bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Depression frequency in Urmia University of medical sciences, Iran
Authors: Aghakhani N. , Eghtedar S. 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundA depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, thoughts, and behaviors. It affects the way a person eats, feels, sleeps and thinks about things. A research about depression in Urmia University of medical sciences was done to propose some methods for solving of problems of the students. This study aimed to identify the presence of depression among medical studentsMethodsThis study designed to determine prevalence of depression in student of Urmia, Iran. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 700 undergraduate medical and basic students in Urmia University of medical science, west Azerbaijan Province, Iran. BDI questionnaire has been used for data gathering.ResultsMean score of students was 10.4 ± 0.8 and 52.6% of students scored under the threshold of Beck depression inventory questionnaire indicating depressed. 2% of them have a major depression. Results didn’t observe any significant relationship between ages, education, sex, rank of birth, duration of education. Depression level in Urmia medical science university was very high that can affect on the quality of education and social behavior of the students.ConclusionIt is important to research the causes of depression and plan to omit them. Establishment of consulting and recreation and problem solving centers that they will have in the future can be helpful.
Depression and anxiety following open heart surgery: Mediation of coping, spiritual struggle and interleukin-6
Authors: Ai A. , Appel H. , Kronfol Z. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionFactors pertaining to religion and spirituality have been linked with well-being and adequate coping. Few studies have investigated negative aspects of religious coping, such as spiritual struggle.ObjectivesBased on multidisciplinary literature and previous findings, our study's objectives are to estimate the parallel psychophysiological pathways from pre-operative distress to post-operative depression in patients undergoing open heart surgery.AimsThe study's aims are to examine the association in depression, anxiety, and how coping, spiritual struggle and interleukin-6 play a role in patients following open heart surgery.MethodsPlasma samples for interleukin-6 (IL-6) were obtained before open heart surgery. Patients’ history and demographic information obtained through interviews 2 days before surgery. Follow up interview for mental health and religious were conducted before and after surgery.ResultsThe results showed that a link between spiritual struggle and IL-6 mediated the indirect effects of pre-operative anxiety on post-operative depression. Anxiety had positive indirect effects on post-operative hostility. Further, hope played a protective mediating role to moderate the undesirable influences of the spiritual struggle-IL-6 link and maladaptive coping on post-operative mental health attributes.ConclusionsOur study estimated important psychophysiological pathways from pre-operative distress to post-operative maladjustment. To our knowledge, this model is the first analysis to demonstrate the significant mediating effect of the spiritual-IL-6 link, alongside that of positive religious copping and other maladaptive coping, in this population.
Autonomic regulation in the major depression during SSRI antideperssant treatment
Authors: Antipova O. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionImportance of current research is determined by the need to find the clinical and functional evaluation criteria for the systemic patterns of changes in physiological reactivity of the patient at various stages depression treatment.ObjectiveOptimization of diagnostics and planning of treatment of patients with depression based on analysis psychopathological state and autonomic reactivity during active treatment using SSRI antidepressants.AimsSystem analyze of clinical-psychopathological characteristics and autonomic reactivity of major depression. Main group included 62 patients with the diagnosis of depressive episode. Control group: 64 healthy persons.MethodsClinico- psychopathological, clinico- anamnestic, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17), the analysis of heart rate variability for investigation of autonomic regulation.Results of the depressive patients autonomic regulation study show the reduction of total heart rate variability is observed at rest and in orthostatic test. The balance of sympathetic, parasympathetic and suprasegmental parts of autonomic nervous system was preserved at rest in depression. However after orthostatic test the activity of sympathetic baroreflex mechanisms is decreased and the hyperactivation of suprasegmental ergotropic systems is revealed. During the 4–6-weeks treatment the positive dynamics of psychopathological characteristics is observed but the changes of autonomic reactivity are not revealed. After 6-months therapy only 30, 6% of patients demonstrate signs of normalisation of autonomic regulation.ConclusionsObtained data, apparently, attest to the fact that the emotional and autonomic symptoms are restored with different speed. The results of study should be used in the planning of treatment in the psychiatric practice and in the primary medical care.
Seasonality and psychiatric disorders
Authors: Avelino M.J. , Paixão L. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionSeason mood changes are a phenomenon recognised by almost everyone. Who did never experience a little energy decrease or light depressive feelings with the beginning of Autumn or Winter? And the season recurrence of some Psychiatric Disorders, like MDD and BD are sufficiently acknowledged by patients and specialists. There is even a nosologic entity called Seasonal Affective Disorder, which shows more prevalence among Nordic places (where winter days are shorter) and in which light therapy seems a good therapeutic option. Not only in Psychiatry the properties of light therapy were recognised, NR Finsen won the Nobel Prize in 1903 for his work with Heliotherapy (found benefits with sun exposure in some skin diseases). There are various theories that try to explain those assumptions, like summer-winter difference in duration of nightly melatonin release, inability to synchronize circadian rhythms with sleep/wake rhythms and even Vitamin D production.Aims/objectivesThe aim of this work consists on a scientific revision of the origins and the influence extension of seasonality in Psychiatric Disorders (PD) and in therapeutic implications, particularly with some new anti-depressants.MethodsWe make a bibliographic investigation about more recent findings in origins and influence extension of seasonality in PD and the role of new psychopharmacologic approaches in these cases.ResultsThere are some scientific papers in which those maters are analysed.ConclusionThere are some scientific theories about the mechanisms and degree of influence of seasonality in some PD, but the whole process have not been explained nor have been tested.
The influence of treatment-resistance on the serotonin 2A receptor in unipolar melancholic depression
Authors: Baeken C. , De Raedt R. , Vanderbruggen N. , Zeeuws D. , Santermans L. , Van Hove C. , Bossuyt A. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionMajor depression is one of the most common mental diseases, and quite a number of patients are resistant to several psychopharmacological interventions, even when applying current treatment guidelines. To date, it remains unclear as to how the serotonergic system is implicated in treatment-resistance found in melancholically depressed patients.Objectives & aimsIn this study, we examined the involvement of post-synaptic 5-HT2A receptors in the pathophysiology of treatment resistance in major depression with 123I-5-I-R91150 SPECT, focusing on the frontal cortex and hippocampus.Method15 unipolar antidepressant naïve (ADN) patients and 15 treatment-resistant depressed (TRD) patients, all of the melancholic subtype, matched for age and gender were studied. All subjects were antidepressant free when they underwent a static 123I-5-I-R91150 SPECT scan.ResultsCompared to ADN patients, TRD patients displayed significantly less 5-HT2A receptor binding index (BI) in the dorsal regions of the prefrontal cortex and in the anterior cingulate cortex. No hippocampal 5-HT2A receptor BI differences were observed.ConclusionsOur results suggest that when confronted with treatment resistance in melancholic depression the 5-HT2A receptors in the DPFC-ACC axis are significantly more down-regulated when compared to depressed ADN patients. This might to some extent explain the observed continued cognitive problems and might reflect the long-term serotonin depletion with reduced neurogenesis in treatment resistant patients.
Major depression, cardiovascular risk factors and the Omega-3 index
Authors: Baghai T.C. , Varallo-Bedarida G. , Born C. , Haefner S. , Schüle C. , Eser D. , Rupprecht R. , Bondy B. , von Schacky C. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionCardiovascular disease (CVD) and major depressive disorders (MDD) are frequent diseases worldwide with a high comorbidity rate. Omega-3 fatty acids have been suggested as disease modulators for both CVD and MDD.Objective and aimsTherefore, we studied whether polyunsaturated fatty acids and the Omega-3 Index may represent markers for assessment of the cardiovascular risk in physically healthy patients suffering from MDD.MethodsCase-control study in 166 adults (86 MDD patients without CVD, 80 matched healthy controls). Baseline examinations included depression ratings, conventional cardiovascular risk factors, fatty acid, and interleukin-6 determinations.ResultsSeveral conventional risk factors were more prevalent in MDD patients. The Omega-3 Index and individual omega-3 fatty acids were significantly lower in MDD patients. An Omega-3 Index < 4% was associated with high concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6.ConclusionConventional cardiovascular risk factors, the Omega-3 Index and IL-6 indicated an elevated cardiovascular risk profile in MDD patients currently free of CVD. Our results support the employment of strategies to reduce the cardiovascular risk in yet cardiovascularly healthy MDD patients by targeting conventional risk factors and the Omega-3 Index.
Escitalopram vs duloxetine in major depressed patients with pain
Authors: Baloescu A. , Baloescu V. , Sichitiu J.D. 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveEvaluate the efficacy and tolerability of escitalopram and duloxetine in depressive patients with pain.MethodsSample A (escitalopram): 22 patients (15 female and 7 man, mean age 51.75); Sample B (duloxetine) 25 patients (18 female, 7 man, mean age 53,85). They were diagnosed with major depressive disorder according to ICD 10; assessed with HAMD 17 items in baseline, 14, 28, 42, 56 days; CGIS at baseline, 28 and 56 days; CGII at 28 and 56 days.ResultsEscitalopram 10–20 mg/day; duloxetine 60–120 mg/day. Sample A HAMD 17 items: baseline-21.8; 14 days-19.7; 28 days- 17.2; 42 days-13.5; 56 days-11.8. Sample B HAMD 17 items: baseline-22.3; 14 days-19.9; 28 days- 17.4; 42 days-13.2; 56 days-10.5. Item 13(somatic/general) -diffuse or vague muscle aches or heaviness in the arms or legs mean baseline score for Sample A -1.65; Sample B-1.75; 56 days: Sample A-0.80 and Sample B-0.65. CGIS: mean baseline Sample A: 4.2 and Sample B-4.3; 56 days Sample A-1.9 and Sample B-1.5. CGII 56 days: Sample A 7/22 (31.8%) -much improved and 10/22(45.45%) very much improved; Sample B 11/25 (44%) much improved and 14.25(56%) very much improved. We noted mild nausea 20/47, mild restlessness 12/47, mild dizziness 9/47 at the beginning of the treatment (both samples).Conclusions1)Escitalopram and duloxetine are safe and effective treatment.2)Coexistence of depression with physical pain negatively affects the performance in daily activity and quality of life; in such cases the first treatment option could be duloxetine.3)Escitalopram is also efficient in such cases.
Biopsychosocial consequences of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis c infection
Authors: Baranyi A. , Meinitzer A. , Stepan A. , Matejka J. , Stauber R. , Rothenhäusler H.-B. 
Published: May 2011

Depressionis a common side effect of IFN-alpha therapy. The current prospective study examines the effects of Interferon-alpha on the prevalence of depressive disorders, on cognitive functioning and on quality of life. Life Satisfaction before and the social support during the therapy were considered.Method25 patients with chronic hepatitis C infection were investigated. One month and three months after the beginning of the treatment psychometric observer-rating and self-rating scales were administered to evaluate depressive symptoms (BDI; HAMD). The data on life satisfaction before therapy and health-related quality of life were obtained from the FLZ and the SF-36. Cognitive function was based on the SKT.ResultsThree months after the initial Interferon-alpha administration in the whole sample significant impairments in health-related quality of life were found in the domains “physical functioning”, “role physical”, “role emotional”, “social functioning” and “vitality”. The whole sample showed cognitive impairements.Three months after the first Interferon-alpha administration 48% (n = 12) suffered from moderate clinical depression.Patients with Interferon-alpha induced clinical depression showed decreased life satisfaction before the initial antiviral therapy - especially in the domains “self-concept”, “employment” and “physical health&constitution”. Impairments in health-related quality of life (SF-36) were found in the clinical depressive sample in the domains “general health”, “social functioning”, “role emotional”,“vitality” and “mental health”.ConclusionHepatitis C is associated with an increased prevalence of depression.Interferon-alpha patients having low levels of life satisfaction in the domains “self concept”, “employment” and “physical health&constitution” seem to face a major risk of depression.
Is serum folate level a predictor of response in depressive patients who failed to previous antidepressant treatments? a naturalistic study
Authors: Bares M. , Novak T. , Kopecek M. , Stopkova P. , Höschl C. 
Published: May 2011

Introduction and objectiveThe data from previous studies suggested that folate serum level predicts outcome of treatment in patients who failed to respond to SSRI.AimsWe examined the relationship of serum folate level and response to treatment with various antidepressant interventions (antidepressants, combinations of antidepressants and augmentations) in patients who had failed to respond to at least one previous antidepressant treatment.MethodsEighty-four inpatients (mean age = 46.2 ± 11.3 years, 69% woman) with major depression according to DSM IV and without gastrointestinal or other comorbidities that might influenced folate level were enrolled to the study. Clinical status was assessed using MADRS, CGI and BDI-SF at baseline and at the end of study (mean length of treatment- 5.2 ± 0.9 weeks) and response was defined as reduction of MADRS score≥50%. Folate serum levels were determined before start of treatment (normal level >2.5 ng/ml).ResultsLow folate level was detected only in 3 patients (2 responders) in our sample. Responders (54%) and non-responders were not different in baseline folate level as well as in clinical a demographic parameters with exception of number of previous unsuccessful treatments of index episode. Furthermore we did not find any correlations between folate level and baseline or final MADRS score as well as reduction of MADRS respectively.ConclusionDespite encouraging data from previous studies, based on our data we did not suppose association of baseline serum folate level and outcome of treatment in resistant patients.This study was supported by grants of Ministry of Health of Czech Republic NS 10368-3 and MZ0PCP2005.
Classification of recurrent depression with seasonal pattern: a comparison between two diagnostic instruments
Authors: Brancaleoni G. , Hansen V. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionThe validity of the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ) in diagnosing Seasonal Affective Disorder is questionable. In 2004 the Seasonal Health Questionnaire (SHQ) was proposed as a more appropriate screening instrument for depression with a seasonal pattern.Objectives/aimsTo compare the performance of the SPAQ, the most commonly used tool for assigning a diagnosis of SAD, with the SHQ, which uses the DSM-IV criteria for recurrent depression with seasonal pattern.MethodsTwo samples of approximately 200 medical students in Tromsø, Norway (69° north) and Ferrara, Italy (44° north), filled in both questionnaires. Prevalence of recurrent depression with seasonal pattern was calculated according to gender and latitude of living, with both instruments. Using SHQ diagnosis as the gold standard, sensitivity and specificity of the SPAQ as a diagnostic instrument was ascertained.ResultsThe prevalence of depression with seasonal pattern measured by SPAQ was 12% in Norway and 14.5% in Italy, the difference was not significant. Prevalence was highest in females in both countries (Norway: males 4.2%, females 14.7%, Italy: males 2.3%, females 18.8%), but the difference was only significant in Italy (p = 0.007). According to SHQ, the corresponding figures in Norway 5.9% and 7.1% (p = 0.77) and in Italy 3.9% and 3% (p = 0.75). The specificity of the SPAQ was 88.8% and the sensitivity was 47.3%.ConclusionCompared to a DSM-IV diagnosis of depression with seasonal pattern as measured by the SHQ, the SPAQ seriously overestimates the prevalence of seasonal depression, especially in women, and the sensitivity is far too low.
Predictive value of magnesium levels in depressed patients
Authors: Camardese G. , De Risio L. , Mattioli B. , Pizi G. , Serrani R. , Leone B. , Bria P. , Janiri L. 
Published: May 2011

Background and aimHigh, normal or low plasma magnesium (Mg) levels have been observed in depressed patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship of plasma Mg levels with depression severity, specific psychopathological dimensions and treatment outcome.Materials and methods123 outpatients (M/F 60/63; mean age = 48 ± 15) during a Major Depressive Episode (MDE) were recruited. Most of them were affected by “difficult to treat” depression, that includes patients with history of at least two MDE, risk of chronicization and who did not achieve remission in previous treatments.The psychopathological status was assessed using HAM-D, HAM-A, DRRS for psychomotor retardation and SHAPS for anhedonia. HAM-D was repeated at 3 months. A blood sample was collected to determine total plasma Mg levels.ResultsWe observed an association between Mg levels and psychomotor retardation scores (p = 0.045). Moreover, subjects with residual symptoms after treatment (HAM-D at 3 months > 15) have lower starting Mg values compared to treatment-responsive individuals (2.14 ± 0.2 vs. 2.25 ± 0.21, p = 0,039).ConclusionsConflicting data on plasma Mg levels in depression could be due to the isolation of brain Mg compartments from blood Mg compartments. As in a previous study, the association between high Mg levels and psychomotor retardation found in this larger sample strengthens the notion that high Mg levels play a part in the hypoactivity so often observed in depressed patients. Also, low Mg values in patients with poor treatment outcome suggest Mg could have a therapeutic potential in “difficult-to-treat” patients.
Somatic symptoms and high-sensitive C-reactive protein in major depression
Authors: Camardese G. , Pizi G. , Leone B. , De Risio L. , Mattioli B. , Serrani R. , Bria P. , Janiri L. 
Published: May 2011

AimHigh-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has been used to assess low-grade immune system activation. In a population-based cohort hs-CRP was associated with functional somatic symptoms (SS), particularly with general and musculoskeletal functional SS clusters.Immune system dysregulation has also been reported in depression that is frequently associated to a high burden of SS.We investigated the correlation between hs-PCR and SS in depressed patients.Methods123 outpatients (M/F = 58/65; mean age 48,6 ± 14,8) during a Major Depressive Episode were recruited at the Institute of Psychiatry of the Catholic University in Rome. Severity of depression was assessed with the HAM-D scale. The somatization factor of the HAM-D (somatic anxiety, gastrointestinal symptoms, general somatic symptoms, hypochondria, weight loss) measured SS burden. A blood sample was collected to determine hs-CRP.ResultsHs-CRP and depression severity were not correlated, while hs-CRP and SS were (r = -0,27; p = 0,001). Patients with higher (> 3) somatizazion factor had significantly lower hs-PCR values compared to patients with lower (≤3) somatization factor (2,47 mg/L ± 4.77 vs. 3.20 mg/L ± 4.44; p = 0,026).ConclusionsIn contrast with the hypothesized cytokine involvement in somatic features of sickness behavior, higher somatic burden correlates with lower immune activation.The role of sickness behavior in experiencing SS and hs-CRP's use as valid indicator of cytokine production remain uncertain. Further studies are necessary, also to explore the relationship between HPA axis dysregulation and immune activation, possibly relevant to the interpretation of our results.
Agomelatine versus escitalopram in major depressive disorders : a randomized double-blind, long term study focusing on sleep satisfaction and emotional blunting
Authors: Corruble E. , Bélaidi C. , Goodwin G.M. 
Published: May 2011

The novel antidepressant agomelatine is a MT1/MT2 receptor agonist and a 5HT2c receptor antagonist, whose efficacy is demonstrated in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) (1). In an international 24-week double-blind randomized controlled study, the effects of agomelatine 25–50 mg/d (n = 164) were compared to those of escitalopram 10-20 mg/d (n = 160) on satisfaction about sleep (Visual Analogic Scale), depressive symptoms (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)) and emotions in a subset of 45 patients having completed the Oxford Depression Questionnaire (2).Both drugs improved depressive symptoms (mean decrease in HAM-D score from baseline: -19.9 with agomelatine and -19.2 with escitalopram; percentage of remitters: 69.6% with agomelatine and 63.1% with escitalopram, LOCF endpoint) and the satisfaction about sleep. Interestingly, the wellness feeling on waking was more improved with agomelatine as compared to escitalopram (p = 0.025), indicating a better alertness on waking with agomelatine than escitalopram.Moreover, emotional blunting was less frequent with agomelatine as compared to escitalopram: 28% on agomelatine vs 60% on escitalopram felt that their emotions lacked intensity with a trend to statistical significance (p = 0.063) and 16% of patients on agomelatine vs 53% on escitalopram felt that things that they cared about before illness did not seem important any more (p = 0.024). Finally, less patients withdrew due to emergent adverse events with agomelatine (4.3%) as compared to escitalopram (10.6%), (p = 0.029). To conclude, this study shows some potential clinical advantages of agomelatine as compared to escitalopram in the long term treatment of MDD.