Lonely and scrolling during the COVID-19 pandemic: understanding the problematic social media use and mental health link among university students.

Introduction: Undergraduate university students experienced many academic and non-academic stressors during the first year of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, putting them at a greater risk of negative mental health outcomes. Reports worldwide have shown high incidences of depressive, anxiety, and stress scores among university students at the beginning of the pandemic. Emerging evidence also suggests that to cope with the stress and loneliness of the pandemic, many youth and young adults increased the amount of time they spent on social media platforms. Methods: Undergraduate students participated in an online study aimed to understand the link between time spent on social media, coping through the use of social media and problematic social media use (PSMU) with mental health symptoms, such as stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: While time spent on social media was only weakly associated with stress, depression, anxiety and loneliness scores, PSMU more strongly mapped onto these outcomes. Additionally, students who were coping highly using social media displayed elevated stress, depression, anxiety and loneliness levels in comparison to those reporting low levels of coping with social media. Finally, students who reported high levels of coping using social media displayed higher PSMU scores, with this relationship appearing more pronounced in students who had higher levels of loneliness. Conclusion: These data support evidence that it is not necessarily time spent on social media but rather PSMU that is relevant for mental health symptoms, and that PSMU is exacerbated by loneliness. Moreover, the current results highlight the effects of maladaptive coping on mental health symptoms and PSMU among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evidence for Locus Coeruleus-Norepinephrine System Abnormality in Military Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Revealed by Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND: The complex neurobiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) calls for the characterization of specific disruptions in brain functions that require targeted treatment. One such alteration could be an overactive locus coeruleus (LC)-norepinephrine system, which may be linked to hyperarousal symptoms, a characteristic and burdensome aspect of the disorder. METHODS: Study participants were Canadian Armed Forces veterans with PTSD related to deployment to combat zones (n = 34) and age- and sex-matched healthy control participants (n = 32). Clinical measures included the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5, and neuroimaging measures included a neuromelanin-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging scan to measure the LC signal. Robust linear regression analyses related the LC signal to clinical measures. RESULTS: Compared with control participants, the LC signal was significantly elevated in the PTSD group (t62 = 2.64, p = .010), and this group difference was most pronounced in the caudal LC (t56 = 2.70, Cohen's d = 0.72). The caudal LC signal was also positively correlated with the severity of Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 hyperarousal symptoms in the PTSD group (t26 = 2.16, p = .040). CONCLUSIONS: These findings are consistent with a growing body of evidence indicative of elevated LC-norepinephrine system function in PTSD. Furthermore, they indicate the promise of neuromelanin-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging as a noninvasive method to probe the LC-norepinephrine system that has the potential to support subtyping and treatment of PTSD or other neuropsychiatric conditions.

Associating Internalizing and Externalizing Symptom Features With the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Brief Form (PID-5-BF) in a Large Community Sample.

The Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Brief Form (PID-5-BF) is a relatively novel measure assessing maladaptive personality traits. We examined whether PID-5-BF traits are associated with non-personality measures of wellbeing in N = 661 Canadian adults in the community. Depression, anxiety, and perceived stress measures were obtained, as were indices of alcohol and cannabis use. Symptoms of depression and perceived stress were associated with all PID-5-BF dimensions, except for antagonism. Anxiety symptoms were associated with negative affectivity (NA) and, to a lesser extent, psychoticism. A younger age and female sex were related to higher depression and stress scores. In contrast to the models assessing depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms, in which NA was the strongest contributor, no significant contribution of internalizing traits (i.e., PID-5-BF NA) on substance use outcomes was found when externalizing traits were included in the models. Specifically, binge drinking and cannabis use were associated with higher disinhibition scores and lower psychoticism scores. Regression models were substantially weaker for substance use than for the mood and stress symptoms. Younger individuals used more cannabis and males engaged in more binge drinking. These findings largely confirm PID-5-BF's construct validity, and indicate that various indices of wellbeing (not necessarily personality-associated measures) are associated with personality traits, as measured with the brief from of PID-5-BF.

Benefits and barriers to engagement of mental health caregivers in advisory roles: Results from a cross-sectional survey.

Background and Aims: Mental health institutions and community organizations have had difficulty recruiting patients and caregivers onto their Patient, Family, and Community Advisory Committees (PFACs). Previous research has focused on barriers and enablers of engaging patients and caregivers who have advisory experience. This study acknowledges the experiential difference between patients and caregivers by focusing only on caregivers; further, we compare the barriers and enablers between advising versus non-advising caregivers of loved ones with mental illness. Methods: Data from a cross-sectional survey codesigned by researchers, staff, clients, and caregiver affiliated with a tertiary mental health center were completed by n = 84 caregivers (n = 40 past/current PFAC advising caregivers; n = 44 non-advising caregivers). Results: Caregivers were disproportionately female and late middle-aged. Advising and non-advising caregivers differed on employment status. There were no differences of the demographics of their care-recipients. More non-advising caregivers reported being hindered from PFAC engagement by family-related duties and interpersonal demands. Finally, more advising caregivers considered being publicly acknowledged as important. Conclusions: Advising and non-advising caregivers of loved ones with mental illness were similar in demographics and in reporting the enablers and hindrances that impact PFAC engagement. Nevertheless, our data highlights specific considerations that institutions/organizations should consider when recruiting and retaining caregivers on PFACs. Patient or Public Contribution: This project was led by a caregiver advisor to address a need she saw in the community. The surveys were codesigned by a team of two caregivers, one patient, and one researcher. The surveys were reviewed by a group of five caregivers external to the project. The results of the surveys were discussed with two caregivers involved directly with the project.

Examining Risk Factors in the Cannabis-Suicide Link: Considering Trauma and Impulsivity among University Students.

Cannabis is a commonly used substance among university students that may have several negative health repercussions, including suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SA). The factors that contribute to or help explain this relation remain uncertain. Earlier negative experiences, especially trauma encountered during early life, have been associated with the development of psychopathology upon later stressor encounters. In the current study, we examined the associations between SI and SA with problematic cannabis use among young adults and the role of earlier trauma experiences and trait impulsiveness in understanding this link. Among university students (N = 539), problematic cannabis use was moderately related to lifetime and past-12-months suicidal ideation and attempts. Impulsiveness mediated the relationship between problematic cannabis use and lifetime SI and SA. Moreover, previous life trauma moderated the relationship between problematic cannabis use and SA, such that the association between problematic cannabis use and SA was stronger among those who experienced high levels of trauma. These findings highlight behavioral and environmental factors that could predict suicide ideation and attempts among young cannabis users. Accordingly, trait impulsiveness and early trauma experiences should be considered, alongside problematic cannabis use, in suicide-risk detection and prevention strategies among young adults.

Hormone contraceptive use in young women: Altered mood states, neuroendocrine and inflammatory biomarkers.

Oral contraceptives are used by millions of women worldwide, yet there are questions regarding the psychological and biological consequences of these medications. Considering that sex steroid hormones can regulate neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to stress, the current study examined mood and stress symptomatologies, as well as circulating levels of cortisol and inflammatory biomarkers among young women (N = 388), of whom, 47.0 % (n = 182) were using a form of hormonal contraception. Women using hormone contraceptives displayed significantly higher depressive and stress scores compared to non-users, whereas no differences were found for anxiety symptoms. Moreover, contraceptive users had markedly elevated plasma cortisol and C-reactive protein levels in comparison to non-users. Upon assessing women at different phases of their menstrual cycle, hormone contraceptive users displayed higher levels of cortisol compared to women in the follicular and luteal phases, in addition to higher levels of CRP levels compared to women in the luteal phase. Together, these findings suggest that hormone contraceptive use is linked to exaggerated basal neuroendocrine and inflammatory profiles, which could potentially increase sensitivity to the impacts of stressors and mood disturbances.

Relations between bullying and distress among youth living in First Nations communities: Assessing direct and moderating effects of culture-related variables.

The well-being of Indigenous peoples continues to be affected by intergenerational effects of numerous harmful government policies, which are considered root causes for bullying and cyberbullying that exist in some communities. Despite ongoing stressors, Indigenous youth demonstrate resilience, which often appears grounded in connecting to their cultural identities and traditional practices. However, few studies have tested the direct and stress-buffering role of various aspects of culture in relation to well-being among First Nations youth. Analyses of the 2015-16 First Nations Regional Health Survey (RHS) revealed that bullying and cyberbullying were associated with increased psychological distress among youth aged 12-17 living in First Nations communities across Canada (N = 4,968; weighted = 47,918), and that these links were stronger for females. Feelings of community belonging were directly associated with lower distress and buffered the relationships between bullying/cyberbullying and distress. Among youth who experienced cyberbullying, those who participated in community cultural events at least sometimes reported lower distress compared to those who rarely or never participated. Those who disagreed that traditional cultural events were important reported the highest levels of distress, but perceived importance of such events failed to buffer the associations between bullying/cyberbullying and distress. These national data highlight the importance of certain culture-related variables as key factors associated with the well-being of youth living in First Nations communities across Canada.

Sex Differences in Determinants of Suicide Risk Preceding Psychiatric Admission: An Electronic Medical Record Study.

Background: Individuals requiring inpatient psychiatric care represent a group at higher risk of progressing toward suicide attempt. Using electronic medical record (EMR) data collected from psychiatric inpatient admissions, the objective of this study was to identify sex differences in risk factors for suicide plans and/or attempts within the 30 days preceding hospital admission. Methods: Resident Assessment Instrument for Mental Health (RAI-MH) intake data were obtained for patients admitted to a Canadian tertiary-care hospital deemed a "threat or danger to self" during a 10-year period (2008-2018). Data was extracted for individuals categorized into three groups: non-suicidal (N = 568), presence of suicide plan (N = 178), and presence of suspected suicide attempt (N = 124) in the 30 days prior to hospital admission. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine determinants of suicide risk. Results: Across all models, diagnosis of depression was the strongest predictor of suicide plan and/or attempt (OR = 5.54, 95% CI = 3.71-8.27, p < 0.001). Comparing clinical symptoms between suicidal and non-suicidal groups at the time of admission, the largest effect sizes were found for hopelessness (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.11), and guilt or shame (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.09). Female sex was identified as a significant factor for elevated suicidal risk (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.01-2.21, p = 0.01), thus we stratified the regression model by sex to identify specific risk factors for suicide plan and/or attempt for males and females. Among males, having no confidant (OR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.19-3.80, p = 0.01), presence of recent stressors (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.16-3.29, p = 0.01), and participation in social activities (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.02-2.71, p = 0.04) were important predictors, while among females, younger age (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.94-0.97, p < 0.001) increased odds of suicide plan and/or attempt. Conclusion: EMR-derived findings highlight different psychosocial and clinical determinants for males and females associated with suicide plan or attempt prior to psychiatric admission. Identifying precipitating factors that elevate imminent suicide risk may inform suicide prevention efforts for psychiatric inpatients.

Parent-Child Separations and Mental Health among First Nations and Métis Peoples in Canada: Links to Intergenerational Residential School Attendance.

First Nations children are over 17 times more likely to be removed from their families and placed in the child welfare system (CWS) than non-Indigenous children in Canada. The high rates of parent-child separation have been linked to discriminatory public services and the Indian Residential School (IRS) system, which instigated a multi-generational cycle of family disruption. However, limited empirical evidence exists linking the IRS to subsequent parent-child separations, the CWS, and mental health outcomes among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations in Canada. The current studies examine these relationships using a nationally representative sample of First Nations youth (ages 12-17 years) living in communities across Canada (Study 1), and among First Nations and Métis adults (ages 18+ years) in Canada (Study 2). Study 1 revealed that First Nations youth with a parent who attended IRS had increased odds of not living with either of their biological parents, and both IRS and not living with biological parents independently predicted greater psychological distress. Similarly, Study 2 revealed that First Nations and Métis adults with familial IRS history displayed greater odds of spending time in the CWS, and both IRS and CWS predicted elevated depressive symptoms. The increased distress and depressive symptoms associated with parent-child separations calls for First Nations-led interventions to address the inequities in the practices of removing Indigenous children and youth from their families.

Developing symptom clusters: linking inflammatory biomarkers to depressive symptom profiles.

Considering the burden of depression and the lack of efficacy of available treatments, there is a need for biomarkers to predict tailored or personalized treatments. However, identifying reliable biomarkers for depression has been challenging, likely owing to the vast symptom heterogeneity and high rates of comorbidity that exists. Examining biomarkers that map onto dimensions of depression as well as shared symptoms/constructs that cut across disorders could be most effective for informing personalized treatment approaches. With a sample of 539 young adults, we conducted a principal component analysis (PCA) followed by hierarchical cluster analysis to develop transdiagnostic clusters of depression and anxiety symptoms. We collected blood to assess whether neuroendocrine (cortisol) and inflammatory profiles (C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) - α) could be used to differentiate symptom clusters. Six distinct clusters were identified that differed significantly on symptom dimensions including somatic anxiety, general anxiety, anhedonia, and neurovegetative depression. Moreover, the neurovegetative depression cluster displayed significantly elevated CRP levels compared to other clusters. In fact, inflammation was not strongly associated with overall depression scores or severity, but rather related to specific features of depression marked by eating, appetite, and tiredness. This study emphasizes the importance of characterizing the biological underpinnings of symptom dimensions and subtypes to better understand the etiology of complex mental health disorders such as depression.

Transdiagnostic biomarker approaches to mental health disorders: Consideration of symptom complexity, comorbidity and context.

Depression is a multifaceted disorder characterized by heterogeneous symptom profiles and high rates of comorbidity with other commonly occurring mental illnesses. Considering the burden of mental health disorders and the lack of efficacy of available treatments, there is a need for biomarkers to predict tailored or personalized treatments. However, identifying reliable biomarkers for complex mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety and PTSD, has been challenging, likely owing to the heterogeneity, comorbidity and differences in experiences and histories of individuals. For these reasons, taking a transdiagnostic approach, which identifies biomarkers that map onto shared symptoms/constructs across disorders could be most effective for informing personalized or precision medicine approaches in psychiatry. Transdiagnostic features of anxiety, depression and anhedonia have been examined in relation to brain activity and connectivity patterns. Neuroendocrine and inflammatory markers, which are altered in depression and other comorbid illness, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), might be useful in differentiating transdiagnostic symptom profiles as well as treatment responses. Ultimately, biomarker research that looks beyond diagnostic categories and embraces the complexity of individuals' lives and experiences might be more effective in moving towards precision medicine in psychiatry.

Coping With the COVID-19 Pandemic: Examining Gender Differences in Stress and Mental Health Among University Students.

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a wide variety of unprecedented challenges, many of which appear to be disproportionately affecting the mental health and well-being of young adults. While there is evidence to suggest university students experience high rates of mental health disorders, less is known about the specific impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on student mental health and how they are coping with this stress. To address this gap, we conducted an online study among undergraduate students (n = 366) to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academics, social isolation, and mental health, as well as the extent to which they have been implementing a variety of coping strategies. The pandemic had a more pronounced negative effect on female students' academics, social isolation, stress and mental health compared to male counterparts. Moreover, for females, frequent use of social media as a coping mechanism was associated with greater perceived negative impacts on their academic performance and stress levels, compared to males. However, frequent social media use related to similar negative mental health effects for both males and females. While male and female students both reported using substances to cope, for males the use of cannabis was associated with greater negative impacts on academic outcomes, stress and mental health compared to females. These findings highlight the need for adequate student support services across the post-secondary sector, and point to the importance of gender informed interventions to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The burden of loneliness: Implications of the social determinants of health during COVID-19.

This study sought to examine if mental health issues, namely depression and anxiety symptoms, and loneliness were experienced differently according to various demographic groups during the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., a societal stressor). An online survey, comprising demographic questions and questionnaires on depression, anxiety and loneliness symptoms, was distributed in Canada during the height of social distancing restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents (N=661) from lower income households experienced greater anxiety, depression and loneliness. Specifically, loneliness was greater in those with an annual income <$50,000/yr versus higher income brackets. Younger females (18-29yr) displayed greater anxiety, depressive symptoms and loneliness than their male counterparts; this difference did not exist among the other age groups (30-64yr, >65yr). Moreover, loneliness scores increased with increasing depression and anxiety symptom severity category. The relationship between loneliness and depression symptoms was moderated by gender, such that females experienced higher depressive symptoms when encountering greater loneliness. These data identify younger females, individuals with lower income, and those living alone as experiencing greater loneliness and mental health challenges during the height of the pandemic in Canada. We highlight the strong relationship between loneliness, depression and anxiety, and emphasize increased vulnerability among certain cohorts.

Social support and unsupportive interactions in relation to depressive symptoms: Implication of gender and the BDNF polymorphism.

Reduced levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), through its role in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, may be involved in the evolution and maintenance of depression. Depression has also been tied to fewer social relationships, which can vary by gender. Thus, we assessed whether the functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the BDNF gene, Val66Met, moderated the relationship between depressive symptoms and perceived social support and unsupportive relationships, and whether these associations differed by gender. Among 945 students, (n = 667 females; n= 278 males), depressive scores were inversely related to social support, and positively related with unsupportive relations. Females reported greater social support and depressive scores compared to males. A3-way interaction was found between unsupportive relations, the Val66Met SNP, and gender, such that irrespective of genotype, females displayed astrong relationship between unsupport and depressive scores. Male Met carriers displayed this relationship, but this was less apparent among males with the Val/Val genotype. The Val66Met SNP did not moderate the link between support and depressive scores. This BDNF SNP may serve to moderate the links between psychosocial factors and depressive symptoms, but such links are nuanced, being gender-dependent and varying with the nature of the social interactions experienced.

Understanding the Relation Between Early-Life Adversity and Depression Symptoms: The Moderating Role of Sex and an Interleukin-1ß Gene Variant.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), are thought to play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of depression within a subset of individuals. However, the involvement of IL-1ß has not been as consistently linked to depression, possibly owing to difficulties in detecting this cytokine in blood samples or that changes in circulating levels might only be apparent in a subgroup of patients who have experienced early-life adversity. From this perspective, the association between early-life adversity and depressive illness might depend on genetic variants regulating IL-1ß activity. Considering the inflammatory-depression link, and that women are twice as likely to experience depression compared to men, the current study (N = 475 university students) examined the moderating role of three independent cytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; IL-1ß rs16944, IL-6 rs1800795 SNP, TNF-α rs1800629) in the relationship between early-life adversity and depressive symptoms, and whether these relations differed between males and females. The relation between childhood adversity and depressive symptoms was moderated by the IL-1ß SNP, and further varied according to sex. Specifically, among females, higher childhood maltreatment was accompanied by elevated depressive symptoms irrespective of the IL-1ß SNP, but among males, this relationship was particularly pronounced for those carrying the GG genotype of the IL-1ß SNP. These findings suggest that, in the context of early life adversity, genetic variations of IL-1ß functioning are related to depressive symptomatology and this may vary among males and females. The present study also, more broadly, highlights the importance of considering the confluence of experiential factors (e.g., early life adversity) and personal characteristics (e.g., sex and genetics) in understanding depressive disorders, an approach increasingly recognized in developing personalized treatment approaches to this illness.

Traumatic Experiences, Perceived Discrimination, and Psychological Distress Among Members of Various Socially Marginalized Groups.

Perceived discrimination has consistently been shown to be associated with diminished mental health, but the psychological processes underlying this link are less well understood. The present series of four studies assessed the role of a history traumatic events in generating a proliferation of discrimination stressors and threat appraisals, which in turn predict psychological distress (depressive and posttraumatic stress symptoms) (mediation model), or whether prior traumatic events sensitize group members, such that when they encounter discrimination, the link to stress-related symptoms is heightened (moderation model). Each of the studies assessed a different marginalized group in Canada, including Indigenous peoples, Blacks, Jews, and a diverse sample of women. Participants completed measures assessing history of traumatic events, perceived explicit and ambiguous discrimination, discrimination threat appraisals, and symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress. The four populations varied in their experiences, with Indigenous peoples encountering the highest levels of trauma, discrimination, and psychological distress symptoms. A mediated model was evident among Indigenous peoples and women, possibly reflecting the role of systemic processes that engender discrimination when traumatic events are experienced. There was evidence for a moderating role of a history of traumatic events on the relations between discrimination and depressive symptoms among Jewish and Black participants. Although the hypothesized synergistic effects of traumatic experiences were noted when assessing the relation between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms among Jews, the presence of trauma blunted these relations among Blacks. The results suggest that trauma-informed approaches to addressing stress-related processes and psychological outcomes need to consider the unique social context of members of various socially marginalized groups.

Examining Barriers as Risk Factors for Relapse: A focus on the Canadian Treatment and Recovery System of Care.

OBJECTIVES: In 2016, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) conducted the first survey of individuals in recovery from addiction in Canada. The findings revealed that many individuals in recovery lead meaningful lives, contributing to their families and society. However, participants also identified a number of barriers to starting and maintaining recovery. The current study examined the relationship between the barriers experienced and relapse during recovery. METHODS: Data from the 2016 Life in Recovery (LIR) from Addiction in Canada survey were analyzed using descriptive and logistic regression analyses. Participants comprised 855 individuals (Mage = 47.3 years), all of whom self-reported being in recovery from addiction. RESULTS: Logistic regressions revealed that upon starting recovery, long delays for treatment, odds ratio (OR) = 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.21-2.60, P < 0.01, and not having stable housing, OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.14-2.95, P < 0.05, were associated with increased risk of relapse. Moreover, upon examining barriers to maintaining recovery, a lack of supportive social networks, OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.26-3.48, p < 0.01, a lack of programs or supports, OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.03-2.98, P < 0.05, and the costs of recovery services OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.02-2.91, P < 0.05 were associated with increased risk of relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted investments to address the treatment-related barriers that most strongly relate to relapse, could significantly improve the lives of individuals struggling with addiction and those beginning and maintaining their recovery journey. OBJECTIFS: En 2016, le Centre canadien de lutte contre l'alcoolisme et les toxicomanies (CCLAT) a mené un premier sondage auprès des personnes en rétablissement à la suite d'une dépendance au Canada. Les résultats ont révélé que de nombreuses personnes en rétablissement mènent des vies significatives, contribuant ainsi à leur famille et à la société. Cependant, les participants ont également identifié un certain nombre d'obstacles au démarrage et au maintien du rétablissement. La présente étude a examiné la relation entre les obstacles rencontrés et la rechute pendant le rétablissement. MÉTHODES: Les données de l'enquête Life in Recovery (LIR) de l'Enquête sur la toxicomanie au Canada de 2016 ont été analysées à l'aide d'analyses de régression descriptives et logistiques. Les participants comprenaient 855 individus (Moyenne d'âge = 47,3 ans), qui ont tous déclaré être en rétablissement après une dépendance. RÉSULTATS: Les régressions logistiques ont révélé qu'au début du rétablissement, de longs délais de traitement, chance de réussite (CR) = 1,77, intervalle de confiance à 95% (IC) = 1,21-2,60, p < 0,01, et n'ayant pas de logement stable, CR = 1,83, IC 95% = 1,14-2,95, p < 0,05, étaient associés à un risque accru de rechute. De plus, en examinant les obstacles au maintien du rétablissement, un manque de réseaux sociaux de soutien, CR = 2.10, IC à 95% = 1.26-3.48, p < 0.01, manque de programmes ou de soutien, CR = 1.75, IC à 95% = 1.03-2,98, p < 0,05, et les coÛts des services de récupération CR = 1,73, IC 95% = 1,02-2,91, p < 0,05 étaient associés à un risque accru de rechute. CONCLUSIONS: Des investissements ciblés visant à surmonter les obstacles liés au traitement les plus étroitement liés à la rechute pourraient améliorer considérablement la vie des personnes aux prises avec une dépendance et de celles qui amorcent et poursuivent leur chemin vers le rétablissement.

Profiling changes in cortical astroglial cells following chronic stress.

Recent studies have suggested that cortical astroglia play an important role in depressive-like behaviors. Potential astroglial contributions have been proposed based on their known neuroplastic functions, such as glutamate recycling and synaptic plasticity. However, the specific mechanisms by which astroglial cells may contribute or protect against a depressive phenotype remain unknown. To delineate astroglial changes that accompany depressive-like behavior, we used astroglial-specific bacTRAP mice exposed to chronic variable stress (CVS) and profiled the astroglial translatome using translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) in conjunction with RNAseq. As expected, CVS significantly increased anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors and corticosterone levels and decreased GFAP expression in astroglia, although this did not reflect a change in the total number of astroglial cells. TRAPseq results showed that CVS decreased genes associated with astroglial plasticity: RhoGTPases, growth factor signaling, and transcription regulation, and increased genes associated with the formation of extracellular matrices such as perineuronal nets (PNNs). PNNs inhibit neuroplasticity and astroglia contribute to the formation, organization, and maintenance of PNNs. To validate our TRAPseq findings, we showed an increase in PNNs following CVS. Degradation of PNNs in the prefrontal cortex of mice exposed to CVS reversed the CVS-induced behavioral phenotype in the forced swim test. These data lend further support to the neuroplasticity hypothesis of depressive behaviors and, in particular, extend this hypothesis beyond neuronal plasticity to include an overall decrease in genes associated with cortical astroglial plasticity following CVS. Further studies will be needed to assess the antidepressant potential of directly targeting astroglial cell function in models of depression.

The ties that bind: Ingroup ties are linked with diminished inflammatory immune responses and fewer mental health symptoms through less rumination.

The present research explored whether components of social identity, namely ingroup ties, affect, and centrality, were differentially linked to mental health and inflammatory immune responses, and whether rumination mediated those relations. Study 1 (N = 138) indicated that stronger ingroup ties were associated with fewer mental health (depressive and post-traumatic stress) symptoms; those relations were mediated by the tendency for individuals with strong ties to rely less on ruminative coping to deal with a stressful life event. Study 2 (N = 54) demonstrated that ingroup ties were negatively associated with depressive symptoms, dispositional rumination, as well as stress-linked inflammatory elements at the physiological level. Consistent associations for centrality and ingroup affect were absent, suggesting that ingroup ties may have unique health benefits.