Association between geriatric nutritional risk index and depression prevalence in the elderly population in NHANES.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of depression is increasing in the elderly population, and growing evidence suggests that malnutrition impacts mental health. Despites, research on the factors that predict depression is limited. METHODS: We included 2946 elderly individuals from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning the years 2011 through 2014. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the PHQ-9 scale. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to evaluate the independent association between Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and depression prevalence and scores. Subgroup analysis was conducted to explore potential factors influencing the negative correlation between GNRI and depression. Restricted cubic spline graph was employed to examine the presence of a non-linear relationship between GNRI and depression. RESULTS: The depression group had a significantly lower GNRI than the non-depression group, and multivariate logistic regression showed that GNRI was a significant predictor of depression (P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that certain demographic characteristics were associated with a lower incidence of depression in individuals affected by GNRIs. These characteristics included being female (P < 0.0001), non-Hispanic black (P = 0.0003), having a moderate BMI (P = 0.0005), having a college or associates (AA) degree (P = 0.0003), being married (P = 0.0001), having a PIR between 1.50 and 3.49 (P = 0.0002), being a former smoker (P = 0.0002), and having no history of cardiovascular disease (P < 0.0001), hypertension (P < 0.0001), and diabetes (P = 0.0027). Additionally, a non-linear negative correlation (non-linear P < 0.01) was found between GNRI and depression prevalence, with a threshold identified at GNRI = 104.17814. CONCLUSION: The GNRI demonstrates efficacy as a reliable indicator for forecasting depression in the elderly population. It exhibits a negative nonlinear correlation with the prevalence of depression among geriatric individuals.

Empowerment of Italian general practitioners in depression and suicide prevention: the iFightDepression tool, a game changer of the EAAD-Best project.

General Practitioners (GPs) play a key role in the early detection and management of depression and in preventing suicide risk. They are often the first healthcare professionals that people in crisis contact. However, their effectiveness can be limited by several barriers, including the lack of specific training and appropriate tools.The EAAD-Best project aims to fill these gaps through its iFightDepression tool, an online tool designed to support patients, psychologists, psychiatrists, and GPs in managing depression and preventing suicide. This article examines the implementation of the iFightDepression platform in Italy, assessing its impact on the empowerment of GPs in the fight against depression. Through a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the data collected by the project, the 'unmet need' of GPs' in Italy regarding their specific training in mental health is highlighted.The response of 2,068 Italian GPs in just 7 months after the start of the iFD project is an expression of GPs' engagement to work against depression and for suicide risk prevention.

The potential role of Piper guineense (black pepper) in managing geriatric brain aging: a review.

Brain aging is one of the unavoidable aspects of geriatric life. As one ages, changes such as the shrinking of certain parts (particularly the frontal cortex, which is vital to learning and other complex mental activities) of the brain may occur. Consequently, communications between neurons are less effective, and blood flow to the brain could also decrease. Efforts made at the biological level for repair become inadequate, leading to the accumulation of ß-amyloid peptide in the brain faster than its probable degradation mechanism, resulting in cognitive malfunction. Subsequent clinical usage of drugs in battling related brain-aging ailments has been associated with several undesirable side effects. However, recent research has investigated the potential use of natural compounds from food in combating such occurrences. This review provides information about the use of Piper guineense (black pepper) as a possible agent in managing brain aging because of its implications for practical brain function. P. guineense contains an alkaloid (piperine) reported to be an antioxidant, anti-depressant, and central nervous system stimulant. This alkaloid and other related compounds are neuroprotective agents that reduce lipid oxidation and inhibit tangles in the brain tissues.

A school-based program to prevent depressive symptoms and strengthen well-being among pre-vocational students (Happy Lessons): protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial and implementation study.

BACKGROUND: Depression is one of the leading causes of illness and disability among young people. In the Netherlands, one in twelve Dutch adolescents has experienced depression in the last 12 months. Pre-vocational students are at higher risk for elevated depressive symptoms. Effective interventions, especially for this risk group, are therefore needed to prevent the onset of depression or mitigate the adverse long-term effects of depression. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness and implementation of a school-based program Happy Lessons (HL), that aims to prevent depression and promote well-being among pre-vocational students. METHODS: A cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) with students randomized to HL or to care as usual will be conducted. Pre-vocational students in their first or second year (aged 12 to 14) will participate in the study. Subjects in both conditions will complete assessments at baseline and at 3- and 6-months follow-up. The primary outcome will be depressive symptoms using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) at 6-months follow-up. Secondary outcomes are well-being using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) and life satisfaction (Cantril Ladder) measured at 6-months follow-up. Alongside the trial, an implementation study will be conducted to evaluate the implementation of HL, using both quantitative and qualitative methods (interviews, survey, and classroom observations). DISCUSSION: The results from both the RCT and implementation study will contribute to the limited evidence base on effective school-based interventions for the prevention of depression and promotion of well-being among pre-vocational adolescents. In addition, insights from the implementation study will aid identifying factors relevant for optimizing the future implementation and scale-up of HL to other schools and contexts. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered on 20 September 2021 in the Dutch Trial Register ( NL9732 ).

Effects of dietary interventions on depressive symptom profiles: results from the MooDFOOD depression prevention study.

BACKGROUND: Dietary interventions did not prevent depression onset nor reduced depressive symptoms in a large multi-center randomized controlled depression prevention study (MooDFOOD) involving overweight adults with subsyndromal depressive symptoms. We conducted follow-up analyses to investigate whether dietary interventions differ in their effects on depressive symptom profiles (mood/cognition; somatic; atypical, energy-related). METHODS: Baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up data from MooDFOOD were used (n = 933). Participants received (1) placebo supplements, (2) food-related behavioral activation (F-BA) therapy with placebo supplements, (3) multi-nutrient supplements (omega-3 fatty acids and a multi-vitamin), or (4) F-BA therapy with multi-nutrient supplements. Depressive symptom profiles were based on the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology. RESULTS: F-BA therapy was significantly associated with decreased severity of the somatic (B = -0.03, p = 0.014, d = -0.10) and energy-related (B = -0.08, p = 0.001, d = -0.13), but not with the mood/cognition symptom profile, whereas multi-nutrient supplementation was significantly associated with increased severity of the mood/cognition (B = 0.05, p = 0.022, d = 0.09) and the energy-related (B = 0.07, p = 0.002, d = 0.12) but not with the somatic symptom profile. CONCLUSIONS: Differentiating depressive symptom profiles indicated that food-related behavioral interventions are most beneficial to alleviate somatic symptoms and symptoms of the atypical, energy-related profile linked to an immuno-metabolic form of depression, although effect sizes were small. Multi-nutrient supplements are not indicated to reduce depressive symptom profiles. These findings show that attention to clinical heterogeneity in depression is of importance when studying dietary interventions.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy-Adolescent Skills Training With Youth From Asian American and Immigrant Families: Cultural Considerations and Intervention Process.

Although research has identified effective evidence-based depression prevention interventions for diverse youth, little is known about how the intervention process unfolds with immigrant family youth. This study utilized a qualitative approach to explore cultural and clinical differences in the implementation of Interpersonal Psychotherapy-Adolescent Skills Training (IPT-AST) in two schools, one serving youth from primarily immigrant, Asian American families and the second, youth from mostly nonimmigrant, non-Hispanic White families. A total of 131 IPT-AST sessions were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded for presence and patterns of cultural and clinical constructs. Results revealed that sessions with immigrant family youth were more likely to contain discussions of interpersonal problems characterized by estrangement, goals of spending time together with important others, mentions of emotion suppression and academic achievement expectations, conversations about acculturation, differences in value orientation, and discomfort with implementing new intervention skills. Dialogue from interventionist and youth exchanges is presented to illustrate how these themes emerged and were addressed by interventionists in a culturally responsive manner. The study highlights how IPT-AST with immigrant family and Asian American youth may unfold differently compared to youth from nonimmigrant families. Implications of findings for providers are discussed.

Depression prevention in adolescents based on Buddhism and Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.

Depression among young adolescents can affect the learning performance and quality of life, and increase suicidal risk. Depression prevention (DP) intervention at the early onset is thus important. The participants were 20 adolescents aged between 10 and 14, 5 parents, and 7 teachers who resided in the same province in northern Thailand. Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis, while qualitative data from four focus group discussions (FGDs) and 17 in-depth interviews (IDIs) were analyzed through content analysis. The findings revealed that the critical component of depression prevention model for adolescents is self-worth enhancement, which comprises of the enhancement of self-esteem, problem-solving skills, and relaxation based on Buddhism and Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) for emotional balancing in order to prevent depression in adolescents.

Indicated Prevention for Depression at the Transition to High School: Outcomes for Depression and Anxiety.

This study examined the impact of a school-based indicated prevention program on depression and anxiety symptoms for youth during the transition from middle to high school. The High School Transition Program (HSTP) was designed to build social and academic problem-solving skills and engagement during this period of particular vulnerability for adolescents. Students (N = 2664) at six middle schools in the Pacific Northwest completed a universal emotional health screening during the second half of the 8th grade year, and those with elevated depression scores and low conduct problem scores were invited to participate in the trial. Eligible students (N = 497) were randomized to either the HSTP (N = 241) or control (N = 256) conditions. Depression and anxiety symptoms were measured at five time points over an 18-month period using validated self-report measures. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to assess prevention effects and moderators such as baseline symptoms, race, and sex. Results suggested that students randomized to the HSTP group had accelerated rate of reduction in depressive symptoms over time (d = .23) relative to the control group. Students randomized to the HSTP group also had significantly faster rates of change of anxiety scores (d = 0.25). Baseline anxiety severity, race, and sex did not differentially impact the trajectories of symptom outcomes between conditions. Implications for prevention efforts during this normative but stressful period of transition for youth are discussed. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number is NCT00071513.

Problem-Solving Therapy for Older Adults at Risk for Depression: A Qualitative Analysis of the Depression in Later Life Trial.

OBJECTIVE: As a sequel to the Depression in Later Life trial of lay counselor-delivered problem-solving therapy for depression prevention among older adults in Goa, India, this qualitative study aimed to explore participant experiences to illuminate the reasons for the trial's positive findings and implications for further efforts at depression prevention in low-resource settings. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 19 participants (21% of those randomly assigned to the original intervention). Two independent raters coded the data and organized narratives according to broad themes. RESULTS: Most participants valued their relationship with the lay counselor, learned self-care strategies to cope with illnesses, and increased engagement in pleasurable social and physical activities. Some participants reported needing assistance with managing financial strain and family conflicts. CONCLUSIONS: The lay-counselor-delivered intervention was well received. The relationship with the counselor and behavioral activation toward better self-care and more-pleasurable activities may have been keys to the intervention's success.

Turning Good Intentions Into Actions by Using the Health Action Process Approach to Predict Adherence to Internet-Based Depression Prevention: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Many individuals engaging in Internet-based interventions fail to complete these treatments as intended. The processes responsible for treatment adherence in Internet-based interventions are still poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent adherence in an Internet-based intervention can be predicted by motivational and volitional factors outlined in the health action process approach (HAPA). METHODS: This study investigated motivational and volitional factors included in HAPA in a randomized controlled trial to predict treatment adherence of N=101 individuals with subclinical depression in the intervention group of a depression prevention intervention (GET.ON Mood Enhancer). Adherence was operationalized as the number of completed treatment modules. Using longitudinal structural equation modeling, HAPA variables (motivational, maintenance, and recovery self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, intention, and planning) were assessed at baseline and their associations with adherence 7 weeks later. RESULTS: Planning predicted adherence. Better planning was, in turn, associated with higher levels of maintenance self-efficacy, and the latter significantly affected treatment adherence via planning. The other hypothesized direct associations were not significant. In total, the HAPA variables accounted for 14% of variance in treatment adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Planning emerged as the strongest predictor of treatment adherence in highly motivated participants in an Internet-based intervention out of all HAPA variables investigated. Findings are in line with the hypothesis that planning facilitates the translation of good intentions into actions. The findings imply that systematically fostering planning skills and maintenance self-efficacy prior to or during Internet-based interventions would help participants to successfully complete these treatments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00005973; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do? navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00005973 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6uxCy64sy).

Using High-Risk Adolescents' Voices to Develop a Comprehensible Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Text-Message Program.

At-risk adolescents' comprehension of, and preferences for, the content of a text-message (SMS) delivered, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based depression prevention intervention was investigated using two qualitative studies. Adolescents with depressive symptoms and a history of peer violence were recruited from an urban emergency department. Forty-one participants completed semi-structured qualitative interviews. Thematic analysis using deductive and inductive codes were used to capture a priori and emerging themes. Five major themes were identified: CBT-based messages resonated with at-risk adolescents; high levels of peer violence, comorbid symptoms, and prior exposure to the mental health system were variables affecting preferred content; participants endorsed emotional regulation messages, but found mindfulness content difficult to understand via SMS; cognitive awareness and restructuring content was most acceptable when framed by self-efficacy content; adolescent participants generated applicable CBT content in their own voices. Overall, CBT-informed content was able to be distilled into 160-character text messages without losing its comprehensibility.

Measuring Participant Effort in a Depression Prevention Trial: Who Engages in Problem-Solving Therapy?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the acceptability of clinical interventions for depression prevention, identification of clinical characteristics associated with intervention engagement is needed. The purpose of this study is to describe levels and correlates of participant engagement in Problem Solving Therapy (PST) in adults 60 and older with subthreshold depression. METHODS: As part of a clinical trial to prevent depression among older adults with subthreshold depression, participants who were randomized to receive PST completed 6-8 sessions in which they learned skills to solve self-selected problems that were contributing to stress and reduced quality of life. To measure participants' engagement with PST, interventionists completed 3 scales that rated participants' level of participation in problem solving activities, understanding of the multistep process of PST, and between-session homework effort. Using logistic regression, we examined whether physical health, level of cognitive function, gait speed, and disability served as correlates of engagement in the PST intervention. RESULTS: Gait speed, a measure of physical and cognitive health, was significantly associated with engagement in PST. Participants who walked faster were more likely to engage with PST compared to participants who walked more slowly. No other baseline variables were significant correlates. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults who walk more slowly may need alternative delivery methods to fully engage in PST. Gait speed reflects physical and cognitive health, and predicts frailty, disability, and psychomotor speed slowing. For these reasons, gait speed may be a marker for factors that will serve to predict poorer engagement in psychosocial interventions like PST.

Effectiveness of Psychological and Educational Interventions to Prevent Depression in Primary Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: Although evidence exists for the efficacy of psychosocial interventions to prevent the onset of depression, little is known about its prevention in primary care. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological and educational interventions to prevent depression in primary care. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effect of psychological and educational interventions to prevent depression in nondepressed primary care attendees. We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, OpenGrey Repository, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and other sources up to May 2016. At least 2 reviewers independently evaluated the eligibility criteria, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. We calculated standardized mean differences (SMD) using random-effects models. RESULTS: We selected 14 studies (7,365 patients) that met the inclusion criteria, 13 of which were valid to perform a meta-analysis. Most of the interventions had a cognitive-behavioral orientation, and in only 4 RCTs were the intervention clinicians primary care staff. The pooled SMD was -0.163 (95%CI, -0.256 to -0.070; P = .001). The risk of bias and the heterogeneity (I2 = 20.6%) were low, and there was no evidence of publication bias. Meta-regression detected no association between SMD and follow-up times or SMD and risk of bias. Subgroup analysis suggested greater effectiveness when the RCTs used care as usual as the comparator compared with those using placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological and educational interventions to prevent depression had a modest though statistically significant preventive effect in primary care. Further RCTs using placebo or active comparators are needed.

Design and Implementation of an Intervention Development Study: Retaining Cognition While Avoiding Late-Life Depression (ReCALL).

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the design, rationale, and implementation of an intervention development study addressing indicated and selective prevention of depression and anxiety in individuals 60 years and older with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and in their caregivers. METHODS: In Phase I, now completed, we developed and standardized problem-solving therapy (PST) and the combined PST + moderate-intensity physical exercise (PE) intervention to be administered to participants with MCI and their caregivers together, dyadically, with both participants working with the same interventionist in the same therapy sessions. In Phase II we have been testing the interventions against enhanced usual care (EUC) and have addressed challenges to recruitment. Randomization was to one of three cells: PST + PE, PST, or EUC. RESULTS: Although we set out to intervene dyadically, many individuals with MCI lived alone or did not have a support person who could participate in the study with them. Consequently, we modified the study to include MCI participants with and without support persons. Ninety-four participants were enrolled: 20 with MCI together with their support persons (N = 20 dyads) and 54 MCI participants without accompanying support persons. Most participants have been satisfied with the usefulness of the interventions in managing stress and cognitive problems. CONCLUSION: PST and moderate-intensity PE are acceptable interventions for depression and anxiety prevention in older adults with MCI and their available caregivers.

Development of an Empirically Based Preventive Intervention for Depression in Preadolescent African American Girls.

We describe the development, feasibility, and acceptability of a novel preventive intervention for depression in African American girls living in urban poverty. Our approach targeted individual and interpersonal vulnerabilities that have been shown to confer risk for depression in samples of African American girls living in low-income, urban settings, including suppression of negative emotion and lack of assertiveness with peers, memory for positive emotion, active coping, and family connection. Focus groups and an open trial were conducted to refine the goals and mechanisms for skill building. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the new program (Cities Mother-Daughter Project) was conducted with 3rd-5th grade students from Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Three cycles of screening, randomization, and deployment were conducted to assess feasibility, satisfaction, and usability. Results indicate that feasibility was weak; whereas, satisfaction and usability were high. Future directions for testing efficacy are discussed.

Cost-effectiveness of classroom-based cognitive behaviour therapy in reducing symptoms of depression in adolescents: a trial-based analysis.

BACKGROUND: A substantial minority of adolescents suffer from depression and it is associated with increased risk of suicide, social and educational impairment, and mental health problems in adulthood. A recently conducted randomized controlled trial in England evaluated the effectiveness of a manualized universally delivered age-appropriate CBT programme in school classrooms. The cost-effectiveness of the programme for preventing low mood and depression for all participants from a health and social care sector perspective needs to be determined. METHODS: A trial-based cost-effectiveness analysis based on a cluster-randomized controlled trial (trial registration--ISRCTN 19083628) comparing classroom-based CBT with usual school provision of Personal Social and Health Education. Per-student cost of intervention was estimated from programme records. The study was undertaken in eight mixed-sex U.K. secondary schools, and included 3,357 school children aged 12 to 16 years (in the two trial arms evaluated in the cost-effectiveness analysis). The main outcome measures were individual self-reported data on care costs, Quality-Adjusted Life-Years (QALYs, based on the EQ-5D health-related quality-of-life instrument) and symptoms of depression (Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire) at baseline, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Although there was lower quality-adjusted life-years over 12 months (-.05 QALYs per person, 95% confidence interval -.09 to -.005, p = .03) with CBT, this is a 'clinically' negligible difference, which was not found in the complete case analyses. There was little evidence of any between-arm differences in SMFQ scores (0.19, 95% CI -0.57 to 0.95, p = .62), or costs (£142, 95% CI -£132 to £415, p = .31) per person for CBT versus usual school provision. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis suggests that the universal provision of classroom-based CBT is unlikely to be either more effective or less costly than usual school provision.

Screening for rumination and brooding may be a feasible method of identifying adolescents at high risk for depression.

The purpose of this study was to explore the usefulness of a standardized measure of rumination and brooding (Ruminative Response Scale [RRS]), to accurately identify adolescents at risk for depression. Participants (N=111; mean age=13.06 years) completed standardized measures in a cross-sectional study. ROC analyses yielded high area under the curve estimates for the RRS (.94, p<.001) and the brooding subscale (.91, p<.001), indicating both are excellent at discriminating between adolescents at high and low risk for depressive symptoms. Findings suggest depression prevention may benefit from screening for and targeting rumination or brooding with adolescence.

Long-Term Effects of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Depression Prevention Among University Students: Randomized Controlled Factorial Trial.

Background: Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) shows promise in the prevention of depression. However, the specific iCBT components that contribute to its effectiveness remain unclear. Objective: We aim to evaluate the effects of iCBT components in preventing depression among university students. Methods: Using a smartphone cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) app, we randomly allocated university students to the presence or absence of 5 different iCBT components: self-monitoring, behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring, assertiveness training, and problem-solving. The active intervention lasted 8 weeks but the app remained accessible through the follow-up. The primary outcome was the onset of a major depressive episode (MDE) between baseline and the follow-up after 52 weeks, as assessed with the computerized World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Secondary outcomes included changes in the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, 7-item General Anxiety Disorder, and CBT Skills Scale. Results: During the 12-month follow-up, 133 of 1301 (10.22%) participants reported the onset of an MDE. There were no significant differences in the incidence of MDEs between the groups with or without each component (hazard ratios ranged from 0.85, 95% CI 0.60-1.20, for assertiveness training to 1.26, 95% CI 0.88-1.79, for self-monitoring). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the changes on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, 7-item General Anxiety Disorder, or for CBT Skills Scale between component allocation groups. However, significant reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms were observed among all participants at the 52-week follow-up. Conclusions: In this study, we could not identify any specific iCBT components that were effective in preventing depression or the acquisition of CBT skills over the 12-month follow-up period, but all participants with and without intervention of each iCBT component demonstrated significant improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms. Further research is needed to explore the potential impact of frequency of psychological assessments, nonspecific intervention effects, natural change in the mental state, and the baseline depression level.

Recurrent Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Secondary to Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome.

We present a case of a young woman having recurrent admissions secondary to cyclical vomiting syndrome complicated with stress-induced cardiomyopathy/takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC). She not only had left ventricular dysfunction but also suffered from anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder for which professional help was sought. TC is defined as reversible, transient ventricular dysfunction in the absence of coronary artery disease. Due to the similarity of TC to acute coronary syndrome, TC is often left as a diagnosis of exclusion as it relies heavily on diagnosis by history, physical examination, and ultrasound imaging. Extreme emotional or physical stress can act as a trigger and timely identification and management of triggers causing TC are important to improve the outcome. In addition to physiological impact, TC also puts a toll on psychological health. Although the mechanism is not completely understood, reportedly plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine were significantly elevated in patients with TC which might contribute to depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. Along with proper medical care, psychological care is equally important for patients with TC.