Diagnostic differences in verbal learning strategies and verbal memory in patients with mood disorders and psychotic disorders.

A better understanding of verbal learning strategies can offer insight to the difference in verbal memory performance and learning between patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders, non-psychotic major depression, and psychotic major depression. To date, a comparison of the use of verbal learning strategies and verbal memory performance amongst these specific diagnostic groups has not been investigated. This study examined differences in verbal learning and memory between psychotic major depression (n = 31), nonpsychotic major depression (n = 30), and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (n = 17) disorders. Verbal learning and memory were assessed through the use of the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II). Correlations and multiple regression analyses were conducted to analyze differences in verbal learning and memory amongst these groups. There were no significant differences in the use of Semantic Clustering. Diagnostic differences were observed in the use of Serial and Subjective Clustering. The psychotic major depression group utilized Serial Clustering strategy significantly less than the nonpsychotic major depression group. Learning strategies significantly predicted learning and recall. These findings lend support to the hypothesis that learning strategies predict verbal memory performance across diagnostic groups. The present study contains useful information on diagnostic differences in verbal learning and memory, and a framework by which treatment could be tailored to enhance learning specific to these diagnostic groups.

The Influence of Perceived Stress and Depression on Suicide-Related Beliefs in Caucasian and Indian Adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Suicidality research in developing countries, including India, faces logistical and cultural challenges. Technology may help address these challenges and offer data to providers treating a diverse clientele. METHOD: The relationship between perceived stress and suicide-related beliefs was examined in two populations: Indians in India (n = 374) and Caucasians in English-speaking countries (n = 326); the influence of depression on that relationship was also explored. The study was conducted via an Internet-based survey. RESULTS: Three-way interactions (Ethnicity × Perceived stress × Depression status) were observed, predicting strength of the belief that suicide is a solution to problems, F(1,679) = 4.18, p < .05, and that suicide is a good option if quality of life worsens, F(1,675) = 9.53, p < .01. For both beliefs, Caucasians screening positive for depression exhibited the strongest relationship between stress and suicide-related beliefs; for Indians, that relationship was not moderated by depression status. Caucasians also exhibited a stronger association between higher stress and greater belief strength that suicide is a good option assuming a steady quality of life than did Indians, F(1,680) = 6.05, p < .05. LIMITATIONS: Participants were recruited through a depression screening website; results may not generalize to those who are uninterested in depression screening or to those who are unwilling or unable to use the internet for that purpose. CONCLUSION: Our findings may help to better target interventions to reduce suicidality, for example, employ stress reduction techniques for Caucasians who are depressed, and monitor suicidality for Indians reporting high stress regardless of depression.

Health Care Utilization of Veterans With Serious Mental Illness.

Outreach regarding veteran-specific factors can help determine which targeted interventions reduce the need for chronic mental illness inpatient hospitalization.