bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The severity and duration of depression and the anabolic balance
Authors: Kochetkov Y. , Gorobets L.
Published: May 2011

Objectives

In recent years many investigators have paid attention to anabolic balance in depression. They highlight the importance of the ratio of anabolic and catabolic processes for prognosis of the outcome of depression. Some researchers suppose that cortisol/DHEAS ratio and growth hormone (GH) are important markers of anabolic balance. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of severity and duration of depression on the anabolic balance in depression

Methods

79 patients with depressive episode were examined (F 32.0-2), 64 males and 15 females. Depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Hamilton Depression Scale (HDS). Anxiety was evaluated by Hamilton Anxiety Scale. Blood samples were drawn before antidepressant treatment. Serum DHEAS, cortisol and growth hormone levels were measured using ELISA kits.

Results

There was a negative correlation between cortisol level and duration of depression (r = - 0,47, p = 0,037). Cortisol/DHEAS ratio in patients with severe depression was significantly lower than in patient with mild depression (287 ± 89 and 374 ± 87, respectively, P = 0,002). Patients with early stage of depression have increased levels of catabolic hormones that have positive correlation with the severity of anxiety. Patients with long duration of depression have decreased levels of both anabolic and catabolic hormones.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that depression can cause serious changes in the balance of anabolic and catabolic hormones. We can assume that the long duration of depression can cause exhaustion of HPA-axis.
Alexithymia and pain experience in depressive patients
Authors: Sokolowska K. , Gorniak E. , Kowalska A. , Wydra K. , Krysta K. , Krupka-Matuszczyk I.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Alexithymia appears as an inhibition of recognizing and describing the mental conditions. It is often connected with psychosomatic illness or depression.

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare depressive patients with healthy persons in terms of the prevelence and level of the alexithymia and pain feeling.

Methods

The examined group (E) consists of 16 patients with diagnosed depression (11 women, 44,6±11,6 year old).The control group (C) consists of 14 randomly chosen persons (10 women, 40,0+/-15,3 year old) who achieved < 11 points in the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI).The alexithymia level was examined with TAS - 26 questionnaire (difficulty of recognizing the feelings and somatic senses (ODR), concrete thinking (MK), difficulty of expressing the feelings (TRW) and the lack of imagination (U)). The intensity of pain was examined with the questionnaire SF-MPQ. The scale BPCQ was used to examine beliefs about pain control.

Results

No statistical differences about age, sex, the U feature in TAS-26 scale and the results of BPCQ test were shown. The differences beetween groups E and C appeared in the alexithymia intensity range (75,3 ± 14,4 v.62,4 ± 8,2pts, p = 007), the ODR feature (23,7 ± 6,7 v. 13,0 ± 4,1pts, p< 0,001), MK (18,9 ± 4 v.23,1 ± 5,3pts, p = 0,036) and TRW (13,4 ± 2,6 v. 9,6 ± 2,8pts, p = 0,001). The E group featured significantly higher pain intensity(p = 0,012).

Conclusions

The patients with depression suffer from alexithymia very often. The prevalence of upper difficulties and great intensity of pain could suggest a psychotomatic component of pain affections.
Sense of guilt and anxiety in depression
Authors: Gojowy A. , Kowalska A. , Skowronek R. , Niedzielska H. , Ukrainska M. , Rzepka M. , Krysta K. , Krupka-Matuszczyk I.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Depression is a significant problem of our civilization. It is said that 10–20% of basic health care patients have depressive disorder. Its etiology is complex and multifactorial. Guilt feeling is one of accessory symptoms, but only small part of psychiatric literature is concerned with this problem.

Aims

The aim of the study was to find the correlation between guilt feeling and the level of depression and anxiety.

Methods

The study group involved 20 patients with depression diagnosed with ICD-10 criteria (14 females and 6 men aged 40–69 years). The depression level was determined using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The anxiety was assessed using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and guilt feeling using Interpersonal Guilt Questionnaire-67 (IGQ-67).

Results

The results were statistically analyzed using Microsoft Excel. 5 patients didn’t have symptoms of depression in last week, 11 have mild-moderate and 4 moderate-severe depression. Weak, but not statistically significant correlations between interpersonal guilt feeling and the level of depression (r = 0,319), anxiety as state (r = -0,395) and anxiety as trait (r = 0,298) were found. Statistically significant was correlation between age and state anxiety (r = 0,138; p = 0,037).

Conclusions

There is no evidence of relationship between interpersonal guilt feeling and the severity of depression and anxiety. In elderly patients with depressive disorder the level of state anxiety is higher. It may be significant to the effectiveness of applied therapy.
When to call it quits - a case report
Authors: Kumar A. , Rao K.P.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

We present a case report highlighting the central role of psychiatrist in care coordination in spite of current trends when care is fragmented and provided by specialist teams. The importance of organic causation in bio-psycho-social case formulation and its treatment is emphasized.

Objectives

To demonstrate the range of skills employed by practicing psychiatrist in optimising the care of the patients.

Aims

The role of Psychiatrists in managing risk in the suicidal patient with depressive illness is paramount and central.

Method

The highlights in a patient’s journey are revisited via a review of medical notes.

Results

The opinions of allied professionals and the split in the team in addressing heightened suicide risk is highlighted. The emphasis is placed on reflecting on when to end active management and consider a maintenance postion for the patient.

Conclusions

The concept of continuity of care and specialist knowledge of person in enhancing quality of care and optimising the patient outcome is firmly established.
Examination of the relation of smoking habit with the appearance of anxiety and depression at mental health professionals
Authors: Kyloudis P. , Wozniak G. , Rekliti M. , Georgiadis M. , Tsipras K. , Roupa Z.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Anxiety is considered to be a situation of agony, anguish and is being experienced as psychological pressure. At Mental Health Professionals’ work environment, a lot of factors may contribute to anxiety appearance and create the conditions of depression symptomatology development. The smoking habit is being connected with a great range of psychiatric diagnosis, including anxiety and depression.

Aim

Of this study was the examination of the relationship of smoking habit with the appearance of anxiety and depression at Mental Health Professionals.

Materials/method

317 mental health professionals were being examined (144 male, 173 female, with medieval age 38, 64 ± 7,945 years) and their smoking habits were recorded. For anxiety and depression examination the DSSI/Sad QUESTIONNAIRE was being used. The analysis of data was done by the use of statistical package SPSS 16.0.

Results

Smokers have higher levels of depression (t(315) = 2,417, p = 0,016) as well as of anxiety (t(315) = 2,219, p = 0,027). However no one of the specific degrees was related with the number of cigarettes smoked by smokers (r = 0,022, p = 0,777 for depression, r = 0,133, p = 0,084 for anxiety)

Conclusions

The smoking habit appeared to be related with anxiety and depression, it cannot although be considered as the reason but as the result of emotional difficulty of the participants. Even though smoking decreases the privative symptoms, it does not decrease the anxiety and the depression or the confrontation of their deeper reasons. It is being seen the need of development and materialization of interventions of effective support for Mental Health Professional at their own work environment.
The antidepressant efficacy of agomelatine in daily practice: Results of the non-interventional study VIVALDI
Authors: Laux G.
Published: May 2011

Objective

Agomelatine is a melatonergic agonist and 5-HT2C antagonist with demonstrated antidepressant efficacy in clinical trials. The aim of the non-interventional study VIVALDI was to examine the antidepressant efficacy and tolerability of agomelatine in depressed patients in daily practice.

Methods

3317 outpatients aged > 18 years with first or recurrent depressive episodes were observed by 665 German psychiatrists over 12 weeks. Patients were treated with agomelatine 25–50 mg once daily at bedtime. Antidepressant efficacy was evaluated by the svMADRS (short version MADRS) and CGI scales, effects on sleep and daily activity by a patient questionnaire (CircScreen).

Results

At inclusion, patients showed moderate to severe depression (svMADRS: 0 = 30.6), demonstrating an steady and marked clinical improvement during the 12 weeks of agomelatine treatment (svMADRS: 0 = 12.8). The responder rate (≥50% reduction of svMADRS) rose steadily from 12.3% (2 weeks) to 42.7% (6 weeks) and 65.8% (12 weeks). After 3 months, 54.8% of patients were in remission (svMADRS ≤12). On the CGI scale, 22.8% of patients responded (CGI-I ≤2) after 2 weeks and 72.4% after 12 weeks of treatment with agomelatine. Decrease in repeated and early morning awakenings, and increase daily activities were observed after 12 weeks in 81.5%, 82% and 56.6% of patients, respectively. The tolerability of agomelatine was good.

Conclusion

The antidepressant efficacy of agomelatine on depressive symptoms and daytime activities, as well as its tolerability observed in controlled trials were confirmed by the results of the non-interventional study VIVALDI.
Overactivation of the middle cingulate cortex and the caudate nucleus as neural correlates of the familial liability to major depressiive disorder
Authors: Lisiecka D. , Carballedo A. , Fagan A.J. , Connolly G. , Meaney J. , Frodl T.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Unaffected healthy 1st degree relatives of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) are 3.6 times more liable to develop the disease themselves than the standard population without the history of the disorder. Neural correlates of this liability are of particular interest since the phenomenon does not always have behavioral manifestations and early detected can enhance quicker and better MDD prevention.

Objective

The objective of our study was to establish neuronal correlates of susceptibility MDD in unaffected healthy 1st degree relatives of patients with MDD. Inhibition of emotional information was examined in the present study.

Aims

The aim of the study was to better understand the development of MDD and the role of altered inhibition of emotional processing in it. That, in consequence, may contribute to establishing new methods of prevention and quicker detection of MDD liability.

Methods

Twenty-one unaffected healthy 1st degree relatives of patients with MDD and twenty-five matched healthy controls underwent a functional magnetic resonance imaging procedure with a task involving inhibition of emotional processing of positive, negative and neutral emotional information. 2 × 3 ANOVA was performed to establish if the two groups differed significantly in the inhibition of one of the three types of emotions.

Results

The unaffected healthy 1st degree relatives displayed an increased neural activation during the inhibition of negative emotional information in the bilateral middle cingulate cortex (MCC) and the left caudate nucleus (p< 0.05, family wise error).

Conclusions

The overactivation of the MCC and caudate nucleus can be a marker of MDD liability
Contributions to the study of young adult's depression: Studying the gender differences in the prevalence of depressive symptomatology in a portuguese young adults community sample
Authors: Mendes M.S. , Fagulha M.T.
Published: May 2011

This study aims to describe the prevalence of depressive symptomatology among young men and woman in a Portuguese non-clinical representative community sample, with ages between 18 and 29. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Scale - CES-D (Radloff, 1977), and a Questionnaire including questions concerning sociodemographic variables, general health variables and women health variables, as well as interpersonal stress factors were mailed to a sample of 1480 subjects. A phone line was available and local papers asked for collaboration. 83 young adults aged between 18 and 29 (M = 28, 33,7%; F = 55, 66,3%) answered the CES-D and the Questionnaire.A gender difference in the intensity of depressive symptomatology was founded and it was higher in young women (18,56 ± 13.7) in comparison with young men (13, 43 ± 7.5) (t = −3,455; p = 0.001). Logistic regression has shown that young women have a double risk of being depressed in comparison with young men and has also shown significant risk increments in depressive symptomatology among rural, non-college and recent unemployed respondents in comparison to urban residents, students and employed young adults. Significant risk increments in depressive symptomatology was also found among young adults with previous depressive episodes and among subjects who report feelings of loneliness, lack of sexual pleasure or interest and high concerns about body appearance and weight (both young men and woman). Some other risk factors for depression in young adulthood are discussed as well as the need of preventive focused programs in specific risk groups such as young women and recent unemployed young adults.
Chronic agomelatine administration modulates neuronal plasticity markers in the rat prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala
Authors: Ladurelle N. , Potard C. , Gabriel-Gracia C. , Mocaër E. , Beaulieu E. , Bianchi M.
Published: May 2011

Neuronal plasticity alterations including cytoskeletal dynamics and synaptic markers have been recently associated with the treatment of major depression. Here we investigated the effects of agomelatine, a novel antidepressant with melatonergic (MT1/MT2) agonist and 5-HT2C receptor antagonist properties, on cytoskeletal microtubular proteins and synaptic markers in the rat hippocampus, prefrontal cortex (PFC) and amygdala.

Adult male Sprague Dawley rats received daily i.p. administration of hydroxyethylcellulose 1% (vehicle) or agomelatine (40mg/kg) for 22 days. The rats were then sacrificed and hippocampi, PFC and amygdala dissected for analyses of microtubule dynamics markers (Tyr/Glu-Tub, Delta2-Tub and Acet-Tub) and synaptic markers (synaptophysin, PSD-95 and spinophilin) by Western blot.

In the PFC, agomelatine decreased Tyr/Glu-Tub and the neuronal-specific Delta2-Tub, suggesting decreased microtubule dynamics. In contrast, in the hippocampus Tyr/Glu-Tub and Delta2-Tub were increased, indicative of enhanced microtubule dynamics. A similar pattern to those seen in the hippocampus, but of higher magnitude, was observed in the amygdala where an important increase of Tyr/Glu-Tub accompanied by a decrease of the stable form Acet-Tub was observed. These findings were paralleled by decreased hippocampal spinophilin (dendritic spines marker), increased synaptophysin (pre-synaptic marker) and spinophilin in the PFC and amygdala and increased PSD-95 (post-synaptic marker) in the amygdala, all consistent with synaptic remodelling phenomena.

Taken together, these data shown that chronic agomelatine induces a differential modulation of microtubule dynamics and synaptic markers in the rat hippocampus, PFC and amygdala. These findings may have a particular relevance considering the fundamental role of these three brain areas in depression.
The antidepressant agomelatine reduces fear long term memory but not acquisition or short term expression of fear memories
Authors: Diaz-Mataix L. , Mocaër E. , Seguin L. , Ledoux J.E.
Published: May 2011

Alterations in fear learning processes may be implicated in mood disorders. Fear learning has been investigated with Pavlovian classical fear conditioning paradigms, consisting of pairing a neutral conditioned stimulus (CS), such as a tone, with an aversive unconditioned stimulus (US), such as a footshock. Upon subsequent exposure, the CS is perceived as aversive and provokes a fear response.The novel antidepressant agomelatine acts as a melatonergic receptor agonist and a 5-HT2C receptor antagonist. Its antidepressant action was demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies. Agomelatine has also anxiolytic properties. The aim of this study was to determine how acute agomelatine treatment might differentially alter fear circuits by using auditory fear conditioning in the rat.A single pre-training injection of agomelatine (40 mg/kg intraperitoneally) significantly reduced freezing to the fear arousing CS 24 hours after training but not during training or 3 hours after training. This pattern of results is consistent with an effect on the consolidation of the fear memory. A single pre-testing injection of agomelatine had no effect on conditioned fear expression.

These effects of agomelatine should be considered in relation to its antidepressant action. Agomelatine achieved a reduction of fear conditioning in a single dose, while classical SSRIs only reduced fear conditioning after chronic treatment. This finding is consistent with clinical studies suggesting a faster onset of action of agomelatine than classical SSRI treatment.
Risk factors for depression in young adulthood: pessimism, dysfunctional attitudes and neuroticism
Authors: Monteiro S. , Fernandes da Silva C. , Pereira A. , Vaz Serra A.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Major depression was the fourth most important determinant of the burden of human disease in 1990 and is expected to rank second in the world by 2020.

Objectives

As the causes of depression are complex, the identification of modifiable risk and protective factors, and understanding the processes through which they operate is crucial.

Aims

The main aim of the present study is to identify potential risk factors to the development of depression.

Methods

A total of 304 college students completed an on line questionnaire which assessed: depressive symptomathology (IACLIDE; Vaz Serra, 1994), pessimism (LOTR; Scheier, Carver, & Bridges, 1994), dysfunctional attitudes (DAS; Weissman & Beck, 1978) and neuroticism (EPQ; Eysenck & Eysenck, 1969).

Results

The main results indicated that pessimism, dysfunctional attitudes, and neuroticism correlated significantly and positively with depressive symptomathology.

Conclusions

The results suggested that pessimism, dysfunctional attitudes, and neuroticism can be considered risk factors for depression and important variables to be included in the depression prevention program under development. Overall, the results of this study indicate that understanding the relationships between these variables may be important to the prevention of depression.
Role of neurogenesis in distinguishing relevant from irrelevant memories
Authors: Moreno M. , Glennon E. , Thiru L. , Sexton C. , Coplan J.D. , Dwork A. , Sackeim H. , Fenton A. , Perera T.
Published: May 2011

Background

In this study we examine potential mechanisms by which the stimulation of hippocampal neurogenesis may generate an antidepressant effect.

Methods

Study-1: Adult male rats (N = 24) were trained to segregate relevant from irrelevant spatial cues (spatial segregation); tested on this task four and 8-weeks late; then exposed (on week 8) to a modified version of the task that conflicted with the memory of the initially learned experience (mnemonic segregation); and then euthanized to detect hippocampal neurogenesis. Study-2: Adult rats (N = 24) were trained in the spatial segregation task; three-days later, half were re-tested on the same task and half the tested on the modified task (mnemonic segregation); and euthanized immediately to detect neurons that were synaptically active during task performance.

Results

Study-1: Good performers on the modified task (mnemonic segregation) had significantly greater rates of hippocampal neurogenesis, but the increase was only in immature neurons and not in new neurons that had completed maturation. Performance on spatial segregation task was unrelated to proficiency in mnemonic segregation or rates of neurogenesis. Study-2: Performance on the mnemonic segregation unrelated to neurogenesis rates, but inversely correlated to synaptic activation of mature hippocampal neurons, which in turn inversely correlated with immature neuron rates.

Conclusion

Taken together, the data suggests that neurogenesis facilitates detection of subtle changes to experiences established over several weeks (not days); this occurs prior to forming synapses; and maybe associated with suppression of mature hippocampal neurons that presumably mediate older, interfering, experiences.
Moderate exercise improves quality of life in patients with non-remitted major depression disorder
Authors: Mota Pereira J. , Silvério J. , Ribeiro J.C. , Carvalho S. , Fonte D. , Saavedra I. , Ramos J.
Published: May 2011

Prospective, randomized, two-arm, parallel assignment. 150 individuals diagnosed with major depression disorder (MDD) according to DSM-IV-TR criteria, taking combined therapy in doses considered appropriate for at least 9 months, without showing clinical remission, defined as having an HAMD17 total score ≤ 7, attending the out-patient psychiatry clinic, were initially screened through an interview with a psychiatrist. Those meeting study criteria were randomized to one of two groups: control and aerobic exercise. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board. All participants provided written informed consent. Study protocol Exercise group: individuals were assigned moderate intensity exercise, in addition to their usual pharmacological therapy. Control group: individuals who were not assigned any exercise and remained taking their usual pharmacological therapy. Both groups maintained the pharmacological therapy unchanged during the 12 week study period. All participants were evaluated at baseline (time 0: before starting the physical activity program), and at 4, 8 and 12 weeks for depressive symptoms, functional assessment and Quality of Life.

Results

Results show that participants in the exercise group improved their quality of life parameters, suggesting that exercise could be an effective therapeutic adjuvant for non-remitted MDD patients.
Moderate exercise improves depression parameters in patients with non-remitted major depressive disorder
Authors: Mota Pereira J. , Carvalho S. , Silvério J. , Ribeiro J.C. , Fonte D. , Saavedra I. , Ribeiro da Silva M.H. , Ramos J.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

In recent years, physical exercise has shown some promising results as an adjuvant therapy for several psychological disorders. However, and due to the different populations, settings and exercise programs, not all studies have shown a positive association.

Aims

To assess the effect of a moderate intensity 12 week exercise program on depression and functional parameters in a population sample of patients with non-remitted Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Methods

Study design Prospective, randomized, two-arm, parallel assignment. Population 150 individuals diagnosed with MDD according to DSM-IV criteria, taking combined therapy in doses considered appropriate for at least 9 months, without showing clinical remission, defined as having an HAMD17 total score ≤ 7, attending the out-patient psychiatry clinic, were initially screened through an interview with a psychiatrist. Those meeting study criteria were randomized to one of two groups: control (N = 11) and aerobic exercise (N = 22). Study protocol Exercise group: moderate intensity exercise program for 12 weeks, in addition to their usual pharmacological therapy. Control group: regular daily activities and their usual pharmacological therapy. Assessed parameters HAMD17, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), Clinical Global Impression Scale - Severity (CGI-S).

Results

Participants in the exercise group showed better depression and functional parameters at the end of the study, both compared to the beginning of the study and compared to the control group (lower HAMD17, BDI and CGI-S and higher GAF, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Results suggest that exercise could be an effective adjuvant therapy for non-remitted MDD patients.
Understanding the impact of meditative homework on depression in the context of mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT): An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Murphy H. , Lahtinen M.
Published: May 2011

NICE guidelines indicate one in five people will suffer from depression at some point in their lives with relapse rates of 50–80% in those who have experienced one or more episodes of depression (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence [NICE], 2007). By 2020, depression is predicted to be the second largest cause of death or disability and consequently there is a need to explore and develop the ways of working with depression. Mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a group psycho-educational treatment designed to reduce the risk of recurrent depression by integrating mindfulness based meditation practices with cognitive therapy techniques (Segal, Williams, & Teasdale, 2002). MBCT comprises eight weekly two-hour group sessions with additional time for meditative homework practice. As yet, little is known about how patients experience meditative homework assignments in a UK public health setting. This study examines subjective accounts of the meaning of carrying out meditative homework assignments in terms of impact on the self as well as an exploration of barriers and facilitating factors from a participant's perspective. Six Individual in-depth interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim and an Interpretative Phenomenological Approach was used to analyse the data. Results focus on perceived facilitating factors and difficulties experienced in carrying out meditative homework as well as implications for clinical practice in the prevention of recurrent depression. Transformation of participant’s experience of the self and social relatedness as a consequence of meditative homework is discussed in relation to existing psychological literature and the practise of MBCT.
The study of the relationship between satisfaction with life and trust in among undergraudate students
Authors: Naderi M.M.
Published: May 2011

Nowadays Spirituality Plays curtail role in psychology and mental health to extent that the finding prove the positive role of religion in mental health. This positive role becomes prominent when a researcher put aside religion pretence in this study. Because when religiosity is based on external environmental, social, sources. It has no effect on mental health. If it is for a Persons own sake and spirituality. There is no doubt that it performs positive role in mental health. This study attempts to study the relationship between satisfaction with life and the extent of trust in god among university students.

Methodology

In this descriptive - analytic study 150 university student were asked to fill in the satisfaction with life Scale (SWLS) and trust (21question).

The data is analyzed by SPSS software and chi-sqdne statistical tests.

Finding

1-

There is significant relationship between satisfaction with life scal & extent of students trust in God.

2-

The more the extents of students trust in God the more their satisfaction life scale is.

3-

There is no significant relationship between satisfaction with life scal and students trust extent in terms of education, birth order, sex, age variable.
Acceptance by patients of a web-based intervention for depressive symptoms
Authors: Navarro Schmidt N. , Weymann N.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

At present, 121 million worldwide suffer from a treatment-requiring depression. Treatment recommendations include pharmacotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic procedures. However, lacking resources in psychotherapy complicate the process of implementation. Therefore, researchers are increasingly working on computer-based psychotherapy programmes. But will these programmes be accepted by patients - and if yes, how would they use them?

Objectives

Obtaining information on how patients assess and wish to use online psychotherapy programmes, using the example of the web-based programme “Deprexis”. The programme can be used to bridge waiting times, for phase-prophylactic purposes and to accompany the therapy. Based on elements of CBT, CBASP, IPT and ACT, clinical and scientific experts have developed this evidence-based intervention and positively evaluated it in an RCT (Meyer, B., Berger, T., Caspar, F., et al., 2009).

Aims

In an online survey, the acceptance and desired use of the programme in the target group of patients were inquired.

Methods

The participants (N = 421) were interviewed regarding the application and acceptance of “Deprexis” as well as depressive symptoms and resulting functional restrictions (PHQ-9).

Results

The participants had clinically relevant scores on the depression scale (average: 14.6 points). 93% wished to use an online programme. 42% assessed it as a low-threshold test for psychotherapy, 29% considered it a suitable tool for the bridging of waiting times. 17% even regarded it as a potential replacement for psychotherapy.

Conclusion

The results indicate high acceptance within the target group and reveal fields of application as a complementary measure at various stages of the treatment process.
Induced depression during antiviral treatment in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Navines R. , Moreno J. , Castellví P. , Gimenez D. , Gómez E. , Valdés M. , Solà R. , Martín-Santos R.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

The hepatitis C virus infection (HVC) represents a public health problem that affects the 3% of world population. The currently recommended treatment is Pegylated Interferon (PegIFN) alpha and Ribavirin (RBV) during 24 or 48 weeks. This treatment has been associated with high rates of neuropsychiatric side effects, mainly depression. Recent studies have documented impairment in health related quality of life (SF-36) in these patients.

Aims

To study the induced depression and quality of life of chronic HVC patients under antiviral treatment.

Methods

Three hundred seventeen consecutive HCV patients, who received PegIFN alpha and RBV, were assessed using the SCID interview for DSM-IV. Moreover, the PHQ, the HADS and the SF-36 were administered at baseline, 4, 12, 24, and/or 48 weeks of treatment.

Results

Two hundred twenty-four (64.7%) of patients were men, the mean (SD) age was 43.6 (10.6), and 130 (40.1%) had history of mood disorder. One-hundred eleven (41%) of the sample had a depressive disorder during the treatment. There was a significant difference in the total SF-36 score and in all subscales (p < 0.001). HADS subscale of depression was highly correlated with SF-36 total score (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

During the antiviral treatment, HVC patients had a higher incidence of induced depression. Both physical and mental component scores of SF-36 in induced depressed patients were significantly worse.

This study has been supported in part by Spanish grants: FIS E08/00268, Dra. Martín-Santos, and Dr. Solà.
The effects of the economic crisis on mental health
Authors: Ng K.H. , Agius M. , Zaman R.
Published: May 2011

The events that unfolded towards the end of 2008 led to the worst global economic crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. While the economic and political implications have been studied in detail, the impact on health - especially that of mental health - has received much less attention. This poster aims to achieve a critical evaluation of causality (or lack thereof) between an economic crisis and mental health, using a combination of psychological theories, statistical review and common logic.

From a theoretical perspective, establishing the value-laden concept of mental health is core to this evaluation. We reflect on Professor Warr's component-based model of mental health and how/whether the economic downturn relates to these ‘components’ individually. On the statistical front, an analysis of data from previous global economic crises reveals a close association between job-related insecurities and psychological morbidities.

Integrating the analyses, both psychological theory and epidemiological data support causation between a recession and conditions like depression, anxiety and substance abuse. Further, we also explore the effects of the crisis on the family unit, society and international relations. This will highlight issues like child abuse, the psychological impacts on the socially deprived, and effects of the crisis on the developing world.

We also review the effectiveness of efforts of different nature and magnitude to mitigate the effects of this downturn. All this will hopefully impact on our understanding of the causes of mental health problems in times of economic insecurity and assist in developing strategies to ameliorate them.
Bright light treatment of depression for adolescents
Authors: Niederhofer H.
Published: May 2011

Background

There is a significant incidence of depression, also in adolescents. Bright light therapy, which is reported to be effective treating depressive adults, could provide safe, economic, and effective rapid recovery also in adolescents.

Methods

We treated depressed adolescents with bright white (2,500 Lux) light for one hour a day (morning) and for another week with placebo. Saliva samples were collected 1 week and just before and immediately after treatment and placebo and 1 week later and assayed for Cortisol and melatonin respectively to observe any change in circadian timing. Beck’s depression inventory scales were administered.

Results

Two volunteers, between 14 and 17 years old, completed the study. Both patients experienced mood improvement. Average BDI scores improved 5 points. There were no significant treatment effects or time-by-treatment interactions. No significant adverse reactions were observed. The assays of saliva showed significant differences between treatment and placebo.

Conclusion

Antidepressant response to bright light treatment in this age group was statistically superior to placebo (Clinically significant overall improvement of 16%).
The new rasch-based depression screening (DESC): Evaluation and validation in different patient groups and a large German population sample
Authors: Norra C. , Böcker M. , Wirtz M. , Glaesmer H. , Brähler E. , Gauggel S. , Forkmann T.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Comorbid depression in somatic illness is highly prevalent. However, most depression questionnaires show violation of unidimensionality and hypersensitivity of items.

Objectives

The Depression Screening (DESC) is a new self-rating scale for the measurement of depression severity that we developed from a calibrated Rasch-homogeneous item bank (N = 367) to improve short depression assessment in patients beyond psychiatric settings.

Aim

To present data for both parallel forms (10 questions each) of the DESC, and to examine its Rasch model qualities in different patient groups and a representative German general population sample.

Methods

Patient groups with depression, heart disease, neurological or otolaryngological disease (N = 333) were investigated with the DESC accompanied by diagnostic interviews and established depression scales. The demographic sample (N = 2509) was interviewed face to face, too. Adherence to Rasch model assumptions was determined with analysis of model fit, and further measures. Norm values were calculated.

Results

Both DESC versions feature different but highly correlated item sets. Cut-off scores with good sensitivity (0.82, 0.81) and specificity (0.78, 0.77) for the diagnosis of an affective disorder were developed with ROC analyses. No serious Differential Item Functioning in Rasch analyses for both scales was found. In the German validation sample the Rasch dimension “depression” explained 68.5% and 69.3% respectively of the variance. Validity was determined through sufficient intercorrelations with other scales (e.g. BDI, HADS).

Conclusions

Our studies support the good psychometric RASCH qualities of both DESC forms and offer important advancements in depression screening being of use for time-limited clinical and research applications.
Serum cholesterol and treatment response in patients with depressive disorder
Authors: Novak T. , Bares M.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

The previous studies reported that elevated serum cholesterol levels (≥ 200 mg/dl) were associated with poorer response to fluoxetine and nortiptyline treatment in patients with depression.

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between pretreatment serum cholesterol levels and clinical response to treatment with different antidepresants among inpatients with depressive disorder.

Methods

One hundred and four inpatients with depressive disorder who did not respond to previous treatment were enrolled in a six-week open study. New treatment (different antidepressant monotherapies, combinations or augmentations) was chosen according to clinical judgment. Serum cholesterol levels were obtained before starting new treatment. Cholesterol levels were classified as either elevated (≥ 200 mg/dl) or nonelevated. Clinical response was defined as ≥ 50% decrease in the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score at endpoint compared to baseline.

Results

Forty-six patient (44%) were classified as having elevated cholesterol levels at baseline. Patients with elevated cholesterol levels did not significantly differ in gender ratio, baseline MADRS score, duration of current episode and number of previous episodes but were significantly older than patients with nonelevated cholesterol levels. After adjusting for age, gender, and Body Mass Index (BMI), we did not find significant differences in response rate and as well as in the pretreatment-posttreatment change in MADRS between patients with elevated cholesterol and patients with nonelevated levels.

Conclusion

We did not demonstrate association between pretreatment cholesterol level and response to treatment in depressive disorder.

Study was supported by the grant NS10368 IGA MZ CR.
Treatment resistant late-onset depression with frontal cortical atrophy and neurocognitive impairment: A case report
Authors: Oral E. , Güleç M. , Aydin N. , Ozan E. , Kırpınar I.
Published: May 2011

Background

Late-onset depression (after age 60) has more frequently been reported to be associated with brain abnormalities compared to early-onset depression. Consistent with the hypothesized role of frontolimbic circuits in the etiology of depression, the preponderance of cross-sectional studies of late-life clinical depression have revealed structural and functional changes in the frontal lobes

Case report

NK was 70 years old female patient. She had a psychiatric history of five years with these symptoms. She had used several different antidepressants and benzodiazepines at adequate doses and some times low-dose atypical antipsychotics but she never had a full recovery. In this hospitalization, she was diagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder according to SCID-I. In MRI, we found generalized cortical atrophy especially in the frontal region. In neurocognitive tests, we realized that her minimental test score was 25. Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Stroop test (main card reading time 54 seconds) showed disability in the executive functions such as cognitive flexibility, planning, decision making, overcoming of a strong habitual response or resisting temptation and in focused attention and working memory. The other cognitive domains evaluated with Rey Auditory learning test, Auditory trigram test, digit span test, trial making test, word association test were found to be normal. Conclusion: Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is usually conceptualized as a failure to respond to several courses of adequate antidepressant treatment. Our findings can be suggested that cortical atrophy in especially frontal lobes can be consistent with a treatment resistance and neurocognitive impairment.
Medical and economic benefit of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) with citalopram
Authors: Ostad Haji E. , Tadic A. , Dragicevic A. , Müller M. , Boland K. , Rao M.L. , Fric M. , Laux G.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

In the treatment of MDD, insufficient treatment outcome and the delayed onset of action still remain major problems.

Measuring plasma concentrations, i.e. TDM is a possible option to improve therapeutic outcomes.

Aim

The aim of this prospective and naturalistic study was to evaluate the economic and clinical benefit of TDM for depressed inpatients treated with citalopram.

Methods

Inpatients with MDD according to ICD-10 were included and treated with citalopram. Psychopathology was assessed by the 17-item Hamilton Depression (HAMD-17) rating scale in weekly intervals for five weeks. In parallel, serum concentrations of citalopram were measured.

Results

55 patients were included (27f). 84% of the patients with citalopram plasma concentrations below 50 ng/ml (n = 36) were non-responders in week five. Among patients who achieved plasma concentrations ≥50 ng/ml (n = 19) on day 7, 47% became responder at week five (p = 0.025). Patients with plasma levels ≥50 ng/ml had a significantly shorter duration of hospitalization (49 ± 20) than patients below 50 ng/ml (72 ± 37; p = 0.033).

Conclusion

Our results show that citalopram plasma levels above 50 ng/ml are predictive for later treatment outcome and that TDM is cost effective due to reduced duration of hospitalization.
Psychiatric morbidity preceding psychotic and non-psychotic depression
Authors: Østergaard S.D. , Dinesen P.T. , Petrides G. , Skadhede S. , Munk-Jørgensen P. , Nielsen J.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Psychotic depression differs significantly from non-psychotic depression in many aspects. These differences comprise etiology, severity, treatment response and prognosis.

Objectives/aims

The aim of the study was to assess the diversity of the psychiatric morbidity preceding psychotic and non-psychotic depression.

Methods

Danish, register-based, nationwide cohort study. Subjects were all Danish residents assigned with an ICD-10 diagnosis of severe depression with- (F32.3 and F33.3) or without (F32.2 and F33.2) psychotic symptoms between January 1st 1994 and December 31st 2007. Psychiatric diagnoses preceding the severe depression were assessed through the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register. It was investigated whether patients with psychotic depression had a history of more diverse/severe psychiatric morbidity and a different use of psychopharmacological drugs prior to index, compared to their non-psychotic counterparts.

Results

The study included 29,254 subjects with severe depression. Of these, 9,768 patients (33%) were of the psychotic subtype while 19,576 (67%) were non-psychotic.

Patients with the psychotic depressive subtype had a psychiatric history involving more and longer admission, more diverse diagnoses and a different pattern of psychopharmacological treatment compared to their non-psychotic counterparts. The results indicate, that psychotic depression may be more related to the bipolar/schizophrenia/psychosis spectrum than to the depression/anxiety spectrum.

Conclusions

The results add to a growing body of literature proving fundamental differences between psychotic- and non-psychotic severe depression. This should be considered in the upcoming revisions of the current diagnostic classifications.
Punctual prevalence of major depression among primary healthcare centers
Authors: Oumaya M. , Chelli F. , Lassoued W. , Ben Salah K. , Baccar Y. , Khedira B. , Bouzid R.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Depression is commonbut still ignored in general practice whereas it is a source of handicap, psychiatric and somatic morbidity.

Aims

To assess the punctual prevalence of major depression in primary healthcare centers in Tunisia.

Methods

A Transversal study during march 2007 was conducted in three primary healthcare centers in Hammamet city. All partients having sixteen years or older were evaluated by the Cluster A of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Patients meeting criteria for major depressive disorder had subsequently been assessed by the MADRS depression scale. A score greater or equal to 20 was considered as the threshold score for the diagnosis of major depressive episode.

Results

199 patients participated at the study (participation rate = 70%). The prevalence of major depression was 13% and half of the patients suffered from severe depression according to MADRS. Depression affected more patients with low socioeconomic level (p = 0.037), suffering from a chronic medical condition (p = 0.0013), unmarried, divorced or widowed (p = 0.022). There were no statistically significance according to age, gender, living environment, alcohol abuse, and tobacco or life events. The frequency of suicidal thoughts or behavior was 3% in the sample and 19% among depressed patients.

Conclusion

Need of further general practitioners training in systematic screening of depressive trouble is still requested.
Self-reported depression in an older population: Effects on cognitive functioning
Authors: Pantzar A. , Jonsson Laukka E. , Karlsson S. , Bäckman L. , Atti A.R. , Fratiglioni L.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

The cognitive profile of the older depressed person includes impairments in executive functioning, episodic memory and processing speed. When in remission, executive functioning impairment may still remain. It is not known whether these impairments also exist in self-reported depression and if so, whether there are any performance differences between currently and remitted depression.

Objectives

To examine differences in cognitive functioning between self-reported nondepressed, depressed, and remitted persons in young and older old.

Methods

Data were collected using interviews and cognitive testing (executive functioning, episodic memory, and processing speed) in the Swedish National study of Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K). All non-demented participants (n = 2727) were categorized according to age (60–77 years, n = 1626, and +78 years, n = 1101), and depression status, 1) never depressed (n = 2200), 2) current depression (n = 214), and 3) remitted depression (n = 313).

Results

A 2 (age) × 3 (depression) MANOVA showed significant main effects of age, depression and a significant interaction effect. Younger outperformed older on all tests. Depression showed an effect on Trail Making Test B, where nondepressed outperformed currently depressed, and the remitted outperformed the currently depressed on free recall. Furthermore, an interaction effect was found for recognition, suggesting that decline in episodic memory is more pronounced in persons with self-reported depression when aging.

Conclusions

Self-reported depression in an older population affects executive functioning and episodic memory, but not processing speed. For persons in remission, we found remaining deficits in episodic memory, rather than executive functioning.