Deprivation-related adverse childhood experiences and cognitive function among older adults: Mediating role of depression symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive dysfunction imposes a heavy economic burden on families and society. Depression and deprivation-related adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are important factors that contribute to cognitive dysfunction. However, few studies have explored these complex interactions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to elucidate the mediating effect of depression on the relationship between deprivation-related ACEs and cognitive function in older adults. METHODS: This national, cross-sectional study used data from the 2020 Chinese Longitudinal Aging Social Survey. Information regarding depression, ACEs, and cognitive function was collected from individuals aged 60 years and older. A structural equation model was used to examine the mediating effect of depression on the relationship between deprivation-related ACEs and cognitive function. RESULTS: A total of 9828 participants were included in this study. Their mean total cognitive function score was 13.488 ± 3.006. The results showed that sex, age, educational level, marital status, body mass index, registered residence, chronic disease situation, health, smoking, living alone, life satisfaction, social security, and internet use were all related to cognitive function (P < 0.05). Deprivation-related ACEs were negatively correlated with cognitive function (r = -0.132, P < 0.01). And depression symptoms were negatively correlated with cognitive function (r = -0.158, P < 0.01). The mediating effect analysis indicated that depression symptoms had a significant mediating effect between the 3 dimensions of deprivation-related ACEs and cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted that improvement of deprivation-related ACEs was indirectly related to a reduced likelihood of cognitive dysfunction through depression in older adults. With the limitations of cross-sectional studies, validation through longitudinal design studies is deemed necessary. Future interventions should focus on alleviating depression symptoms to prevent cognitive decline and impairment in this population.

Disruptive and complementary effects of depression symptoms on spontaneous brain activity in the subcortical vascular mild cognitive impairment.

Background: Although depression symptoms are commonly reported in patients with subcortical vascular mild cognitive impairment (svMCI), their impact on brain functions remains largely unknown, with diagnoses mainly dependent on behavioral assessments. Methods: In this study, we analyzed resting-state fMRI data from a cohort of 34 svMCI patients, comprising 18 patients with depression symptoms (svMCI+D) and 16 patients without (svMCI-D), along with 34 normal controls (NC). The study used the fraction of the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF), resting-state functional connectivity, correlation analyses, and support vector machine (SVM) techniques. Results: The fALFF of the right cerebellum (CERE.R) differed among the svMCI+D, svMCI-D, and NC groups. Specifically, the regional mean fALFF of CERE. R was lower in svMCI-D patients compared to NC but higher in svMCI+D patients compared to svMCI-D patients. Moreover, the adjusted fALFF of CERE. R showed a significant correlation with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) scores in svMCI-D patients. The fALFF of the right orbital part of the superior frontal gyrus was significantly correlated with Hamilton Depression Scale scores in svMCI+D patients, whereas the fALFF of the right postcingulate cortex (PCC.R) showed a significant correlation with MOCA scores in svMCI-D patients. Furthermore, RSFC between PCC. R and right precuneus, as well as between CERE. R and the right lingual gyrus (LING.R), was significantly reduced in svMCI-D patients compared to NC. In regional analyses, the adjusted RSFC between PCC. R and PreCUN. R, as well as between CERE. R and LING. R, was decreased in svMCI-D patients compared to NC but increased in svMCI+D patients compared to svMCI-D. Further SVM analyses achieved good performances, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82 for classifying svMCI+D, svMCI-D, and NC; 0.96 for classifying svMCI+D and svMCI-D; 0.82 for classifying svMCI+D and NC; and 0.92 for classifying svMCI-D and NC. Conclusion: The study revealed disruptive effects of cognitive impairment, along with both disruptive and complementary effects of depression symptoms on spontaneous brain activity in svMCI. Moreover, these findings suggest that the identified features might serve as potential biomarkers for distinguishing between svMCI+D, svMCI-D, and NC, thereby guiding clinical treatments such as transcranial magnetic stimulation for svMCI.

Economic hardship resulting from the late 2000s Great Recession and long-term changes in mental health: a prospective analysis from the Moli-sani study.

PURPOSE: Economic downturns may have detrimental effects on mental health. We investigated the association of economic hardship resulting from the late 2000s Great Recession with long-term changes in mental health. METHODS: We analysed data from 1,647 participants to the larger Moli-sani cohort (2005-2010, Italy), who were re-examined between 2017 and 2020. To evaluate economic hardship, we performed a Latent Class Analysis on nine items linked to change in employment status and financial hardship. Depression symptoms were measured by the Patients' Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2; higher values indicate more depressive symptoms; data available in N = 941 individuals) and health perception as assessed by the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (decreased values indicate worsening of health perception). RESULTS: Economic hardship was categorized into three classes: "None", "Average" and "High", the latter reflecting increasing economic hardship. Mean (standard deviation) changes in PHQ-2, SF-36 mental and physical after 12.8 years (median) were - 0.1 (1.3), 0.5 (9.9) and - 2.2 (6.2) units, respectively. Changes in SF-36 mental score decreased by 1.0 unit (0.3) monotonically across "none" to "average" to "high" category in a multivariable-adjusted model analysis; the SF-36 physical score decreased by 0.4 (0.2) unit and PHQ-2 increased by 0.1 (0.1). In comparison with participants in the "none", those in the "high" class had 84% (95%CI: 26%-170%) higher odds to report an increment in PHQ-2 values from baseline to re-examination. CONCLUSIONS: Economic hardship resulting from the Great Recession in late 2000s was associated with deterioration of mental health, as reflected by increased depression symptoms and reduced perceived mental health.

Associations between dyadic coping, marital satisfaction, and prenatal depression symptoms among couples with gestational diabetes mellitus.

AIMS/BACKGROUND: Coping with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) presents significant challenges for pregnant women and their partners, which may result in elevated prenatal depression symptoms. However, research has predominantly centred on pregnant women with GDM, with little involvement of their partners. To understand their dyadic interactions, it is imperative to involve GDM couples in the study. This study aims to examine the interplay between dyadic coping and prenatal depression symptoms among GDM couples and to explore the possible mediating role of marital satisfaction. DESIGN/METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Guangzhou, China. A total of 400 couples completed the Dyadic Coping Inventory, Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and sociodemographic data sheet. The actor-partner interdependence mediation model was utilised for dyadic data analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 13.0% of pregnant women with GDM and 8.3% of partners experienced elevated prenatal depression symptoms. Dyadic coping was directly or indirectly related to their own and partners' prenatal depression symptoms in GDM couples, with marital satisfaction acting as a mediator. Specifically, positive dyadic coping was associated with lower prenatal depression symptoms, while negative dyadic coping exhibited an opposite relationship. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of elevated prenatal depression symptoms was high in GDM couples. It is important to view pregnant women with GDM and their partners as a dyad of a transactional system in prenatal clinical care. Couple-centred interventions targeting to enhance positive dyadic coping and mitigate negative dyadic coping might be beneficial to prevent and alleviate prenatal depression symptoms.

Grip strength and depressive symptoms in Chinese middle-aged and older adults: the mediating effects of cognitive function.

Objective: This study investigates the associations and mediating pathways between grip strength, cognitive function, and depression in middle-aged and elderly individuals in China. Methods: Utilizing data from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), we employed logistic regression and mediation analysis to examine the relationships and mediating factors between grip strength, cognitive function, and depression, while adjusting for potential confounders. Results: The study included 6,841 participants, of whom 1,734 (25.35%) exhibited symptoms of depression. Our findings indicate that weak grip strength is significantly associated with an increased risk of depression (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.32-1.87) among the middle-aged and elderly population. Conversely, good cognitive function was found to be protective against depression (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.93-0.95). Grip strength indirectly affected depression through cognitive function, accounting for 9.4% of the total effect (ß = -0.008, 95% CI [-0.013, -0.004]). This mediating effect was 23.8% in men (ß = -0.013, 95% CI [-0.020, -0.007]); and 23.2% in those aged 60 years and over (ß = -0.015, 95% CI [-0.022, -0.009]). Conclusion: This study highlights that weak grip strength increases risk of depressive symptoms, and adequate cognitive function can mitigate the association between weak grip strength and an increased risk of depression among middle-aged and elderly individuals in China. Psychological care for elder adults with weak grip strength and poor cognitive function should be strengthened.

What do they look for and what do they find? A coproduced qualitative study on young people's experiences of searching for mental health information online.

BACKGROUND: Many young people (YP) struggle with their mental health and look online for help. To capitalise on their digital presence, we need to better understand how and where they seek information online and what they think of what they find. METHOD: We recruited 24 YP (aged 13-18 years). Online interviews were co-conducted by research team members and trained young researchers. We presented a persona with depression symptoms and asked about potential sources of information/support they might seek. They were also asked to think aloud while searching online and reviewing mental health resources (NHS, Young Minds). We used reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Analysis generated four themes: (1) the online help-seeking process, showcasing where YP look for information and why; (2) the mismatch between the information YP expected to find and the reality; (3) the strategies YP employed to determine a source's trust and credibility and (4) individual differences that can influence help-seeking. CONCLUSION: Participants initiated their online search by Googling symptoms. They trusted NHS websites for basic medical information, while charities provided detailed content. Despite scepticism about content, social media offered validation. Online resources should prioritise visual appeal, user-friendliness, age-appropriate and personalised content and peer insights. Codesign is imperative to ensure high-quality, impactful research.

Adolescents' Depression Symptoms After Social Distancing and Restrictions: The EpiCoV French Longitudinal Population-Based Cohort.

PURPOSE: The recent worldwide health pandemic and related social distancing and restrictions negatively impacted adolescents' mental health, including depression, underscoring the need for comprehensive understanding beyond immediate impacts. We aimed to identify factors assessed during the first and second lockdowns that were associated with depression symptoms 2 years after restrictions easing. METHODS: This study included 1,946 adolescents, aged 15-18 years, involved in the French Epidémiologie et Conditions de Vie population-based cohort. Depression symptoms were assessed twice, with the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire, at the beginning of restrictions easing and 1 year later. Logistic regressions were used to estimate associations among sociodemographic, socioeconomics, health, substance use, lockdown conditions, and pandemic-related factors, self-reported during the first and second lockdowns in France, and depression symptoms. Elastic-Net regression was used to study the joint effect of characteristics assessed during both lockdowns. RESULTS: A total of 472 (25.25%) adolescents reported depression symptoms in the restrictions easing period, 369 (78.18%) were girls and 103 (21.82%) were boys. Factors associated with a higher risk of reporting depression symptoms included being a girl, a smoker, frequently consuming alcohol, having spent lockdowns in a place without outdoor space, poor perceived health, and pre-existing mental disorders. DISCUSSION: Factors associated with depression symptoms after restrictions easing were well known and mostly not related to social distancing and restrictions, suggesting that already vulnerable youth were more likely to be impacted by the stressful pandemic context. Special caution is needed for these adolescents to limit pandemic's impact on long-lasting mental health. These results also underscore the importance of early identification of at-risk adolescents and the development of interventions to enhance their resilience and support in case of future crises.

[Effects of childhood abuse experience, recent life events and coping styles on depressive symptoms of medical students].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of childhood abuse experience, recent life events and coping styles on depression symptoms of medical students based on the model of "vulnerability-stress-coping". METHODS: A longitudinal study design was adopted to select freshmen from Hefei City and Anqing City in Anhui province by cluster sampling. A total of 4211 questionnaires were collected at baseline from November to December 2019. Follow-up surveys were conducted in November to December 2020, and a total of 3662 medical students were finally included in this study. The childhood trauma questionnaire, adolescent self-rating life events checklist, coping style questionnaire and self-rating depression scale were used to evaluate childhood abuse experience, recent life events, coping styles and depression symptoms of medical students. The PROCESS software model 1(double interaction analysis) and model 3(triple interaction analysis) were used to investigate the independent and interactive effects of childhood abuse experience, recent life events, and different coping styles on depressive symptoms of medical students during follow-up. RESULTS: Among the 3662 medical students, 976 were male and 2686 were female, with an average age of(19.2±1.0) years. Spearman correlation analysis showed that childhood abuse experience, recent life events, self-blame, fantasy, problem avoidance, and rationalization coping style were positively related to depressive symptoms(P<0.05). The coping style of problem solving and seeking help was negatively related to depressive symptoms(P<0.05). In model 1, both childhood abuse experience(ß=0.097, 95%CI 0.065-0.129) and recent life events(ß=0.102, 95%CI 0.073-0.132) had a positive predictive effect on depressive symptoms, and they also had positive interaction on depressive symptoms(ß=0.030, 95%CI 0.025-0.004). In model 3, there was a negative interaction between childhood abuse, recent life events and seeking help(ß=-0.034, 95%CI-0.061--0.007) or fantasy(ß=-0.039, 95%CI-0.065--0.013) coping styles on depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Childhood abuse experience and recent life events are the predisposition factors for depressive symptoms of medical students, and they can mutually promote depression, while seeking help and fantasy coping styles could weaken the promoting effects of both.

Interaction between nutrition-related parameters and sexual orientation on depression.

OBJECTIVES: Sexual minorities may be more vulnerable to mental disorders. Previous studies have found associations between diet and depression, but no studies have focused on the interaction between nutrition-related parameters and sexual orientation regarding depression. This study aims to explore the interaction between nutrition-related parameters and sexual orientation regarding depression. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis using NHANES 2007-2016 data. METHODS: This study utilized data from NHANES 2007-2016, with 11,065 participants involved. Nutrition-related parameters were evaluated using the healthy eating index-2015 (HEI-2015) and the dietary inflammation index (DII), while depression was obtained through Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Logistic regression and stratified analysis of subgroups were used in this study. RESULTS: Compared to those who consumed healthy and anti-inflammatory diets, the ORs for depression in groups consuming unhealthy and pro-inflammatory diets were 1.366 (95%CI:1.073,1.738) and 1.652 (95%CI:1.345,2.028), respectively. Sexual minorities have a higher risk of depression than heterosexuals. There is an interaction effect (P = 0.037) between HEI-2015 and sexual orientation on depression, while it was not found in DII. Subgroup analysis indicated that the interaction between sexual orientation and HEI-2015 persisted in males (P = 0.024), but not in females. CONCLUSION: Both diet and sexual orientation had impacts on depression. There was an interaction between HEI-2015 and sexual orientation on depression, and this association was different by gender. Sexual minorities who are Gay/lesbian, Bisexual, and Something else are at higher risk for depression, and adopting healthy eating patterns and anti-inflammatory diets that are consistent with the recommendations of the USDA may appropriately reduce the risk of depression.

Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Substance Use Disorder Risk Among People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Enrolled in HIV Care in the United States: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis.

Background: Rising overdose deaths globally and increased social isolation during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have disproportionately impacted people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) with substance use disorders (SUD). We examined trends in SUD risk among PWH before and after the COVID-19 shelter-in-place (SIP) mandate. Methods: Data were collected between 2018 and 2022 among PWH enrolled across 8 US sites in the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems cohort. We evaluated changes in moderate/high SUD risk after SIP using interrupted time series analyses. Results: There were 7126 participants, including 21 741 SUD assessments. The median age was 51 (interquartile range, 39-58) years; 12% identified as Hispanic or Latino/Latina, 46% Black/African American, and 46% White. Moderate/high SUD risk increased continuously after the pandemic's onset, with 43% (95% confidence interval [CI], 40%-46%) endorsing moderate/high SUD risk post-SIP, compared to 24% (95% CI, 22%-26%) pre-SIP (P < .001). There were increases in the use of heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, and decreases in prescription opioids and sedatives post-SIP. Further, there was a decrease in reported substance use treatment post-SIP compared to pre-SIP (P = .025). Conclusions: The rising prevalence of SUD through late 2022 could be related to an increase in isolation and reduced access to substance use and HIV treatment caused by disruptions due to COVID-19. A renewed investment in integrated substance use treatment is vital to address the combined epidemics of substance use and HIV following the COVID-19 pandemic and to support resilience in the face of future disruptions.

Perceived stress and prenatal depression symptoms among couples with gestational diabetes mellitus: The mediating role of dyadic coping.

PROBLEM: No studies have been conducted to examine the relationships between perceived stress, positive/negative dyadic coping, and prenatal depression symptoms in Chinese couples with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). BACKGROUND: GDM is a stressful event for pregnant women and their partners, which may result in clinically significant prenatal depression symptoms in couples. AIM: This study aims to examine the relationships and differences in perceived stress, positive/negative dyadic coping, and prenatal depression symptoms between Chinese pregnant women with GDM and their partners and to explore the mediating role of positive/negative dyadic coping. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Guangzhou, China, from January to October 2021. 402 pairs of GDM couples completed the questionnaires, including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Chinese version of the Dyadic Coping Inventory, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Dyadic data was analyzed using the actor-partner interdependence mediation model. FINDINGS: 37.6 % of pregnant women with GDM and 24.6 % of their partners experienced clinically significant prenatal depression symptoms. Depression symptoms in couples mutually influence each other. Perceived stress was directly or indirectly related to their and partners' prenatal depression symptoms in GDM couples, with negative dyadic coping acting as a mediator. Maternal negative dyadic coping was also a partner-mediator. DISCUSSION: The findings of the present study may provide healthcare professionals with a better understanding of the effect of the interpersonal interaction between the couples as a dyad on prenatal depression symptoms in Chinese context. CONCLUSION: There were intrapersonal and interpersonal associations among perceived stress, negative dyadic coping, and prenatal depression symptoms in pregnant women with GDM and their partners. It suggests a need for screening clinically significant prenatal depression symptoms and decreasing perceived stress and negative dyadic coping among couples with GDM with a focus on pregnant women with GDM.

Ethnic identity and social support as mediators between childhood sexual abuse and depression among black men who have sex with men.

BACKGROUND: Survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) often experience long-term adverse mental health effects, a trend that has been observed in research focusing on men who have sex with men (MSM), especially Black MSM. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the direct and indirect effects of childhood sexual abuse on depression symptoms among Black MSM through early sexual debut, histories of incarceration, ethnic identity, and social support. In addition, we examine the role of social support and ethnic identity as mediators of depression symptoms. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: The HPTN 073 study enrolled and followed 226 HIV-uninfected Black MSM in three US cities (Los Angeles; Washington, DC; and Chapel Hill, North Carolina) from February 2013 to September 2015. Study participants were offered once-daily oral emtricitabine/tenofovir preexposure prophylaxis combined with counseling and followed for 52 weeks. METHODS: A path analysis was used to examine direct and indirect effects of CSA experiences on depression symptoms through incarceration, early sexual debut ethnic identity, and social support, and to see whether social support and ethnic identity mediated the relationship between incarceration and depression symptoms. RESULTS: Our results indicate that childhood sexual abuse was direct and positively associated with early sexual debut (ß = 0.21, p < .001). Both ethnic identity (ß = -0.14, p < .001) and social support (ß = -0.82, p < .001) were direct and negatively associated with depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Our research underscores the significant impact of CSA factors on the life trajectories of some Black MSM, including experiences such as incarceration, sexual debut, and depression symptoms.

Comparing Email Versus Text Messaging as Delivery Platforms for Supporting Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: Noninferiority Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) poses significant global health challenges, with available treatments often insufficient in achieving remission for many patients. Digital health technologies, such as SMS text messaging-based cognitive behavioral therapy, offer accessible alternatives but may not reach all individuals. Email communication presents a secure avenue for health communication, yet its effectiveness compared to SMS text messaging in providing mental health support for patients with MDD remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the efficacy of email versus SMS text messaging as delivery platforms for supporting patients with MDD, addressing a critical gap in understanding optimal digital interventions for mental health care. METHODS: A randomized noninferiority pilot trial was conducted, comparing outcomes for patients receiving 6-week daily supportive messages via email with those receiving messages via SMS text message. This duration corresponds to a minimum of 180 days of message delivery. The supportive messages maintained consistent length and structure across both delivery methods. Participants (N=66) were recruited from the Access 24/7 clinic in Edmonton, Alberta, among those who were diagnosed with MDD. The outcomes were measured at baseline and 6 months after enrollment using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5). RESULTS: Most of the participants were females (n=43, 65%), aged between 26 and 40 years (n=34, 55%), had high school education (n=35, 58%), employed (n=33, 50%), and single (n=24, 36%). Again, most participants had had no history of any major physical illness (n=56, 85%) and (n=61, 92%) responded "No" to having a history of admission for treatment of mood disorders. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean changes in PHQ-9, GAD-7, and WHO-5 scores between the email and SMS text messaging groups (mean difference, 95% CI: -1.90, 95% CI -6.53 to 2.74; 5.78, 95% CI -1.94 to 13.50; and 11.85, 95% CI -3.81 to 27.51), respectively. Both supportive modalities showed potential in reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The study's findings suggest that both email and SMS text messaging interventions have equivalent effectiveness in reducing depression symptoms among individuals with MDD. As digital technology continues to evolve, harnessing the power of multiple digital platforms for mental health interventions can significantly contribute to bridging the existing treatment gaps and improving the overall well-being of individuals with depressive conditions. Further research is needed with a larger sample size to confirm and expand upon these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04638231; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8552095/.

Process of change and efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescents: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Recent literature suggests that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) may be an effective approach for treating symptoms of depression and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. This review meta-analyzes the efficacy of ACT on adolescent depression and anxiety, emphasizing the role of process variables (i.e., psychological flexibility). METHODS: We systematically searched MedLine, PsycInfo and Scopus for randomized controlled trials (RCT) investigating the effect of ACT on anxiety/depression in adolescents. Studies were combined using the inverse variance method in a random effects model. Additional subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed, and risk of bias was assessed. The review was pre-registered (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023483300). RESULTS: Our review included 27 RCTs with a total of 2860 participants. ACT did not outperform CBT but was significantly more effective than other active controls (e.g., treatment as usual) for depression symptoms and inactive controls for all outcomes. ACT was more effective than inactive controls for all outcomes. Improvements in psychological flexibility significantly predicted reductions in between-group depression and anxiety. Younger age and a higher percentage of women predicted better outcomes for some outcomes. LIMITATIONS: It should be noted that this results may be limited by the fact that all included studies were rated as having a high risk of bias. This is mainly due to the self-reported nature of the measures and the lack of crucial methodological information (e.g., process of randomization and allocation, treatment fidelity assessment). CONCLUSION: Our findings support ACT's efficacy for adolescents, particularly in treating depression symptoms. The proposed mechanism of change (psychological flexibility) plays a significant role in the improvements. ACT is comparable in efficacy to CBT, suggesting its potential as an alternative to traditional cognitive-behavioral approaches.

Social isolation and poor mental health in young people: testing genetic and environmental influences in a longitudinal cohort study.

We assessed genetic and environmental influences on social isolation across childhood and the overlap between social isolation and mental health symptoms including depression symptoms, conduct problems, and psychotic-like experiences from adolescence to young adulthood. Participants included 2,232 children from the Environmental Risk Longitudinal Twin Study. Social isolation was measured at ages 5, 7, 10, 12, and 18. A Cholesky decomposition was specified to estimate the genetic and environmental influences on social isolation across ages 5, 7, 10, and 12. An independent pathway model was used to assess additive genetic (A), shared environmental (C), and non-shared environmental (E) influences on the overlap between social isolation and mental health problems from age 12 to 18. Genetic and non-shared environmental influences accounted for half of the variance in childhood social isolation. Genetic influences contributed to the continuity of social isolation across childhood, while non-shared environmental influences were age-specific. The longitudinal overlap between social isolation and mental health symptoms was largely explained by genetic influences for depression symptoms (r = 0.15-0.24: 82-84% A, 11-12% C, and 5-6% E) and psychotic-like experiences (r = 0.13-0.15: 81-91% A, 0-8% C, and 9-11% E) but not conduct problems (r = 0.13-0.16; 0-42% A, 42-81% C, 16-24% E). Our findings emphasise that rather than a risk factor or an outcome, social isolation is aetiologically intertwined with the experience of poor mental health. An integrative assessment of social isolation could be a helpful indicator of underlying mental health symptoms in young people.

Impact of Intolerance of Uncertainty on Depression in College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Coping Strategies as Mediators.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and associated infection control measures have introduced significant uncertainty, and the unbearable nature of this uncertainty has heightened the risk of mental health issues among college students. This study aimed to assess the impact of unbearable uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic on college students' depression and investigate the mediating role of coping strategies between unbearable uncertainty and depression. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 714 Chinese university students using the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12), Brief Coping Style Questionnaire, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). SPSS PROCESS was used for the partial correlation analyses and structural equation modeling. (1) Negative coping strategies were significantly positively correlated with intolerable uncertainty and depressive symptoms, while positive coping strategies were negatively correlated with both intolerable uncertainty and depressive symptoms. Intolerable uncertainty was significantly and positively correlated with depressive symptoms. (2) Intolerance to uncertainty significantly predicted depressive symptoms. Both negative and positive coping strategies played parallel mediating roles in the relationship between unbearable uncertainty and depressive symptoms among college students. This study found that coping strategies played a mediating role in the relationship between unbearable uncertainty and depression during the pandemic in 2019. Future research and interventions should focus on enhancing tolerance of uncertainty and promoting positive coping strategies.

Prevalence and associated risk factors for depression symptoms in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome: a hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Background: Depression symptoms are a growing concern for adolescent girls with PCOS around the world. However, relatively small samples have given varying reports of its prevalence and risk factors in previous studies. Therefore, there is an urgent need for further research on the prevalence and associated factors of depression among adolescent girls with PCOS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from October 2021 to May 2022 using a questionnaire and examination of the medical records of a convenience sample of 335 adolescent girls with PCOS. The Chinese version of the Children's Depression Scale (CDI) was used to investigate depression symptoms. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine factors that were significantly associated with depression symptoms. Results: The prevalence of depression symptoms was 36.12% among adolescent girls with PCOS. A multivariate logistic regression model identified significant factors as perceived social support (95% CI: 0.921 ~ 0.965%, p = 0.000), sleep quality (95% CI: 1.134 ~ 1.324%, p = 0.000), belief illness (95% CI, 1.040 ~ 1.102%, p = 0.000), hirsutism (95% CI, 1.292 ~ 4.392%, p = 0.005), and LH/FSH ≥ 2 (95% CI, 1.939 ~ 6.369%, p = 0.000). Conclusion: Depression symptoms are an important problem among adolescent girls with PCOS in China. A comprehensive approach that encompasses social support, structured health education for the disease, and evaluation of the psychological status of PCOS girls with hirsutism (and) or LH/FSH ≥ 2 in time is important to minimize depression symptoms and improve psychological health among adolescent girls with PCOS.

School Bullying Victimization and Depression Symptoms in Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Internet Addiction and Moderating Role of Living Areas.

School bullying and depression are both serious social and public health problems among adolescents. Prior studies indicated a correlation between bullying and depression. However, the potential moderators remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to identify the mediating effect of Internet addiction and the moderating effect of living in urban or rural areas in the relationship between school bullying victimization and depression symptoms among Chinese adolescents. This cross-sectional study of adolescents was conducted using two-stage random cluster sampling of students in urban and rural public high schools in China. A moderated mediation model was constructed to uncover the underlying mechanism of school bullying victimization and depression symptoms. A total of 2,376 adolescents (52.65% females, mean age ± SD a 14.69 ± 1.76 years) were included in the study. The prevalence of clinical depression symptoms with a cut-off value of 16 on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was 21.76% (95% CI: 20.15, 23.46), and with a cut-off value of 20 on the CES-D was 13.85% (95% CI: 12.51, 15.30) for overall. Our findings indicated a significant positive association between school bullying victimization and depression symptoms (p < 0.01) and a significant mediating effect of Internet addiction in the association between school bullying victimization and depression symptoms (indirect effect = 1.143, 95% CI: 0.677, 1.609; percentage of mediation: 16.7%, 95% CI: 10.3, 23.1). This indirect relationship was partially moderated by the living in urban or rural areas in the mediation process. Specifically, the effect of school bullying victimization on Internet addiction was greater among urban adolescents (simple slope: 0.774, 95% CI: 0.524, 1.024, p < 0.01) than among rural adolescents (simple slope: 0.337, 95% CI: 0.132, 0.543, p < 0.01), but moderating effect of urban-rural areas was not significant on the relationship between Internet addiction and depression symptoms. These findings highlight the mediating role of Internet addiction and the moderating role of living areas in school bullying victimization and adolescents' depression symptoms, which provide evidence for social work, mental health services, and policy interventions for adolescents in China.

Association between dietary patterns and depression symptoms among adults with or without diabetes in Qatar: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a major public health problem in Qatar and is associated with an increased risk of depression. However, no study has been conducted in Qatar on the relationship between dietary patterns and depression symptoms in adults. The aim of this study was to assess the association between dietary patterns and depression symptoms among adults with or without diabetes in Qatar. METHODS: A total of 1000 participants from the Qatar Biobank (QBB) were included in this cross-sectional study. Food intake was assessed using a computer-administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis. Depression symptoms were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). RESULTS: Depression symptoms were present in 13.5% of the sample. Two dietary patterns were identified: "unhealthy" (high consumption of fast food, biryani, mixed dish (chicken/meat/fish), croissant) and "prudent" (high consumption of fresh fruit, salads/raw vegetables, canned/dried fruit, and dates). After adjusting for sociodemographic, lifestyle factors (smoking and physical activity), diabetes and medication use for diabetes and hypertension, a high intake of "unhealthy" pattern was associated with an increased prevalence of depressive symptoms in individuals with diabetes (prevalence ratio, PR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.28, 1.56; p-value < 0.001), while there was no statistically significant association between depressive symptoms and the "prudent" dietary pattern. The "prudent" pattern was inversely and significantly associated with depressive symptoms in individuals with a normal body weight (PR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.76; p-value = 0.018). CONCLUSION: The "unhealthy" dietary pattern was positively associated with depression symptoms in those with diabetes, whereas the "prudent" dietary pattern was inversely associated with depression symptoms in those with a normal body weight. Promoting healthy eating habits should be considered in the prevention and management of depression.

Prevalence of Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms among Orthopaedic Post-Trauma Patients in Hospital Tuanku Jaafar Seremban (HTJS).

Introduction: Post-trauma patients are at risk of developing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression. The primary goal of this study is to estimate the prevalence of PTSD and depression symptoms in patients who have been hospitalised for the treatment of physical trauma. Additionally, we wanted to compare the prevalence of PTSD or depression symptoms alone versus PTSD associated with depression symptoms, in orthopaedic post-trauma patients. Materials and Methods: This study had involved orthopaedic post-trauma patients in the orthopaedic ward and clinic of Hospital Tuanku Jaafar (HTJ), Seremban, Malaysia, using an online questionnaire, which consist of English and Malay language. We then determined the prevalence of depression and PTSD symptoms in orthopaedic post-trauma patients and compared this prevalence to the severity of the injuries sustained and any association between PTSD and depression symptoms. Results: Only 12.9% of the participants are likely to have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and 43.3% of participants have depression symptoms. There is no significant association between patient demographics and severity of the injuries with the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms. However, of those deemed likely to have PTSD, 93.5% of them had both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms as well as depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Only a few of the participants are likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while almost half of the participants are likely to have developed depression. Physicians caring for trauma patients should screen them for early symptoms of PTSD and depression and treat them accordingly.