Personality traits mediate the association between perceived parental bonding and well-being in adult volunteers from the community.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported that subjective well-being in adulthood correlates with perceived parental bonding in childhood as well as personality traits. However, whether personality traits mediate the effect of perceived parental bonding on well-being or not has not been reported to date. In this study, we hypothesized that 'parental care and overprotection' in childhood affect 'well-being' in adulthood through various 'personality traits', and analyzed this using structural equation modeling. METHODS: A total of 402 adult volunteers from the community provided responses to the following questionnaires: 1) Parental Bonding Instrument, 2) Temperament and Character Inventory, and 3) The Subjective Well-being Inventory. Two structural equation models were designed and the maximum likelihood estimation method was used for covariance structure analysis. RESULTS: Parental care in childhood directly increased well-being in adulthood and indirectly increased it through personality traits (harm avoidance, reward dependence, and self-directedness). Parental overprotection in childhood had no direct effect on well-being in adulthood but decreased well-being in adulthood indirectly through personality traits (harm avoidance, reward dependence, and self-directedness) and increased it through one personality trait (self-transcendence). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the influences of perceived parental bonding on well-being in adulthood are mediated by self-directedness, harm avoidance, reward dependence, and self-transcendence among the seven personality dimensions evaluated by the Temperament and Character Inventory.

Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders Predict Shorter Time to Relapse of Mood Episodes in Euthymic Patients With Bipolar Disorder: A Prospective 48-Week Study.

OBJECTIVE: Circadian rhythm dysfunction has been considered to be common in bipolar disorder (BD) and plays an important role in mood dysregulation in this disorder. However, no study has investigated whether circadian rhythm dysfunction would affect the clinical course of BD. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that circadian rhythm dysfunction could be a predictor of relapse in euthymic BD patients. METHODS: One hundred four euthymic outpatients with BD diagnosed according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), participated in this prospective follow-up study from August 2014 to April 2015. At baseline, data on demographic variables and clinical descriptive variables of bipolar disorder were ascertained via clinical interviews. The diagnoses of circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders (CRSWDs) were made based on participants' sleep logs for 4 weeks and according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, Third Edition (ICSD-3). The BD symptoms of the subjects were evaluated using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) scores every 4 weeks throughout the 48-week study period. Relapse of BD was defined as scores higher than the cutoff points (MADRS score ≥ 13 and YMRS score ≥ 7). The primary outcome was time to relapse of mood episodes. RESULTS: Thirty-four subjects met criteria for CRSWD at baseline, most frequently delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (n = 27). Of the total 104 subjects, 51 (49.0%) experienced relapse during the 48-week follow-up period. Multivariate Cox hazard regression analyses revealed that 2 or more previous mood episodes within the past year and comorbidity of CRSWD were significantly associated with the time to relapse of mood episodes (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Comorbid CRSWD, mainly delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, could be a significant predictor of relapse in BD patients.

Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders as predictors for bipolar disorder in patients with remitted mood disorders.

BACKGROUND: Circadian rhythm dysfunction is thought to play a key role in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder (BD). We focused on circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders (CRSWD) as possible predictors for bipolar disorder in patients with remitted mood disorders. METHOD: One hundred four BD (41 type I and 63 type II) outpatients and 73 age- and sex-matched major depressive disorder (MDD) outpatients participated in this study. The subjects were asked to answer questionnaires including demographic variables, clinical course of the disorder, and family history of psychiatric disorders. Severity of mood status was evaluated by the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and Young Mania Rating Scale. CRSWD was diagnosed by clinical interview and sleep logs based on the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, third edition. RESULTS: The rate of CRSWD in BD subjects was significantly higher than that in MDD subjects (33.7% vs 9.6%; P < 0.001). A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that comorbid CRSWD (OR = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.24 - 9.07; P = 0.018), two or more previous mood episodes within the past year (OR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.10 - 11.63; P = 0.035), and antidepressant-related switch to mania/hypomania (OR = 10.01, 95% CI = 1.20 - 83.52; P = 0.033) were significantly associated with BD in patients with remitted mood disorders. CONCLUSION: CRSWD, as well as other factors, could be diagnostic predictors for BD in patients with remitted mood disorders. Combinations of these factors might be useful for predicting a BD diagnosis among the mood disorders in a clinical setting.

Associations among depressive symptoms, childhood abuse, neuroticism, and adult stressful life events in the general adult population.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that the interactions among several factors affect the onset, progression, and prognosis of major depressive disorder. This study investigated how childhood abuse, neuroticism, and adult stressful life events interact with one another and affect depressive symptoms in the general adult population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 413 participants from the nonclinical general adult population completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Child Abuse and Trauma Scale, the neuroticism subscale of the shortened Eysenck Personality Questionnaire - Revised, and the Life Experiences Survey, which are self-report scales. Structural equation modeling (Mplus version 7.3) and single and multiple regressions were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Childhood abuse, neuroticism, and negative evaluation of life events increased the severity of the depressive symptoms directly. Childhood abuse also indirectly increased the negative appraisal of life events and the severity of the depressive symptoms through enhanced neuroticism in the structural equation modeling. LIMITATIONS: There was recall bias in this study. The causal relationship was not clear because this study was conducted using a cross-sectional design. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that neuroticism is the mediating factor for the two effects of childhood abuse on adulthood depressive symptoms and negative evaluation of life events. Childhood abuse directly and indirectly predicted the severity of depressive symptoms.

Childhood parental bonding affects adulthood trait anxiety through self-esteem.

INTRODUCTION: The association between trait anxiety and parental bonding has been suggested. However, the mechanism remains uncertain and there is no study focused on general adult population. We investigated the association and the mechanism between childhood parental bonding and adulthood trait anxiety in the general adult population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective survey was conducted in 2014 with 853 adult volunteers from the general population. The Parental Bonding Instrument, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y (STAI-Y) were self-administered. Structural equation modelling was used for the analysis. RESULTS: Childhood parental bonding affected adulthood trait anxiety indirectly mediated by self-esteem. Trait anxiety was decreased by parental care and increased by parental overprotection through self-esteem. This model explained 51.1% of the variability in STAI-Y trait anxiety scores. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests an important role of self-esteem as a mediator between childhood parental bonding and adulthood trait anxiety.

Association between the high-dose use of benzodiazepines and rehospitalization in patients with schizophrenia: a 2-year naturalistic study.

BACKGROUND: High-dose use of benzodiazepines (BZPs) reportedly causes adverse effects on cognitive function and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia. However, effects of BZPs on the clinical course of schizophrenia have not been clarified. This study was set out to investigate the association between BZPs and rehospitalization of patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: In this retrospective study, patients with schizophrenia who were discharged from Tokyo Medical University Hospital between January 2009 and February 2012 were eligible as subjects. One hundred and eight patients who continued treatment for >2 years after hospital discharge were included in this study. Clinical characteristics, doses of prescribed medication such as BZPs and antipsychotics, and Global Assessment of Functioning scores at discharge were investigated. The primary outcome was rehospitalization of patients for any reason. RESULTS: In a total of 108 subjects with schizophrenia, 44 subjects (40.7%) experienced rehospitalization during the 2-year study period. A multivariate analysis by the Cox proportional hazards model revealed that low educational history (hazard ratio =2.43, P=0.032), younger onset age of schizophrenia (hazard ratio =2.10, P=0.021), and higher diazepam-equivalent dose (hazard ratio =6.53, P=0.011) were significantly associated with the time to rehospitalization after hospital discharge. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that high-dose use of BZPs at discharge in patients with schizophrenia might be associated with a shorter time to rehospitalization.

Prevalence of Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders and Associated Factors in Euthymic Patients with Bipolar Disorder.

Recent studies have suggested that there are certain pathophysiological relationships between bipolar disorder (BD) and circadian rhythm dysfunction. However, apparently no studies have clarified the prevalence of circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders (CRSWD) in patients with BD. This study was set out to investigate the prevalence of CRSWD and associated factors in patients with BD. One hundred four euthymic BD outpatients participated in this study. The subjects were asked to answer questionnaires including demographic variables, clinical course of BD, and family history of psychiatric disorders and suicide. Severity of BD was assessed by the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and Young Mania Rating Scale. CRSWD was diagnosed by clinical interview, together with sleep logs, according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, third edition (ICSD-3). Thirty-five subjects (32.4%) met the criteria for CRSWD. The age at the time of investigation and that at the onset of BD were both lower in the CRSWD group than in the non-CRSWD group. The rates of family history of psychiatric disorders and suicide in the CRSWD group were higher than those in the non-CRSWD group. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of CRSWD was significantly associated with younger onset age of BD and family history of suicide. The prevalence of CRSWD could be quite high in BD patients. Younger onset age of BD and family history of suicide were associated with presence of CRSWD in BD patients.

Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Sleep-Related Eating Disorder in Psychiatric Outpatients Taking Hypnotics.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the prevalence and clinical features of sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) in psychiatric outpatients taking hypnotics as well as factors associated with the disorder. METHODS: From February 1, 2012, to February 29, 2012, a cross-sectional study was undertaken. A questionnaire addressing demographics, the Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), presence of abnormal behavior during sleep focusing on SRED and sleepwalking, and duration of hypnotic medication and subjective side effects of the drug was distributed to psychiatric outpatients who were taking hypnotics at the time of the survey. RESULTS: Of 1,318 patients taking hypnotics, 1,048 patients (79.5%) provided valid responses, and 88 of them (8.4%) had experienced SRED. The SRED group was significantly younger, had a significantly higher total PSQI score, and took higher bedtime diazepam-equivalent doses of hypnotics than the non-SRED group (P < .01 for all comparisons). In the SRED group, subjective side effects due to hypnotics were present at significantly higher proportions than in the non-SRED group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96-0.99, P = .021), taking 2 or more kinds of antipsychotics (aOR = 3.41, 95% CI = 1.93-6.05, P < .001), and the bedtime diazepam-equivalent dose of a hypnotic (aOR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01-1.05, P = .039) were significantly associated with the experience of SRED. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SRED in psychiatric outpatients taking hypnotics is elevated, particularly in younger patients, and the hypnosedative effects of the drugs could be responsible for the occurrence of the disorder in this population.

The influence of childhood abuse, adult life events, and affective temperaments on the well-being of the general, nonclinical adult population.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown the effects of childhood abuse, life events, and temperaments on well-being (positive affect) and ill-being (negative affect). We hypothesized that childhood abuse, affective temperaments, and adult life events interact with one another and influence positive and negative affects in the general adult population and tested this hypothesis using structural equation modeling. METHODS: A total of 415 participants from the general, nonclinical adult population were studied using the following self-administered questionnaires: the Subjective Well-Being Inventory (SUBI); Life Experiences Survey (LES); Temperament Evaluation of the Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Auto-questionnaire (TEMPS-A); and the Child Abuse and Trauma Scale (CATS). The data were analyzed with single and multiple regression analyses and structural equation modeling (Mplus). RESULTS: Childhood abuse indirectly predicted the worsening of positive and negative affects through cyclothymic, anxious, and irritable temperaments as measured by the TEMPS-A in the structural equation model. The cyclothymic, anxious, and irritable temperaments directly worsened the positive and negative affects and the negative appraisal of life events that occurred during the past year, while the hyperthymic temperament had the opposite effects. LIMITATIONS: The subjects of this study were nonclinical volunteers. The findings might not be generalizable to psychiatric patients. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that childhood abuse, particularly neglect, indirectly worsened the well-being of individuals through cyclothymic, anxious, and irritable affective temperaments. An important "mediator" role of affective temperaments in the effect of childhood abuse on well-being was suggested.

Factors associated with discontinuation of aripiprazole treatment after switching from other antipsychotics in patients with chronic schizophrenia: A prospective observational study.

The purpose of the study was to identify factors associated with discontinuation of aripiprazole after switching from other antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia in real world clinical settings. From January 2011 to December 2012, a prospective, 48-week open-label study was undertaken. Thirty-eight subjects on antipsychotic monotherapy were switched to aripiprazole. Patients who discontinued aripiprazole were compared to those who continued with regards to demographic characteristics as well as treatment factors. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors for aripiprazole discontinuation. Thirteen out of 38 patients (34.2%) discontinued aripiprazole during the follow up period. Nine patients (23.7%) discontinued aripiprazole due to worsening of psychotic symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that only the duration of previous antipsychotic treatment was associated with aripiprazole discontinuation after switching to aripiprazole. The receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis identified that the cut-off length for duration of illness to predict aripiprazole discontinuation was 10.5 years. Longer duration of illness was associated with aripiprazole discontinuation. Greater caution may be required when treating such patients with aripiprazole.

Prevalence and associated factors of hypnotics dependence among Japanese outpatients with psychiatric disorders.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of the dependence for benzodiazepine or their agonist (BZDs) hypnotics, as well as factors associated with this dependence among Japanese psychiatric outpatients. One thousand and forty-three patients in the psychiatric outpatient clinic of Tokyo Medical University Hospital receiving treatment with BZDs hypnotics were analyzed. The subjects answered questionnaires including demographic variables, subjective sleep difficulty assessed by the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), duration of hypnotics medication, dose of diazepam equivalent BZDs hypnotics, the presence or absence of subjective side effects due to BZDs hypnotics (dizziness, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, amnesia, and headache), and dependency assessed by the Dependency 2-A (D 2-A) score. Subjects with a D 2-A score ≥10 were considered as having BZDs hypnotics dependence, and the variables associated with the presence of dependence were examined using logistic regression analyses. Eighty-two out of the 1043 subjects (7.9%) were determined to have BZDs hypnotics dependence. Compared with the non-dependence group, the dependence group had a significantly higher proportion of positive respondents for all the side effects. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that the dependence was significantly associated with younger age, higher total PSQI score, and higher daily dose of BZDs hypnotics. Younger age, higher total PSQI score, and higher dose may be associated with BZDs hypnotics dependence. The finding that patients with BZDs hypnotics dependence frequently suffered from subjective side effects and had greater sleep difficulty encourages the establishment of alternative treatments for patients with insomnia symptoms refractory to BZDs hypnotics treatment.

Impact of hypnotics use on daytime function and factors associated with usage by female shift work nurses.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated quality of life (QOL) and work performance of hypnotics users, and explored the factors associated with multiple hypnotics usage in shift work nurses. METHODS: We conducted a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey on nurses in university hospitals. We analyzed responses from 1202 nurses; 997 were female shift work nurses (82.9%), including 696 and 281 two- and three-shift workers, respectively. RESULTS: The rate of hypnotics use was 10% (6.9% were single hypnotic users and 3.1% were multiple hypnotics users). The rate of insomnia did not differ between the single and multiple hypnotics users. However, multiple hypnotics users showed lower QOL, more severe depressive symptoms, and greater frequencies of work-related errors than those using a single hypnotic. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age ≥27 years, presence of depression, eveningness chronotype, and presence of insomnia symptoms were significantly associated with hypnotics use. On the other hand, only the existence of shift work disorder (SWD) was significantly associated with usage of multiple hypnotics. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggested that usage of multiple hypnotics is not beneficial for relieving insomnia or for keeping better QOL in shift work nurses. It would be desirable to explore the causal relationship between SWD and multiple hypnotics use in a future longitudinal study.

[Assessment of psychological distress in cancer outpatients treated with chemotherapy].

PURPOSE: Few studies have been conducted to elucidate the psychological distress of cancer outpatients being treated with chemotherapy. In this study, we attempted to determine the types of psychological distress endured by cancer outpatients being treated with chemotherapy. METHODS: We investigated 194 outpatients with various malignancies, including hematological, esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, colon, lung, breast, ovarian, uterine and skin cancers, using the Japanese version of the Self-Rating Depression Scale, from June through December 2010, in our hospital. RESULTS: The results of the survey questionnaire indicated suspected adjustment disorders in 84 patients(43. 3%)and major depression in 14 patients(7. 2%). Medications prescribed for psychological distress were antianxiety drugs(18 patients: 9. 3%), antidepressant drugs(2 patients: 1. 0%), and sleeping pills(50 patients: 25. 8%). CONCLUSION: Our findings may be useful for the development of management strategies for psychological distress, and we suggest that there is a need for improvement in the quality of life of cancer outpatients being treated with chemotherapy.