating obstacles in expressing their wishes, opinions, and desires. Methods. This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design with a control group and with random replacement. In this study, using the study of treatment protocols, as well as receiving guidance from the theorists of this model and their colleagues, intervention programs based on it were prepared. The sample of this study included 30 femle teachers from 20 to 40 years old with bachelor's degrees who had depressive symptoms based on the results of The Beck questionnaire and clinical interview. Thus, the research sample included the self-silencing group and the control group, which were obtained from each pre-test and post-test group using the self-expression questionnaire and The Beck questionnaire. Between pre-test and post-test, experimental group received an intervention program. Finally, the scores obtained from pre-test and post-test were analyzed by analysis of covariance using SPSS software. Results. The results of data analysis showed that the intervention based on self-silencing is effective in reducing the depression of the experimental group. Likewise, this intervention method increased self-expression in the experimental group. No significant change was observed in the control group. Conclusion. According to the findings of this research, it can be said that using the self-silencing model can be an efficient method in reducing women's depression symptoms and increasing self-expression in them. Practical Implications. Psychotherapists can use the self-silencing model as one of the effective methods to reduce the symptoms of depression.

Effect of biological, psychological, and social factors on maternal depressive symptoms in late pregnancy: a cross-sectional study.

Depression commonly occurs during pregnancy and has become a major public health concern. Depression not only affects the individual but also causes adverse consequences for families and children. However, little is known regarding the depression status and its influencing factors in women during late pregnancy in China. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of maternal depressive symptoms in late pregnancy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and further explore the effect of biological, psychological, and social factors on depressive symptoms. An institution-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among eligible women in the late pregnancy stage and underwent prenatal examination at Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Jiangsu Province, Eastern China from December 2022 to February 2023. Data regarding depressive symptoms and biological, psychological, and social factors of the pregnant women were collected via a structured questionnaire. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact tests, and binary logistics regression were used to analyze the data. In total, 535 women in the late pregnancy stage were included in this study, 75 (14.0%) of whom exhibited depressive symptoms. A binary logistic regression analysis revealed that pregnant women who were multiparous (OR: 2.420, 95% CI: 1.188-4.932) and had moderate or severe insomnia symptoms (OR: 4.641, 95% CI: 1.787-12.057), anxiety (OR: 8.879, 95% CI: 4.387-17.971), high fear of COVID-19 (OR: 2.555, 95% CI: 1.255-5.199), moderate or severe family dysfunction (OR: 2.256, 95% CI: 1.141-4.461), and poor social support (OR: 2.580, 95% CI: 1.050-6.337) tended to show depressive symptoms. Conversely, pregnant women who received regular prenatal care (OR: 0.481, 95% CI: 0.243-0.951) and had good drinking water quality at home (OR: 0.493, 95% CI: 0.247-0.984) were more likely to avoid developing depressive symptoms. This study found that the prevalence of maternal depressive symptoms during late pregnancy was high and had multiple influencing factors. Thus, screening for depressive symptoms in women in the late pregnancy stage and providing special intervention programs are necessary, especially for those with risk factors.

0635 Associations Between Ambient Light Exposure and Development of Depressive Symptoms in Women at Risk for Postpartum Depression

Abstract Introduction There is increasing recognition that ambient light exposure plays a critical role in daytime functioning, including mood regulation. In this analysis, we examined associations between 24-hour light exposure patterns and mood in women at risk of developing postpartum depression. Methods Perinatal women ages 18-40 with a history of major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder who did not meet criteria for depression at study enrollment during 3rd trimester wore wrist actigraphs that recorded ambient light levels for one week at 3rd trimester (~33 weeks’ gestation) and again during postpartum weeks 2, 6, and 16. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D-17) at the end of each recording week. To summarize the light data, we calculated the arithmetic mean of the log-light levels in twenty-four 60-minute bins across each day and then aggregated each hour across each recording week. We used nonlinear model fitting (cosinor) to calculate area under the curve (AUC) and compared 24-hour and morning (8:00 am to 12:00 pm) light exposure patterns between women with elevated depression symptoms at week 16 (HAM-D-17 &amp;gt; 7) and women with low depression symptoms at study entry and week 16 (HAM-D-17 &amp;lt;=7) using Mann-Whitney U-tests. Results Compared with women who did not become depressed (n=15), those who ultimately developed depression (n=8) had significantly lower morning light exposure at 3rd trimester and at postpartum week 6, but not at postpartum week 16. Effect sizes were moderate at 3rd trimester (eta-squared=0.30) and small at Week 6 (eta squared=0.24). There were no significant differences in the overall 24-hour AUC of light exposure between participants who developed significant depressive symptoms at postpartum week 16 and non-depressed women at any time point [3rd trimester: p=0.35; postpartum week 6: p=0.92; postpartum week 16: p=0.35]. Conclusion In this sample of perinatal women at risk for postpartum depression, new mothers who developed clinically-significant depressive symptoms at postpartum week 16 had lower levels of morning light exposure during 3rd trimester and at 6 weeks postpartum. Lower peripartum morning light exposure may predict the development of postpartum depression. Support (if any) MH086689 to KMS

Trajectories of sleep quality and depressive symptoms in women from pregnancy to 3 months postpartum: a prospective cohort study.

Sleep quality and depression during pregnancy often affect women's adaptation to motherhood and are linked with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Using a prospective cohort study comprising 190 pregnant women in central Taiwan, we investigated the trajectories of sleep quality and depressive symptoms and their associated predictors in perinatal women from pregnancy to postpartum. Sleep and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, respectively, from mid-pregnancy to 3 months postpartum. We used group-based trajectory modelling and logistic regression modelling to analyse the data collected from the structured questionnaires. Pregnant women (50.5% primipara) with a mean (standard deviation) age of 32.3 (4.1) years were included. We identified three distinctive classes of sleep quality trajectories during the perinatal period: 'stable good' (18.4%), 'increasing poor' (48.9%), and 'stable poor' (32.6%). We further detected three stable trajectories of depressive symptoms: 'stable low' (36.3%), 'stable mild' (42.1%), and 'stable high' (21.6%). A significant association between sleep quality and depression trajectories was evident (p < 0.001). High fatigue symptoms and low social support predicted the high trajectories of poor sleep and depressive symptoms. Distinctive dynamic sleep quality and stable depression trajectories were characterised. Our findings revealed that both the sleep and depression trajectories were closely associated with one another, with common predictors of fatigue symptoms and social support. The early assessment of maternal sleep and depression status is important for identifying at-risk women and initiating interventions tailored to perinatal women to improve their sleep and mental health.

Factors attributed to depressive symptoms in women coping with infertility during the pandemic of COVID-19

Link of Video Abstract: https://youtu.be/2L4njgfd3SE Background: The dissemination of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has led to delayed infertility treatment and fear of contracting the virus which can affect the mental status of women with infertility. This research aimed to investigate whether fear, depression, perceptions, and knowledge related to COVID-19 affected infertility patients in seeking treatment and analyzed factors associated with depression during COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This is a cross-sectional study utilizing an electronic survey distributed to infertility patients attending fertility services between May and July 2021. The primary outcomes were demographic characteristics, clinical parameters of infertility, depressive symptoms based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score, and fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-1 and FCV-2). Results: A total of 533 patients were included. The fear of infertility treatment suspension due to COVID-19 was perceived by 34.1% of patients. The mean Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score was 4.55 ± 4.248, with mild depression occurring in 33.4% of patients. Low income, delayed treatment, and fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-1) score together could significantly predict depression status. Despite the pandemic, 94.7% of patients decided to continue the treatment. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to stressors that may aggravate the psychological condition of women with infertility. However, the enthusiasm to continue the treatment remains undisturbed. It is imperative to offer emotional support and address the consequences of COVID-19 infection in women with infertility during the pandemic era.

The Relative Importance of Internal Cognitive Processes in Explaining Depressive Symptoms in University Students

ABSTRACT Depression is a common reason university students seek counseling. Various internal cognitive processes are risk factors for college students’ depression (e.g., anxiety, stress level, inability to manage stressors, brooding rumination, and self-deprecating thoughts). We used dominance analyses to determine the relative contribution of each internal cognitive process in explaining depressive symptoms, which process was most important, and whether any process completely dominated other processes. Self-report data were collected from 5,033 ethnically-diverse university students (18-25 years). Women (compared to men) reported significantly higher depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress level, inability to manage stressors, brooding, and self-deprecation. The combination of internal cognitive processes accounted for substantial variance in depressive symptoms in women and men. Each internal cognitive process made unique contributions, although complete dominance was not found. The order of relative contribution from most important to least important follows: generalized anxiety, inability to manage stressors, self-deprecation, stress level, and brooding rumination.

Prevalence of early postpartum depression and associated risk factors among selected women in southern Malawi: a nested observational study

BackgroundThe birth of a child should be a time of celebration. However, for many women, childbirth represents a time of great vulnerability to becoming mentally unwell, a neglected maternal morbidity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of early postpartum depression (PPD) and its associated risk factors among women giving birth at health facilities in southern Malawi. Identifying women vulnerable to PPD will help clinicians provide appropriately targeted interventions before discharge from the maternity ward.MethodWe conducted a nested cross-sectional study. Women were screened for early PPD using a locally validated Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) as they were discharged from the maternity ward. The prevalence of moderate or severe (EPDS ≥ 6) and severe (EPDS ≥ 9) PPD was determined, including 95% confidence intervals (CI). Data on maternal age, education and marital status, income source, religion, gravidity, and HIV status, among others, were collected during the second trimester of pregnancy, and obstetric and infant characteristics during childbirth were examined as potential risk factors for early PPD using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses.ResultsData contributed by 636 women were analysed. Of these women, 9.6% (95% CI; 7.4–12.1%) had moderate to severe early PPD using an EPDS cut-off of ≥ 6, and 3.3% (95% CI; 2.1–5.0%) had severe early PPD using an EPDS cut-off of ≥ 9. Multivariable analyses indicated that maternal anaemia at birth (aOR; 2.65, CI; 1.49–4.71, p-value; 0.001) was associated with increased risk for moderate and/or severe early PPD, while live birth outcome (aOR; 0.15, 95% CI; 0.04–0.54, p-value; 0.004), being single compared to divorced/widowed (aOR; 0.09, 95% CI; 0.02–0.55, p-value; 0.009), and lower education level (aOR; 0.36, 95% CI; 0.20–0.65, p-value; 0.001) were associated with decreased risk. Being HIV positive (aOR; 2.88, 95% CI; 1.08–7.67, p-value; 0.035) was associated with severe PPD only.ConclusionThe prevalence of early PPD was slightly lower in our selected sample compared to previous reports in Malawi and was associated with maternal anaemia at birth, non-live birth, being divorced/widowed and HIV-positive status. Therefore, health workers should screen for depressive symptoms in women who are at increased risk as they are discharged from the maternity ward for early identification and treatment.

Depressive Symptoms are Positively Linked to Malevolent Creativity: A Novel Perspective on the Maladaptive Nature of Revenge Ideation

ABSTRACTDepressed mood has attracted little attention in creativity research. By comparison, psychotherapeutic studies have repeatedly associated depressive symptomatology with increased revenge ideation. Combining creativity and retaliatory ideation, the present study examined whether self‐reported subclinical depressive symptoms are linked to malevolent creativity – creativity used for the purpose of damaging others – in a psychometric test. In a sample of n = 259 participants, overall depressive symptoms were positively associated with malevolent creativity. Sensitivity analyses confirmed this link for motivational and interactional symptoms, but not cognitive symptoms of depression. As a gender‐specific finding, malevolent creativity was positively linked to emotional symptoms of depression in women, but not men. Our findings hint at the possibility that mood impairments through depressive symptoms may facilitate malevolent creative ideation through increased impulsivity, reduced self‐regulation, and protracted anger rumination. Following recommendations regarding more focused investigations into the vast research complex of psychopathology and creativity, this study emphasizes negative mood as a risk factor for the occurrence of harmful creative ideation, and thus, presents a novel perspective on the intricate link between internalizing and externalizing symptomatology.

12-months of increased dietary intake does not exacerbate disordered eating-related attitudes, stress, or depressive symptoms in women with exercise-associated menstrual disturbances: The REFUEL randomized controlled trial

Disordered eating-related attitudes are a leading cause of energy deficiency and menstrual disturbances in exercising women. Although treatment recommendations include psychological counseling with increases in dietary intake, a key concern is whether increased dietary intake may exacerbate negative eating behaviors. ObjectiveTo determine the effects of a 12-month nutritional intervention on eating-related attitudes and psychological characteristics in exercising women with oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea (Oligo/Amen). MethodsIntent-to-treat analysis of the REFUEL randomized controlled trial (#NCT00392873) in 113 exercising women (age [mean±SEM]:] 21.9 ± 0.4 yrs; BMI: 20.9 ± 0.2 kg/m2). Women were randomized to increase energy intake 20–40% above baseline energy needs (Oligo/Amen+Cal, n = 40) or maintain energy intake (Oligo/Amen Control, n = 36) while maintaining their exercise behaviors. A reference group of ovulatory women (OVref, n = 37) maintained diet and exercise behaviors. Body composition, eating attitudes, stress, and depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and every 3 months. ResultsAt baseline, the Oligo/Amen groups had higher drive for thinness, cognitive restraint, and eating disorder risk than OVref group (p < 0.001). Increased energy intake led to increases in percent body fat and fat mass (p < 0.010), but not psychobehavioral outcomes, in the Oligo/Amen+Cal compared to Oligo/Amen Control group. Independent of group, cognitive restraint decreased (p < 0.001) and resilient coping increased (p < 0.007) over 12-months, while perceived stress (p = 0.143) and depressive symptoms (p = 0.344) were unchanged. DiscussionLong-term nutritional intervention consisting of modest increases in dietary intake with guidance from a registered dietician and a psychologist increases body and fat mass without increasing disordered eating-related attitudes, stress, or depressive symptoms in exercising women with Oligo/Amen.

Latent Trajectories and Risk Factors of Prenatal Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Southwestern China—A Longitudinal Study

(1) Background: Few studies have explored the heterogeneity of trajectories of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms during pregnancy. This study aimed to explore the trajectory groups of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in women during pregnancy and the risk factors associated with those groups. (2) Methods: Data came from pregnant women recruited from January to September 2018 in four hospitals in Chongqing Province, China. A structured questionnaire was given to pregnant women, which collected basic information, including personal, family, and social information. The growth mixture model was applied to identify potential trajectory groups, and multinomial logistic regression was applied to analyze factors of trajectory groups. (3) Results: We identified three stress trajectory groups, three anxiety trajectory groups, and four depression trajectory groups. Less developed regions, inadequate family care, and inadequate social support were associated with a high risk of stress; residence, use of potentially teratogenic drugs, owning pets, family care, and social support were strongly associated with the anxiety trajectory group; family care and social support were the most critical factors for the depression trajectory group. (4) Conclusions: The trajectories of prenatal stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms are dynamic and heterogeneous. This study may provide some critical insights into the characteristics of women in the high-risk trajectory groups for early intervention to mitigate worsening symptoms.

Quality of Life and Depression Conditions of Women with Gestational Diabetes during Pregnancy and Postpartum Period.

The study was conducted to determine the quality of life and depression of women with gestational diabetes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. 100 pregnant women with gestational diabetes and 100 healthy pregnant women were included in the present study. Data were obtained from pregnant women in their third trimester who agreed to take part in the study. The data was collected during the third trimester and six to eight weeks after the baby was born. The data were obtained by socio-demographic characteristics form, postpartum data collection form, the MOS 36 Item Short Form Health Survey and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). The mean age of pregnant women with gestational diabetes in the study was the same as the average age of healthy pregnant women. The CESD score of pregnant women with gestational diabetes was 26,77 ± 4,85 while the corresponding score was 25,19 ± 4,43 for healthy women. Additionally, the score in the postpartum period was 32.47 ± 5.94 for pregnant women with gestational diabetes and 35.47 ± 8.33 for healthy pregnant women. CESD scores were found to be higher than the cut-off score of 16 in both groups, and the mean scores increased during the postpartum period. During the postpartum period, the quality of life of pregnant women with gestational diabetes was affected more negatively than healthy pregnant women. Depressive symptoms of women with both gestational diabetes and healthy pregnancy were found to be high in pregnancy and postpartum periods.

A longitudinal study of the psychological impact of child-rearing difficulty and COVID-19 on mothers in the postpartum period in Japan.

Postpartum mothers may experience psychological stress due to the sudden changes in their bodies and situation. This study investigates the changes in depressive symptoms among nursing mothers and their child-rearing difficulties before and one month after the declared state of emergency due to COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. The study also assesses whether adding the stress induced by the pandemic to parenting difficulties affected women's depressive symptoms. An online survey was conducted with 309 postpartum women. Participants completed questionnaires that included the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-SR-J), draft version of the Comprehensive Scale for Parenting Resilience and Adaptation (CPRA+α), and original questions about the COVID-19 stress. A factor analysis was performed on CPRA+α, which found five main factors: difficulty in coping with child and oneself, dissatisfaction with husband, distrust in parents, being tired of the child, and distrust in physician. As a result of t-test of these five factors and the QIDS revealed that there was a significant difference in depressive symptoms before and after the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition to these five factors, the COVID-19 stress of impact on income and employment increased depressive symptoms, while the stress of refraining from going out decreased depressive symptoms. Differences in the characteristics of children and mothers were not considered in the study. Longitudinal studies focusing on the period after the declaration of a state of emergency in 2020 are considered necessary. Childcare difficulties and the COVID-19 pandemic induced stress are associated with postpartum women's depressive symptoms.

The system of values and the severity of depression symptoms in women with eating disorders

Introduction: The system of values is of significant importance for health behaviours. Studies confirm the relation between various personal resources and behaviours, on the one hand, and the preferred values, on the other. However, there is a lack of reports on the relations between the system of values and the mental health disorders. The aim of the present studies was to establish the relation between the severity of depression symptoms and the system of values in women with eating disorders and in subgroups of bulimic and anorectic women distinguished due to the form of the disorder. Method of studies – totally, 100 women with eating disorders were examined, including 50 with anorexia and 50 with bulimia, in accordance with the ICD-10 classification; the Schwartz’s Portrait Value Questionnaire (PVQ-R2) and 21-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) were used. Results: Preference of values expressing fear, conformity and tradition were associated with the severity of depression in persons with eating disorders, while the value safety – with a decrease of symptoms. A high assessment of the value power in bulimic women was related to increased depression, which was diff erent from that in anorectic women. Preference of values which were not a sign of fear, namely self-direction and stimulation, in women with eating disorders was connected with a decrease of depression. A high assessment of the value benevolence in women with bulimia resulted in a decrease, while in anorectic women in an increase of depression symptoms. Preference of the value hedonism in bulimic women was related to a decrease of symptom, which showed a diff erent picture in anorectic women. In both subgroups, universalism, on the other hand, indicated increased severity of depression symptoms. Conclusions: To generalize the obtained results, it should be stated that the relations between the severity of depression symptoms and the system of values in women with eating disorders and in subgroups of bulimic and anorectic women distinguished due to the form of the disorder turned out to be much more complex than was assumed in the adopted hypothesis. Programmes of prophylaxis and treatment of eating disorders should consider the relations between the preferred values and the severity of depression. System wartości a nasilenie objawów depresji u kobiet z zaburzeniami odżywiania Wprowadzenie: System wartości ma istotne znaczenie dla podejmowania zachowań zdrowotnych. Badania potwierdzają występowanie zależności pomiędzy rozmaitymi dyspozycjami podmiotowymi i zachowaniami a preferowanymi wartościami. Brakuje natomiast doniesień dotyczących powiązań sytemu wartości z zaburzeniami zdrowia psychicznego. Cel badań: Podjęte badania miały na celu poszukiwanie związków między depresją a systemem wartości u osób z zaburzeniami odżywiania oraz w wy254 Anna WIATROWSKA odrębnionych ze względu na postać zaburzenia podgrupach. Metoda badań: Przebadano 50 kobiet z jadłowstrętem psychicznym i 50 z rozpoznaniem bulimii, według klasyfikacji ICD-10. Zastosowano Portretowy Kwestionariusz Wartości (PVQ-R2) Schwartza i 21–itemową Skalę Depresji Hamiltona (HAM-D). Wyniki: Preferencja wartości będących wyrazem lęku, przystosowanie i tradycja wiązały się u osób z zaburzeniami odżywiania z nasileniem depresji, natomiast wartości bezpieczeństwo ze spadkiem objawów. Wysoka ocena wartości władza u kobiet z bulimią powiązana była ze wzrostem depresji, odmiennie niż u kobiet z anoreksją. Preferencja wartości nie będących przejawem lęku, samokierowanie i stymulacja wiązały się u kobiet z zaburzeniami odżywiania ze spadkiem depresji. Wysoka ocena wartości życzliwość skutkowała u kobiet z bulimią osłabieniem, zaś u kobiet z anoreksją nasileniem objawów depresji. Preferencja wartości hedonizm u kobiet z bulimią łączyła się ze spadkiem objawów, odmiennie u kobiet z anoreksją, natomiast uniwersalizm skutkował w obu podgrupach wzrostem nasilenia objawów depresji. Wnioski: Uogólniając uzyskane rezultaty należy stwierdzić, iż zależności między nasileniem objawów depresji a systemem wartości u kobiet z zaburzeniami odżywiania oraz w wyodrębnionych ze względu na typ zaburzenia podgrupach okazały się znacznie bardziej złożone niż zakładano w przyjętej hipotezie. Programy profi laktyki i leczenia zaburzeń odżywiania powinny uwzględniać powiązania między preferowanymi wartościami a nasileniem depresji.

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Depression in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

We examined the effects of Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on depressive symptoms in women with breast cancer and examined the moderating effects of participant characteristics, research methodologies, and features of interventions. We systematically searched 12 databases through November 2022 without date restrictions using the following search terms: (mindful* or meditation) AND (cancer OR neoplasm) AND (depress*). Studies included were primary studies evaluating MBIs in women with breast cancer who also had depression. Studies were included if they used a control group and were written in English. We used a random-effects model to compute effect sizes (ESs) using Hedges' g, forest plot, and Q and I2 statistics as measure of heterogeneity. We also requested moderator analyses. We found 19 studies with 2139 participants (49.4 ± 8.3 years old) that met inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis and systematic review. Overall, women in MBI groups demonstrated significantly lower levels of depression (g = 0.48, 95% CI:0.159, 0.792, P < .001) compared to women in control groups. Regarding moderators, providing MBIs with a home assignment component showed a significantly greater effect on decreasing depressive symptoms (g = 1.75) compared to MBIs without a home assignment component (g = 0.20). When researchers used concealed allocation technique, the interventions demonstrated lower effects on depression than when concealed allocation (g = 0.11vs g = 1.33, P ≤ .001) was not reported. Additionally, when researchers reported high rates of sample attrition, they found a lower effect size on depression (β = -.019, Q = 3.97, P = .046) indicating that attrition moderates the effect. MBIs are moderately effective interventions to reduce depressive symptoms among women with breast cancer. Clinicians might consider encouraging MBIs as adjunct/alternative treatments for women with breast cancer to manage symptoms of depression. Interventions that incorporat home assignments for practicing mindfulness are likely to have a greater effect on reducing depressive symptoms. Additionally, methods including concealed allocation and attrition rate were moderators of the effects of MBIs on depression in women with breast cancer.

Bisphenol A exposure and symptoms of anxiety and depression among women of reproductive age

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound used in multiple areas, including the manufacture of food packaging and containers. Dietary exposure accounts for &gt;90% of total exposure. It is considered an endocrine disruptor, as it is suspected to adversely affect fetal development during intrauterine life and contribute to the development of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease and mental health in adulthood. European law (Regulation (UE) 321/2011) banned BPA from polycarbonate infant feeding bottles, but it remains authorized for all other products with a tolerable daily intake of 4 μg/kg body weight/day (EFSA2015). We conducted a cross-sectional study of 56 women aged 18-40y to investigate the association between BPA exposure and the presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Subjects, recruited at ICANS, University of Milan, completed the STAI2 and QD questionnaires to investigate anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively. A blood sample was taken to determine exposure to total and unconjugated-BPA (metabolically active form). After adjustment for age, BMI, smoking and physical activity, total BPA (log-transform for linearity) was not associated with anxiety and depression, whereas unconjugated-BPA (transformed in square root for linearity) was significant associated with depression score (β(BPA) = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.21; p=0.042). Our data suggest that BPA exposure is associated with depressive symptoms in women in reproductive age.

Depression among middle-aged adults in Japan: The role of the built environment design

There has been considerable interest in the effect of the built environment design on depressive symptoms. However, there are still few empirical studies on this topic, and there is a dearth of evidence among middle-aged adults. The present study examined the associations of urban design attributes with depressive symptoms among a sample of middle-aged adults in Japan. Cross-sectional data from a random sample of residents (40–64 years old) in two cities in Japan were examined. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) questionnaire. Two types of perceived and objective attributes of the built environment were measured. Covariate-adjusted multivariable linear and binary logistic models were used to estimate associations between perceived and objective built environment attributes and depressive symptoms. Among women, higher perceived access to public transport and total perceived walkability was associated with a decrease in depressive symptoms. Furthermore, there was a significant association between higher safety from traffic and lower odds of having mild depressive symptoms (CES-D ≥ 16) in women. Among men, higher safety from crime was associated with a decrease in depressive symptoms and with lower odds of having mild depressive symptoms. Total perceived walkability was also associated with lower odds of having mild depressive symptoms in men. None of the objective built environment attributes were associated with depressive symptoms in women or men. Our findings provide empirical evidence that improving perceptions of neighbourhood walkability and, in particular, enhancing access to public transport and safety from crime and traffic are important for improving depressive symptoms among middle-aged men and women.

Prevalence and factors associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms in women deprived of liberty in Juiz de Fora-MG, Brazil.

Psychological distress and developing mental disorders in prisons are globally recognized public health issues. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of these symptoms and associated factors in 99 women over 18 years of age in the provisional, closed, and semi-open regimes in Juiz de Fora-MG, Brazil. This cross-sectional census study collected data face-to-face through a semi-structured and multidimensional questionnaire. We assessed outcomes using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). We built a theoretical determination model with three hierarchical blocks for the association analysis. We estimated crude prevalence ratios using the chi-square test and adjusted for each other within each block (p≤0.20). We adopted p≤0.05 for the final Poisson regression model with robust variance. The prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms was 75.8% (95%CI 66.1%-83.8%) and 65.7% (95%CI 55.4%-74.9%), respectively. In the final model, anxiety symptoms were associated with depressive symptoms. On the other hand, depressive symptoms were associated with the 20-29 years age group and anxiety symptoms. We identified a prevalence of the outcomes in more than half of the participants, emphasizing the inter-association between them.

Long-term effects of a prenatal mindfulness intervention on depressive symptoms in a diverse sample of women.

Depression is a public health crisis, and scalable, affordable interventions are needed. Although many psychosocial interventions are effective, there is little research investigating their sustained, long-term influence on well-being. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a prenatal mindfulness intervention with demonstrated benefit for women's depressive symptoms during the early postpartum period would exert effects through 8 years. The sample of 162 lower income women was racially and ethnically diverse. Women were assigned to receive an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention during pregnancy (MIND) or treatment as usual (TAU). Repeated assessments of depressive symptoms were collected using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 at baseline, postintervention, and following childbirth (1, 2, 3-4, 5, 6, and 8 years from baseline). The most recent assessment of depressive symptoms was collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. MIND and TAU women were equivalent on sociodemographic factors and depressive symptoms at baseline. Depressive symptoms at all follow-up assessments through 8 years were significantly lower among women in MIND compared to TAU. The odds of moderate or higher depressive symptoms were greater among TAU compared to MIND women at all time points except the 6-year assessment. By Year 8, 12% of women in MIND reported moderate or more severe depressive symptoms compared to 25% of women in TAU. Results suggest the effects of a group-based psychosocial intervention during pregnancy may endure for years, well beyond the initial perinatal period. Investing in prevention and intervention efforts for mental health during pregnancy may have sustained benefits for the well-being of women. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).