Insomnia and hypersomnia in major depressive episode: Prevalence, sociodemographic characteristics and psychiatric comorbidity in a population-based study

Sleep disturbances and incident risk of major depressive disorder in a population-based cohort

Sleep disturbances are well-known symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the prospective risk of MDD in the presence of sleep disturbances in a general population-based cohort is not well known. This study investigated associations between both polysomnography (PSG)-based or subjective sleep features and incident MDD. Participants representative of the general population who had never had MDD completed sleep questionnaires (n = 2000) and/or underwent PSG (n = 717). Over 8 years' follow-up, participants completed psychiatric interviews enabling the diagnosis of MDD. Survival Cox models were used to analyze associations between sleep features and MDD incidence. A higher Epworth Sleepiness Scale and presence of insomnia symptoms were significantly associated with a higher incidence of MDD (hazard ratio [HR] [95 % confidence interval (CI)]: 1.062 [1.022-1.103], p = 0.002 and 1.437 [1.064-1.940], p = 0.018, respectively). Higher density of rapid eye movements in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was associated with a higher incidence of MDD in men (HR 1.270 [95 % CI 1.064-1.516], p = 0.008). In women, higher delta power spectral density was associated with a lower MDD incidence (HR 0.674 [95 % CI 0.463-0.981], p = 0.039). This study confirmed the associations between subjective and objective sleep features and the incidence of MDD in a large community dwelling cohort.

Hypersomnolence is associated with non-remission of major depressive disorder

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, clinical correlates and the relationship between hypersomnolence and clinical outcomes in a cohort of MDD patients.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of a MDD cohort in an university-affiliated adult psychiatric outpatient clinic. The diagnosis of MDD and severity of depression were ascertained by the clinician with structured clinical interviews. Each participant completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), 1-week sleep diary, and a battery of questionnaires that assessed usual sleep pattern, insomnia, anxiety, depression, fatigue and circadian preference. Hypersomnolence was defined as ESS score ≥14 among those reported ≥7 h of nighttime sleep. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to analyze the relationships between the variables.

RESULTS

Among 252 recruited subjects, 11 % met the criteria of hypersomnolence as defined by a ESS score ≥14 despite ≥7 h of nighttime sleep. Patients with hypersomnolence had greater depression ratings, higher rates of suicidal ideations over the past week, and more likely to meet a diagnosis of atypical depression (p < 0.05) than those without hypersomnolence. Step-wise logistic regression demonstrated that hypersomnolence was an independent risk factor associated with a 3-fold increase in the risk of depression non-remission (adjusted OR 3.13; 95 % CI 1.10-8.95; p = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

Patients with hypersomnolence despite seemingly adequate sleep represent a subgroup of MDD patients who have a more severe illness profile with higher non-remission rate and suicidality. The findings highlight the importance of addressing both sleep and mood symptoms in the management of MDD.

Prevalence of major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder among first-time sleep center attendees

BACKGROUND

Sleep disorders and psychiatric disorders stand in a bidirectional relationship. Sleep complaints are prominent in populations with psychiatric disorders, especially amongst people with major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Consultations at sleep clinics offer opportunities to screen psychiatric disorders and to propose primary psychiatric care.

METHODS

This descriptive study was conducted on 755 patients making their first visit to sleep clinic, with 574 seeking consultation for suspected obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS), 139 for complaints of insomnia, and 42 for complaints of hypersomnia. The results of 387 screening scales for MDD (BDI-II) and 403 for TSPT (PCL-5) were compared according to the reason given for the consultation.

RESULTS

In the whole group, 12.1 % of patients presented a positive MDD screening and 4.9 % for PTSD. Among patients presenting with insomnia, 19.8 % had a positive screening for MDD, as compared to 9.3 % in patients presenting with suspected OSAHS (p = 0.02). Regarding PTSD, 9.7 % of patients seeking consultation because of insomnia had a positive screening, compared to 2.9 % among patients with suspected OSAHS (p = 0.03). Among patients with a positive screening for MDD, 40.5 % were not receiving antidepressant or mood stabilizer treatment.

CONCLUSION

Positive screening for MDD and PTSD are frequent in patients who attend sleep centers, especially amongst those presenting with insomnia. Nearly half of the patients with positive screening for MDD or PTSD were not receiving a dedicated pharmacological treatment. These figures emphasize systematic screening for psychiatric disorders in sleep clinics.

Shared genetic mechanisms underlying association between sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms

OBJECTIVES

Polygenic scores (PGS) for sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms in an epidemiological cohort were contrasted. The overlap between genes assigned to variants that compose the PGS predictions was tested to explore the shared genetic bases of sleep problems and depressive symptoms.

METHODS

PGS analysis was performed on the São Paulo Epidemiologic Sleep Study (EPISONO, N = 1042), an adult epidemiological sample. A genome wide association study (GWAS) for depression grounded the PGS calculations for Beck Depression Index (BDI), while insomnia GWAS based the PGS for Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Pearson's correlation was applied to contrast PGS and clinical scores. Fisher's Exact and Benjamin-Hochberg tests were used to verify the overlaps between PGS-associated genes and the pathways enriched among their intersections.

RESULTS

All PGS models were significant when individuals were divided as cases or controls according to BDI (R2 = 1.2%, p = 0.00026), PSQI (R2 = 3.3%, p = 0.007) and ISI (R2 = 3.4%, p = 0.021) scales. When clinical scales were used as continuous variables, the PGS models for BDI (R2 = 1.5%, p = 0.0004) and PSQI scores (R2 = 3.3%, p = 0.0057) reached statistical significance. PSQI and BDI scores were correlated, and the same observation was applied to their PGS. Genes assigned to variants that compose the best-fit PGS predictions for sleep quality and depressive symptoms were significantly overlapped. Pathways enriched among the intersect genes are related to synapse function.

CONCLUSIONS

The genetic bases of sleep quality and depressive symptoms are correlated; their implicated genes are significantly overlapped and converge on neural pathways. This data suggests that sleep complaints accompanying depressive symptoms are not secondary issues, but part of the core mental illness.

Depression, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms among Chinese college students: A network analysis across pandemic stages

BACKGROUND

As the stages of the COVID-19 pandemic evolved, the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia have increasingly manifested among Chinese college students. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between these symptoms through network analysis among Chinese college students during COVID-19.

METHOD

A three-wave cross-sectional survey was conducted at 22 colleges in Guangdong Province, involving 381,152 students during three specific time intervals: T1 (baseline, February 3 to 10, 2020), T2 (19 months after baseline, June 10 to 18, 2021), and T3 (37 months after baseline, March 15 to April 22, 2023). Depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and insomnia (YSIS) were used separately. We analyzed two key network indices: "Expected influence" and "Bridge expected influence". Network stability was assessed through a case-dropping bootstrap program.

RESULT

The effective sample sizes for the three periods were as follows: T1 - 164,101 (103,645 females, 63.2 %), T2 - 86,767 (52,146 females, 60.1 %), and T3 - 130,284 (76,720 females, 58.9 %). Across these three periods, the key central symptoms were "Fatigue" (PHQ4), "Restlessness" (GAD5), "Uncontrollable worrying" (GAD2), "Worry too much" (GAD3) and "Sleep insufficiency" (YSIS6). Notably, "Fatigue" (PHQ4), "Restlessness" (GAD5) and "Irritability" (GAD6) consistently served as bridge symptoms. In the T1 and T2 period, "Motor" (PHQ8) acted as a bridge symptom but weakened in T3.

CONCLUSION

Throughout the three periods, the mental health issues among Chinese college students displayed characteristics of somatization within the depression-anxiety-insomnia comorbidity network. Over time, anxiety symptoms appeared to become more prominent. Consequently, this study highlights the importance of accurately identifying and promptly intervening in these core symptoms of mental health among college students, as these symptoms may evolve across different stages of a pandemic.

Insomnia Symptoms and Menstrual Health: Is There a Link in Women During Reproductive Phase of Life?

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between insomnia severity symptoms and menstrual health, fatigue and anxiety symptoms in women at reproductive age.

METHOD

We used data from EPISONO (2007), an epidemiological study from the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Women completed the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) to obtain information about insomnia, fatigue, and anxiety symptoms. For menstrual health, we collected information using our Institutional Women's Questionnaire about menstrual flow and duration, the presence of pain during menstruation and menstrual cycle regularity. The statistical analysis was performed using ordinal logistic regression, considering p < .05.

RESULTS

Of the 1,042 participants, only 282 women met the inclusion criteria to participate in this study. The mean age was 34.4 years (SD ± 8.36), and the body mass index (BMI) was 25.7 (SD ± 5.39). According to the model, a 1-unit higher CFS score increased the odds of having more insomnia symptoms in the ISI (OR = 1.170; 95% CI=[1.073; 1.279]; p < .001). In the same way, a 1-unit higher BAI score increased the chance of presenting insomnia symptoms, according to the ISI (OR = 1.072; 95% CI=[1.042; 1.104]; p < .001). The menstrual variables did not represent statistical significance in the model.

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue and anxiety symptoms were associated with insomnia symptoms; however, no association was observed between menstrual health and insomnia. The need to examine sleep when there are sleep complaints is essential to provide an accurate diagnosis that facilitates appropriate treatment and to provide better sleep quality for women.

Psychological impact of the end of lockdown on the Moroccan population

This work is a descriptive cross-sectional study that aimed to assess by means of an online survey the well-being and psychological impact, mainly depression, anxiety, stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), experienced by the general population after the end of lockdown following the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we used the PCL-S scales to assess PTSD and the DASS scale to assess depression, anxiety, and stress related to end of quarantine. Our study found that following the decontamination related to COVID-19, the psychological impact was not negligible with a significant prevalence of occurrence for several psychological disorders. We found depression (68.8%), anxiety (57.47%), stress (45.50%) and post-traumatic stress disorder (31.5%) in the subjects of our study. Following the decontamination related to COVID-19, the psychological impact was found to be as important or even more serious than the other situations that preceded it. The development of a database allowing us to understand the effect of the decontamination on the mental health of Moroccans could be useful in order to watch and prevent the occurrence of complications for psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, stress or even a state of post-traumatic stress.

PROVIT-CLOCK: A Potential Influence of Probiotics and Vitamin B7 Add-On Treatment and Metabolites on Clock Gene Expression in Major Depression

INTRODUCTION

An increasing body of evidence suggests a strong relationship between gut health and mental state. Lately, a connection between butyrate-producing bacteria and sleep quality has been discussed. The PROVIT study, as a randomized, double-blind, 4-week, multispecies probiotic intervention study, aims at elucidating the potential interconnection between the gut's metabolome and the molecular clock in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHODS

The aim of the PROVIT-CLOCK study was to analyze changes in core clock gene expression during treatment with probiotic intervention versus placebo in fasting blood and the connection with the serum- and stool-metabolome in patients with MDD (n = 53). In addition to clinical assessments in the PROVIT study, metabolomics analyses with 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (stool and serum) and gene expression (RT-qPCR) analysis of the core clock genes ARNTL, PER3, CLOCK, TIMELESS, NR1D1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of fasting blood were performed.

RESULTS

The gene expression levels of the clock gene CLOCK were significantly altered only in individuals receiving probiotic add-on treatment. TIMELESS and ARNTL gene expression changed significantly over the 4-week intervention period in both groups. Various positive and negative correlations between metabolites in serum/stool and core clock gene expression levels were observed.

CONCLUSION

Changing the gut microbiome by probiotic treatment potentially influences CLOCK gene expression. The preliminary results of the PROVIT-CLOCK study indicate a possible interconnection between the gut microbiome and circadian rhythm potentially orchestrated by metabolites.

Sleep-related adverse events of smoking cessation drugs: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Smoking cessation medications have the potential to affect the functioning of the nervous system, leading to sleep disturbances. Our study aimed to compare the sleep-related side effects (such as insomnia, abnormal dreams, nightmares, and somnolence) induced by different smoking cessation medications in non-psychiatric smokers. We conducted a thorough search of five electronic databases (Cochrane, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science) for randomized controlled trials. This study was registered with the PROSPERO (registration number CRD42022347976). A total of 79 full-text articles, encompassing 36,731 participants, were included in our analysis. Individuals using bupropion, bupropion in combination with a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist (NRA), and bupropion in conjunction with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) exhibited a higher likelihood of experiencing insomnia compared to those using NRT alone. Bupropion plus NRA had the highest ranking on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) for insomnia risk, while placebo had the lowest ranking. Additionally, NRA plus NRT ranked first for abnormal dream outcomes, NRA alone for nightmares, and nortriptyline for somnolence, based on the SUCRA results. Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing smoking cessation drugs, particularly in consideration of their potential sleep-related side effects.

Major depressive disorder with hypersomnolence complaint: A comparison study with non-depressed individuals examining objective biomarkers

BACKGROUND

Hypersomnolence is common in major depressive disorder (MDD), associated with more severe episodes, suicide and antidepressant resistance. Nevertheless, few studies used polysomnography (PSG) and multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) to characterize these patients. In this context, we compared patients visiting a sleep center for hypersomnolence complaint with MDD (HSC/MDD+) and without MDD (HSC/MDD-).

METHODS

HSC/MDD+ and HSC/MDD- groups were defined according to DSM-5 criteria and CES-D scale, and had a 30 h-PSG with ad libitum-sleep and PSG followed by MLST.

RESULTS

HSC/MDD+ had an increased self-declared total sleep time (sTST) of about 10 h30 similar to HSC/MDD- (630.8 ± 17.3 min-vs-616.5 ± 18.1 min, respectively, p = 0.39). Nevertheless, their objective TST (oTST) on ad libitum PSG was significantly longer and about 10 h50 (648.6 ± 23.9 min-vs-587.4 ± 19.0 min, respectively, p = 0.038). HSC/MDD+ also significantly better estimated their sleep duration, with a lower difference between their sTST and oTST compared to HSC/MDD- (10.0 ± 1.7 %-vs-17.4 ± 2.1 %, respectively, p = 0.009) and confirmed significantly more frequently the hypersomnia diagnosis -i.e. oTST>10H- (82.6 ± 8.1 %-vs-54.6 ± 10.9 %, respectively, p = 0.046). Using the Kupfer index (KI), we confirmed a reduced REM sleep latency in patients MDD/HSC+ (15.2 ± 10.0 %-vs-2.3 ± 2.3 %, respectively, p = 0.039). Both groups had comparable increased diurnal sleepiness assessed with the Epworth scale (14.1 ± 1.1-vs-14.8 ± 1.1, respectively, p = 0.65). HSC/MDD+ had less MSLT sleep latency <8 min (9.1 ± 5.1 %-vs-27.3 ± 6.8 %, respectively, p = 0.048).

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

CONCLUSIONS

HSC/MDD+ accurately estimated their sleep duration, objectively confirmed hypersomnia and may specifically had a decreased Kupfer index.

Sleep architecture and the incidence of depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults: A community-based study

BACKGROUND

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and three stages of non-REM (NREM) sleep comprise the full sleep cycle. The changes in sleep have been linked to depression risk. This study aimed to explore the association between sleep architecture and depressive symptoms.

METHODS

A total of 3247 participants from the Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS) were included in this cohort study. REM and NREM sleep were monitored by in-home polysomnography at SHHS visit 1. Depressive symptoms was reported as the first occurrence between SHHS visits 1 and 2 (mean follow-up of 5.3 years). Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between sleep stages and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

In total, 225 cases of depressive symptoms (6.9 %) were observed between SHHS visits 1 and 2. A significant linear association between NREM Stage 1 and depressive symptoms was found after adjusting for potential covariates. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that percentage in NREM Stage 1 was associated with the incidence of depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.10; P = 0.001), as were time in NREM Stage 1 and depressive symptoms (OR, 1.02; 95 % CI, 1.01-1.03; P = 0.001). However, no significant association with depressive symptoms was found for other sleep stage.

LIMITATIONS

The specific follow-up time for depressive symptoms diagnosis was missing.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased time or percentage in NREM Stage 1 was associated with a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms. The early change in sleep architecture were important for incidence of depressive symptoms and warrants constant concerns.

Too little or too much: nonlinear relationship between sleep duration and daily affective well-being in depressed adults

BACKGROUND

In addition to having higher negative affect and lower positive affect overall, depressed individuals exhibit heightened affective reactivity to external stimuli than non-depressed individuals. Sleep may contribute to day-to-day fluctuations in depressed individuals, given that sleep disturbance is a common symptom of depression. Yet, little is known about changes in daily affect as a function of nightly sleep duration in depressed adults and non-depressed adults. The current study examined whether and how naturally-occurring sleep duration is associated with negative and positive affect, and how these associations differ between depressed vs. non-depressed adults.

METHODS

Data were drawn from the second wave of the National Study of Daily Experiences (NSDE), a daily diary project of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. The sample of 2,012 adults (Mage=56.5; 57% female; 84% white) completed eight-day diary interviews via telephone on their daily experiences including nightly sleep duration and negative and positive affect. They also completed assessments of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short form, and depressed status was determined based on DSM-III. Multilevel regression models with linear, quadratic, and cubic terms of sleep duration examined the nonlinear relationship between nightly sleep duration and daily affect. Interaction terms with depression status were added to examine differences between depressed and non-depressed adults.

RESULTS

Depressed adults exhibited significant and greater fluctuations in daily affect as a function of nightly sleep duration than non-depressed adults. Specifically, the degree of decrease in positive affect and increase in negative affect was greater when depressed adults slept 2 or more hours less or longer than their usual sleep hours. Non-depressed adults exhibited relatively stable daily affect regardless of their nightly sleep hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep duration is nonlinearly associated with affect in daily lives of depressed adults, highlighting that both having too little sleep and excessive sleep are associated with adverse daily affective well-being. Implementing sleep interventions to promote an appropriate sleep duration may help improve daily affect among depressed adults.

Study of the different sleep disturbances during the prodromal phase of depression and mania in bipolar disorders

BACKGROUND

One of the challenges in bipolar disorder (BD) lies in early detection of the illness and its recurrences, to improve prognosis. Sleep disturbances (SD) have been proposed as reliable predictive markers of conversion. While preliminary studies have explored the relationship between SD and the onset of mood episodes, the results remain heterogeneous and a few have specifically examined patients' perception of prodromal symptoms and their progression until the episode occurs. Identifying prodromes represents a crucial clinical challenge, as it enables early intervention, thereby reducing the severity of BD. Therefore, the objective of this study is to better characterize and evaluate the progressive nature of SD as prodromal symptoms of mood episodes, and patients' perception of it.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with BD, either hospitalized or seeking treatment for a (hypo)manic or depressive episode benefited from standardized questionnaires, structured interviews, and self-report questionnaires to evaluate SD prior to the current episode, as well as sociodemographic and clinical information.

RESULTS

Out of the 41 patients included, 59% spontaneously reported SD prior to the episode, appearing 90 days before depression and 35 days before mania (pre-indexed/spontaneous reports: 51.22% insomnia complaints, 4.88% hypersomnolence complaints, 7.32% parasomnias, 2.44% sleep movements). After inquiry about specific SD, the percentage of patients reporting prodromal SD increased significantly to 83%, appearing 210 days before depression and 112.5 days before mania (post-indexed reports: 75.61% presented with insomnia complaints appearing 150 days before depression and 20 days before mania, 46.34% had hypersomnolence complaints appearing 60 days before depression, 43.9% had parasomnias appearing 210 days before depression and 22.5 days before mania, 36.59% had sleep movements appearing 120 days before depression and 150 days before mania). Of note, bruxism appeared in 35% of patients before mania, and restless legs syndrome in 20% of patients before depression.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the very high prevalence of SD prior to a mood episode in patients with BD with differences between depressive and manic episodes. The more systematic screening of sleep alterations of the prodromal phase improved the recognition and characterization of different symptoms onset by patients. This underscores the need for precise questioning regarding sleep patterns in patients, to better identify the moment of transition toward a mood episode, referred to as "Chronos syndrome". The study emphasizes the importance of educating patients about the disorder and its sleep prodromal symptoms to facilitate early intervention and prevent recurrences.

Guidelines for the assessment and management of residual sleepiness in obstructive apnea-hypopnea syndrome: Endorsed by the French Sleep Research and Medicine Society (SFRMS) and the French Speaking Society of Respiratory Diseases (SPLF)

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is frequent among patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and can persist despite the optimal correction of respiratory events (apnea, hypopnea and respiratory efforts), using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or mandibular advancement device. Symptoms like apathy and fatigue may be mistaken for EDS. In addition, EDS has multi-factorial origin, which makes its evaluation complex. The marketing authorization [Autorisation de Mise sur le Marché (AMM)] for two wake-promoting agents (solriamfetol and pitolisant) raises several practical issues for clinicians. This consensus paper presents recommendations of good clinical practice to identify and evaluate EDS in this context, and to manage and follow-up the patients. It was conducted under the mandate of the French Societies for sleep medicine and for pneumology [Société Française de Recherche et de Médecine du Sommeil (SFRMS) and Société de Pneumologie de Langue Française (SPLF)]. A management algorithm is suggested, as well as a list of conditions during which the patient should be referred to a sleep center or a sleep specialist. The benefit/risk balance of a wake-promoting drug in residual EDS in OSAHS patients must be regularly reevaluated, especially in elderly patients with increased cardiovascular and psychiatric disorders risks. This consensus is based on the scientific knowledge at the time of the publication and may be revised according to their evolution.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Concentrations and Concentration-To-Dose Ratios of Trazodone

BACKGROUND

Trazodone is prescribed for several clinical conditions. Multiple factors may affect trazodone to reach its therapeutic reference range. The concentration-to-dose (C/D) ratio can be used to facilitate the therapeutic drug monitoring of trazodone. The study aimed to investigate factors on the concentrations and C/D ratio of trazodone.

METHODS

This study analyzed the therapeutic drug monitoring electronic case information of inpatients in the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from October 2021 to July 2023. Factors that could affect the concentrations and C/D ratio of trazodone were analyzed, including body mass index, sex, age, smoking, drinking, drug manufacturers, and concomitant drugs.

RESULTS

A total of 255 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 52.44 years, and 142 (55.69%) were women. The mean dose of trazodone was 115.29 mg. The mean concentration of trazodone was 748.28 ng/mL, which was in the therapeutic reference range (700-1000 ng/mL). 50.20% of patients reached the reference range, and some patients (36.86%) had concentrations below the reference range. The mean C/D ratio of trazodone was 6.76 (ng/mL)/(mg/d). A significant positive correlation was found between daily dose and trazodone concentrations (r 2 = 0.2885, P < 0.001). Trazodone concentrations were significantly affected by dosage, sex, smoking, drinking, and concomitant drugs of duloxetine or fluoxetine. After dosage emendation, besides the above factors, it was influenced by age ( P < 0.05, P < 0.01, or P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified factors affecting trazodone concentrations and C/D ratio. The results can help clinicians closely monitor patients on trazodone therapy and maintain concentrations within the reference range.

Comparative study of sleep and circadian rhythms in patients presenting unipolar or bipolar major depressive episodes

Currently, there is a major challenge in distinguishing between unipolar and bipolar major depressive episode. A significant body of research has been dedicated to identifying biomarkers that can aid in this differentiation due to its crucial implications, particularly for therapeutic and prognostic purposes. Among the biomarkers of interest, markers related to sleep and circadian rhythms show promise and could potentially aid in making this distinction. Nevertheless, no study has simultaneously examined sleep-wake disorders, circadian rhythms, and seasonal patterns using both subjective and objective measures. This study aims to characterize and compare the sleep-wake and rhythm disorders including patients with unipolar major depressive episode (n = 72) and with bipolar major depressive episode (n = 43) using both subjective markers (using self-report questionnaires and sleep complaints) and objective markers (using actigraphy). Patients with unipolar major depressive episode seem to experience significantly poorer quality of sleep, more symptoms of insomnia and lower sleep efficiency compared to patients with bipolar major depressive episode. On the other hand, patients with bipolar major depressive episode exhibit significantly more symptoms of motor retardation and hypersomnia compared to patients with unipolar disorder. These results hold significant implications for identifying individuals with unipolar major depressive episode or bipolar major depressive episode using sleep and circadian markers, and for developing recommended and personalized therapeutic strategies.

Associations between insomnia symptoms and inflammatory cytokines in adolescents with first-episode and recurrent major depressive disorder

BACKGROUND

Insomnia symptoms are often associated with increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers. However, such associations have not been adequately explored in adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aimed to examine the associations between insomnia symptoms with inflammatory cytokines in adolescents with first-episode and recurrent MDD.

METHODS

From January to December 2021, this study included 164 adolescents with MDD and 76 healthy controls (HCs). The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Insomnia Severity Index Scale (ISI) were used to assess depressive and insomnia symptoms, respectively. Also, plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17 A and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured.

RESULTS

The prevalence of mild, moderate and severe insomnia in adolescents with MDD was 40.24 %, 36.59 % and 6.71 %, respectively. The patients had higher levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α than HCs (all p < 0.05). ISI score was positively correlated with CES-D score and levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in first-episode patients but not in recurrent patients. A further multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis showed that ISI score was independently associated with CES-D score (beta = 0.523, t = 5.833, p < 0.001) and TNF-α levels (beta = 0.254, t = 2.832, p = 0.006).

LIMITATIONS

The cross-sectional design leads to failure to make causal inferences.

CONCLUSION

Insomnia symptoms are common in adolescents with MDD and associated with elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines in first-episode patients. The findings suggest that inflammatory cytokines may relate to the pathogenesis of insomnia symptoms in adolescents with MDD, but further longitudinal studies are needed to explore the causal association between insomnia symptoms and inflammatory cytokines in MDD.

The sleep-circadian interface: A window into mental disorders

Sleep, circadian rhythms, and mental health are reciprocally interlinked. Disruption to the quality, continuity, and timing of sleep can precipitate or exacerbate psychiatric symptoms in susceptible individuals, while treatments that target sleep-circadian disturbances can alleviate psychopathology. Conversely, psychiatric symptoms can reciprocally exacerbate poor sleep and disrupt clock-controlled processes. Despite progress in elucidating underlying mechanisms, a cohesive approach that integrates the dynamic interactions between psychiatric disorder with both sleep and circadian processes is lacking. This review synthesizes recent evidence for sleep-circadian dysfunction as a transdiagnostic contributor to a range of psychiatric disorders, with an emphasis on biological mechanisms. We highlight observations from adolescent and young adults, who are at greatest risk of developing mental disorders, and for whom early detection and intervention promise the greatest benefit. In particular, we aim to a) integrate sleep and circadian factors implicated in the pathophysiology and treatment of mood, anxiety, and psychosis spectrum disorders, with a transdiagnostic perspective; b) highlight the need to reframe existing knowledge and adopt an integrated approach which recognizes the interaction between sleep and circadian factors; and c) identify important gaps and opportunities for further research.

Insomnia and Alexithymia in Chinese Adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study of Sex Differences and Associations

Purpose

Insomnia is related to alexithymia in adults, but the relationship between insomnia and alexithymia in adolescents with major depressive disorder remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the sex differences and the association between insomnia and alexithymia in adolescents with major depressive disorder.

Patients and Methods

From October 2020 to April 2022, adolescent patients with major depressive disorder were recruited from psychiatric departments of seven hospitals in Anhui Province, China. Their general demographic and clinical information were collected. The 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies of Depression Scale, and the Insomnia Severity Index Scale were used to assess their alexithymia, depression, and insomnia symptoms, respectively. The analysis of variance (ANOVA), Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables. Pearson's correlation analysis and Spearman correlation analysis were used to examine the correlation between ISI and demographic and clinical variables. Multiple binary logistic regression analyses with the "Enter" method were carried out to explore the correlations of insomnia.

Results

The prevalence of insomnia in female adolescent patients was similar to that of male patients (χ2=1.84, p = 0.175). Compared with those without insomnia, patients with insomnia had worse family relationships (F = 7.71, p = 0.021), perceived heavier academic stress (F = 6.32, p = 0.012), more likely to take sedative-hypnotics (F = 5.51, p = 0.019), had higher levels of depression (F = 81.57, p < 0.001) and alexithymia (F = 28.57, p < 0.001). Correlation analysis showed that alexithymia was significantly associated with insomnia in adolescent patients (r = 0.360, p < 0.01). Binary logistic regression analyses showed that, alexithymia was significantly associated with insomnia in female patients (OR = 1.050, p < 0.05) but not male patients.

Conclusion

In female adolescent patients, alexithymia is a risk factor of insomnia, which is of great importance in the understanding of the psychopathological mechanisms, treatments and psychological interventions of insomnia in adolescents with major depressive disorder.

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia as an early intervention of mood disorders with comorbid insomnia: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of small-group nurse-administered cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTI) as an early intervention of mood disorders with comorbid insomnia.

METHODS

A total of 200 patients with first-episode depressive or bipolar disorders and comorbid insomnia were randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to receiving 4-session CBTI or not in a routine psychiatric care setting. Primary outcome was Insomnia Severity Index. Secondary outcomes included response and remission status; daytime symptomatology and quality of life; medication burden; sleep-related cognitions and behaviours; and the credibility, satisfaction, adherence and adverse events of CBTI. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 3, 6, and 12-month.

RESULTS

Only a significant time-effect but no group-by-time interaction was found in the primary outcome. Several secondary outcomes had significantly greater improvements in CBTI group, including higher depression remission at 12-month (59.7% vs. 37.9%, χ2  = 6.57, p = .01), lower anxiolytic use at 3-month (18.1% vs. 33.3%, χ2  = 4.72, p = .03) and 12-month (12.5% vs. 25.8%, χ2  = 3.26, p = .047), and lesser sleep-related dysfunctional cognitions at 3 and 6-month (mixed-effects model, F = 5.12, p = .001 and .03, respectively). Depression remission rate was 28.6%, 40.3%, and 59.7% at 3, 6, and 12-month, respectively in CBTI group and 28.4%, 31.1%, and 37.9%, respectively in no CBTI group.

CONCLUSION

CBTI may be a useful early intervention to enhance depression remission and reduce medication burden in patients with first-episode depressive disorder and comorbid insomnia.

Neural substrates underlying REM sleep duration in patients with major depressive disorder: A longitudinal study combining multimodal MRI data

INTRODUCTION

Prior studies have discussed rapid eye movement (REM) sleep disturbance as a potential endophenotype of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the neural substrates underlying the percentage of REM sleep duration (REM%) and its association with disease progression in MDD remain unclear.

METHODS

One hundred and fourteen MDD patients and 74 healthy controls (HCs) underwent resting-state functional and perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans as well as overnight polysomnography examination to assess brain function and REM%, with 48 patients completing follow-up visits. Correlation and mediation analyses were conducted to investigate the associations among baseline REM%, multimodal brain imaging measures, and the improvement of depressive symptoms at follow-up in MDD.

RESULTS

We found voxel-wise correlations between baseline REM% and multimodal brain imaging metrics in many brain regions involved in sensorimotor, visual processing, emotion, and cognition in patients with MDD. Moreover, the baseline REM% was correlated with the improvement of depressive symptoms from acute to remitted status in patients through regulating brain activity in the left inferior temporal gyrus and cerebral blood flow in the bilateral paracentral lobule.

CONCLUSION

Our findings help to identify the neural underpinnings of REM% in depression and highlight REM% as a potential prognostic biomarker to predict disease progression. These may inform future novel interventions of MDD from the perspective of regulating REM sleep.

How do the sleep features that characterise depression impact memory?

Depression is associated with general sleep disturbance and abnormalities in sleep physiology. For example, compared with control subjects, depressed patients exhibit lower sleep efficiency, longer rapid eye movement (REM) sleep duration, and diminished slow-wave activity during non-REM sleep. A separate literature indicates that depression is also associated with many distinguishing memory characteristics, including emotional memory bias, overgeneral autobiographical memory, and impaired memory suppression. The sleep and memory features that hallmark depression may both contribute to the onset and maintenance of the disorder. Despite our rapidly growing understanding of the intimate relationship between sleep and memory, our comprehension of how sleep and memory interact in the aetiology of depression remains poor. In this narrative review, we consider how the sleep signatures of depression could contribute to the accompanying memory characteristics.

Efficacy of melatonin and ramelteon for the acute and long-term management of insomnia disorder in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Melatonin has gained growing interest as a treatment of insomnia, despite contradictory findings, and a low level of evidence. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA criteria, to assess the efficacy of melatonin and ramelteon compared with placebo on sleep quantity and quality in insomnia disorder, while also considering factors that may impact their efficacy. This review included 22 studies, with 4875 participants, including 925 patients treated with melatonin, 1804 treated with ramelteon and 2297 receiving a placebo. Most studies evaluated the acute efficacy of prolonged release (PR) melatonin in insomnia disorder. Compared with placebo, PR melatonin appears efficacious with a small to medium effect size on subjective sleep onset latency (sSOL) (p = 0.031; weighted difference = -6.30 min), objective sleep onset latency (oSOL) (p < 0.001; weighted difference = -5.05 min), and objective sleep efficiency (oSE) (p = 0.043; weighted difference = 1.91%). For the subgroup mean age of patients ≥55, PR melatonin was efficacious on oSE with a large effect size (p < 0.001; weighted difference = 2.95%). Ramelteon was efficacious with a large effect size at 4 weeks on objective total sleep time (oTST) (p = 0.010; weighted difference = 17.9 min), subjective total sleep time (sTST) (p = 0.006; weighted difference = 11.7 min), sSOL (p = 0.009; weighted difference = -8.74 min), and oSOL (p = 0.017; weighted difference = -14 min). Regarding long-term effects, ramelteon has a large effect size on oTST (p < 0.001; weighted difference = 2.02 min) and sTST (p < 0.001; weighted difference = 14.5 min). PR melatonin and ramelteon appear efficacious compared with placebo for insomnia symptoms with PR melatonin showing mostly small to medium effect sizes. PR melatonin for individuals with a mean age ≥ 55 and ramelteon show larger effect sizes.

Major depressive episode with insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness: A more homogeneous and severe subtype of depression

Previous studies have noted the crucial role of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in the course of depressive illness, and more recently, a few studies documented its strong associations with an increased risk of suicide. While insomnia is associated with heightened emotional reactivity, suicidal behaviors, and increased relapses and recurrence. Our main hypothesis is that major depressive episodes (MDE) with insomnia and EDS are associated with more severe manifestations of depression. However, to date, no study has directly compared MDE with insomnia without EDS (Ins), and MDE with insomnia with EDS (InsEDS) using both subjective biomarkers (administration of self-assessment questionnaires for psychiatric evaluation and sleep complaints) and objective biomarkers (of sleep and circadian rhythms (using actigraphy). The InsEDS group, compared to the Ins group, exhibited significantly increased suicidal ideation, larger seasonal impacts on mood, alterations in sleep duration, weight, appetite, energy levels, and social activities throughout the year. Furthermore, they had significant delayed onset of daily activity measured with actigraphy. These findings provided new insights into the link between suicide, sleep, alertness, and biological clock. They also hold significant implications for identifying individuals with more severe depressive manifestations and for developing tailored and personalized therapeutic strategies.

Development of a Novel Behavioral Sleep Medicine Education Workshop Designed to Increase Trainee Psychologists' Knowledge and Skills in Insomnia Management

OBJECTIVES

Despite the clear influence of poor sleep on mental health, sleep education has been neglected in psychology training programs. Here, we develop a novel behavioral sleep medicine (BSM) education workshop, the Sleep Psychology Workshop, designed for integration within graduate psychology programs. We also examined the potential efficacy and acceptability of the workshop to upskill trainee psychologists in sleep and insomnia management.

METHODS

The Sleep Psychology Workshop was developed using a modified Delphi Method. Eleven trainee psychologists completing their Master of Psychology degrees (90% female, 24.4 ± 1.6 years old) attended the workshop, delivered as three, two-hour lectures (total of six hours). Sleep knowledge, attitudes, and practice assessments were completed pre-and post-intervention using the GradPsyKAPS Questionnaire. A focus group and 6-month follow-up survey captured feedback and qualitative data.

RESULTS

Trainees' sleep knowledge quiz scores (% correct) increased from 60% to 79% pre- to post-workshop (p = .002). Trainees' self-efficacy to use common sleep-related assessment instruments and empirically supported interventions to manage sleep disturbances increased, along with their confidence to manage insomnia (all p < .02). Participant feedback was positive, with 91% of trainees rating the workshop as "excellent" and qualitative data highlighting trainees developing practical skills in BSM. Six months post-intervention, 100% of trainees endorsed routinely asking their clients about sleep, with 82% reporting improvements in their own sleep.

CONCLUSIONS

The Sleep Psychology Workshop is a potentially effective and acceptable introductory BSM education program for trainee psychologists, ready for integration within the graduate psychology curriculum.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Insomnia Symptoms in Adolescents With Major Depressive Disorder: Prevalence, Clinical Correlates, and the Relationship With Psychiatric Medications Use

OBJECTIVE

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and insomnia symptoms are common in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), which might lead to a poor prognosis and an increased risk of depression relapse. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence, and sociodemographic and clinical correlates of EDS and insomnia symptoms among adolescents with MDD.

METHODS

The sample of this cross-sectional study included 297 adolescents (mean age=15.26 years; range=12-18 years; 218 females) with MDD recruited from three general and four psychiatric hospitals in five cities (Hefei, Bengbu, Fuyang, Suzhou, and Ma'anshan) in Anhui Province, China between January and August, 2021. EDS and insomnia symptoms, and clinical severity of depressive symptoms were assessed using Epworth sleepiness scale, Insomnia Severity Index, and Clinical Global Impression-Severity.

RESULTS

The prevalence of EDS and insomnia symptoms in adolescents with MDD was 39.7% and 38.0%, respectively. Binary logistic regression analyses showed that EDS symptoms were significantly associated with higher body mass index (odds ratio [OR]=1.097, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.027-1.172), more severe depressive symptoms (OR=1.313, 95% CI=1.028-1.679), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors use (OR=2.078, 95% CI=1.199-3.601). And insomnia symptoms were positively associated with female sex (OR=1.955, 95% CI=1.052-3.633), suicide attempts (OR=1.765, 95% CI=1.037-3.005), more severe depressive symptoms (OR=2.031, 95% CI=1.523-2.709), and negatively associated with antipsychotics use (OR=0.433, 95% CI=0.196-0.952).

CONCLUSION

EDS and insomnia symptoms are common among adolescents with MDD. Considering their negative effects on the clinical prognosis, regular screening and clinical managements should be developed for this patient population.

Predictors of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) effects in insomnia with major depressive episode

Insomnia plays a critical role in the onset and maintenance of Major Depressive Episode (MDE). Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can successfully improve the sleep of patients with insomnia and MDE. Nonetheless, the factors influencing CBT-I's effects in MDE remain uncertain. This study aimed to identify predictors of insomnia improvement following CBT-I, as well as predictors of insomnia response, remission in patients with MDE and specific insomnia subtypes. Initially, we compared a 4-session weekly CBT-I treatment to baseline sleep education (SE) in a control group. This confirmed CBT-I's positive effects and the need to explore predictive factors. Notably, treatment-resistant depression (TRD) predicted reduced insomnia severity with CBT-I. Patients exhibiting seasonal fluctuations in depressive symptoms and sleep patterns throughout the year, or having daytime dysfunction, experienced enhanced CBT-I efficacy, especially for early awakenings insomnia. Conversely, shorter sleep duration predicted a less favorable response to CBT-I, less improvement in daytime dysfunction and sleep disturbance worries. Additionally, MDE with suicide attempts predicted a poorer improvement of daytime dysfunction. Further research is essential to comprehensively grasp the mechanisms behind CBT-I's heightened effectiveness in MDE patients with TRD and seasonal fluctuations.

Continuous home cage monitoring of activity and sleep in mice during repeated paroxetine treatment and discontinuation

RATIONALE

Non-invasive home cage monitoring is emerging as a valuable tool to assess the effects of experimental interventions on mouse behaviour. A field in which these techniques may prove useful is the study of repeated selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment and discontinuation. SSRI discontinuation syndrome is an under-researched condition that includes the emergence of sleep disturbances following treatment cessation.

OBJECTIVES

We used passive infrared (PIR) monitoring to investigate changes in activity, sleep, and circadian rhythms during repeated treatment with the SSRI paroxetine and its discontinuation in mice.

METHODS

Male mice received paroxetine (10 mg/kg/day, s.c.) for 12 days, then were swapped to saline injections for a 13 day discontinuation period and compared to mice that received saline injections throughout. Mice were continuously tracked using the Continuous Open Mouse Phenotyping of Activity and Sleep Status (COMPASS) system.

RESULTS

Repeated paroxetine treatment reduced activity and increased behaviourally-defined sleep in the dark phase. These effects recovered to saline-control levels within 24 h of paroxetine cessation, yet there was also evidence of a lengthening of sleep bouts in the dark phase for up to a week following discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the first example of how continuous non-invasive home cage monitoring can be used to detect objective behavioural changes in activity and sleep during and after drug treatment in mice. These data suggest that effects of paroxetine administration reversed soon after its discontinuation but identified an emergent change in sleep bout duration, which could be used as a biomarker in future preclinical studies to prevent or minimise SSRI discontinuation symptoms.

Insomnia and Early Incident Atrial Fibrillation: A 16-Year Cohort Study of Younger Men and Women Veterans

Background There is growing consideration of sleep disturbances and disorders in early cardiovascular risk, including atrial fibrillation (AF). Obstructive sleep apnea confers risk for AF but is highly comorbid with insomnia, another common sleep disorder. We sought to first determine the association of insomnia and early incident AF risk, and second, to determine if AF onset is earlier among those with insomnia. Methods and Results This retrospective analysis used electronic health records from a cohort study of US veterans who were discharged from military service since October 1, 2001 (ie, post-9/11) and received Veterans Health Administration care, 2001 to 2017. Time-varying, multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the independent contribution of insomnia diagnosis to AF incidence while serially adjusting for demographics, lifestyle factors, clinical comorbidities including obstructive sleep apnea and psychiatric disorders, and health care utilization. Overall, 1 063 723 post-9/11 veterans (Mean age=28.2 years, 14% women) were followed for 10 years on average. There were 4168 cases of AF (0.42/1000 person-years). Insomnia was associated with a 32% greater adjusted risk of AF (95% CI, 1.21-1.43), and veterans with insomnia showed AF onset up to 2 years earlier. Insomnia-AF associations were similar after accounting for health care utilization (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.27 [95% CI, 1.17-1.39]), excluding veterans with obstructive sleep apnea (aHR, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.24-1.53]), and among those with a sleep study (aHR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.07-1.50]). Conclusions In younger adults, insomnia was independently associated with incident AF. Additional studies should determine if this association differs by sex and if behavioral or pharmacological treatment for insomnia attenuates AF risk.

Association of Insomnia with Anxiety and Depression in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with sleep disorders, which in turn may lead to anxiety and depression. Sleep deprivation impairs glucose metabolism causing a decrease in insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. The present study aimed to determine the association of insomnia with anxiety and depression in patients with T2DM.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 at the Endocrinological Department of City Clinical Hospital №1, affiliated with Astana Medical University (Astana, Kazakhstan). A total of 376 patients with decompensated T2DM were included in the study. Insomnia was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of insomnia with anxiety and depression.

Results

All patients showed signs of sleep disturbances. Based on the HADS cutoff score >8, anxiety and depression were observed in 48 (12.80%) and 46 (12.20%) patients, respectively. PSQI, ISI, and HADS indicators were associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression symptoms. In terms of anxiety, the adjusted odds ratio for PSQI and ISI scores were 1.09 (P=0.08) and 1.07 (P=0.01), respectively. These for depression were 1.10 (P=0.06) and 1.07 (P=0.01), respectively.

Conclusion

Sleep quality is an important indicator of psychological health in patients with T2DM, especially those who exhibit signs of anxiety and depression.

Factors Predicting the Health Status of Women with Ovarian Cancer During Five Treatment Phases

OBJECTIVE

The combined impact of disease status and treatment phase on the quality of life (QoL) of women with ovarian cancer has not been fully considered. Therefore, this clinical, epidemiologic study compared the QoL of patients with ovarian cancer between five different treatment phases and identified the factors predicting their QoL through multivariate modeling.

DATA SOURCES

This study had a cross-sectional survey design. The participants total of 183 were recruited from the inpatient and outpatient departments of the medical center in northern Taiwan. QoL was measured using the Quality of Life Scales QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OV28 and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The patient's clinical characteristics data were obtained from the databank of the Taiwan Gynecologic Cancer Network, a registry of active patients being treated with gynecologic cancer.

CONCLUSION

Chemotherapeutic agents were the major predictors of poor global health status in patients with ovarian cancer. However, good sleep was beneficial to patients' QoL. The study results can be used as a reference to adjust oncological treatment regimens for more effective symptom management and to promote patient education to improve patients' QoL.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The predicting factors can be considered by physicians and nurses to adjust treatment regimens and enhance patient education.

Illuminating the way: the role of bright light therapy in the treatment of depression

INTRODUCTION

Despite the growing number of different therapeutic options, treatment of depression is still a challenge. A broader perspective reveals the benefits of bright light therapy (BLT). It stimulates intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, which induces a complex cascade of events, including alterations in melatonergic, neurotrophic, GABAergic, glutamatergic, noradrenergic, serotonergic systems, and HPA axis, suggesting that BLT effects expand beyond the circadian pacemaker.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the authors present and discuss recent data of BLT in major depressive disorder, non-seasonal depression, bipolar depression or depressive phase of bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder, as well as in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The authors further highlight BLT effects in various depressive disorders compared to placebo and report data from several studies suggesting a response to BLT in TRD. Also, the authors report data showing that BLT can be used both as a monotherapy or in combination with other pharmacological treatments.

EXPERT OPINION

BLT is an easy-to-use and low-budget therapy with good tolerability. Future studies should focus on clinical and biological predictors of response to BLT, on defining specific populations which may benefit from BLT and establishing treatment protocols regarding timing, frequency, and duration of BLT.

Gut Microbiome Composition and Its Association with Sleep in Major Psychiatric Disorders

INTRODUCTION

Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent across most major psychiatric disorders. Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neuroimmune mechanisms, and circadian rhythm disturbances partially explain this connection. The gut microbiome is also suspected to play a role in sleep regulation, and recent studies suggest that certain probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiome transplantation can improve sleep quality.

METHODS

We aimed to assess the relationship between gut-microbiota composition, psychiatric disorders, and sleep quality in this cross-sectional, cross-disorder study. We recruited 103 participants, 63 patients with psychiatric disorders (major depressive disorder [n = 31], bipolar disorder [n = 13], psychotic disorder [n = 19]) along with 40 healthy controls. Sleep quality was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The fecal microbiome was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, and groups were compared based on alpha and beta diversity metrics, as well as differentially abundant species and genera.

RESULTS

A transdiagnostic decrease in alpha diversity and differences in beta diversity indices were observed in psychiatric patients, compared to controls. Correlation analysis of diversity metrics and PSQI score showed no significance in the patient and control groups. However, three species, Ellagibacter isourolithinifaciens, Senegalimassilia faecalis, and uncultured Blautia sp., and two genera, Senegalimassilia and uncultured Muribaculaceae genus, were differentially abundant in psychiatric patients with good sleep quality (PSQI >8), compared to poor-sleep quality patients (PSQI ≤8).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study raises important questions about the interconnection of the gut microbiome and sleep disturbances.

Associations between individual depressive symptoms and immunometabolic characteristics in major depression

Inflammation and metabolic dysregulations are likely to underlie atypical, energy-related depressive symptoms such as appetite and sleep alterations. Indeed, increased appetite was previously identified as a core symptom of an immunometabolic subtype of depression. The aim of this study was 1) to replicate the associations between individual depressive symptoms and immunometabolic markers, 2) to extend previous findings with additional markers, and 3) to evaluate the relative contribution of these markers to depressive symptoms. We analyzed data from 266 persons with major depressive disorder (MDD) in the last 12 months from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults and its mental health module. Diagnosis of MDD and individual depressive symptoms were determined by the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Associations were analyzed using multivariable regression models, adjusting for depression severity, sociodemographic/behavioral variables, and medication use. Increased appetite was associated with higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), insulin, and lower high-density lipoprotein. In contrast, decreased appetite was associated with lower BMI, WC, and fewer metabolic syndrome (MetS) components. Insomnia was associated with higher BMI, WC, number of MetS components, triglycerides, insulin, and lower albumin, while hypersomnia was associated with higher insulin. Suicidal ideation was associated with higher number of MetS components, glucose, and insulin. None of the symptoms were associated with C-reactive protein after adjustment. Appetite alterations and insomnia were most important symptoms associated with metabolic markers. Longitudinal studies should investigate whether the candidate symptoms identified here are predicted by or predict the development of metabolic pathology in MDD.

Clinical guidelines for the use of lifestyle-based mental health care in major depressive disorder: World Federation of Societies for Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM) taskforce

OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives of these international guidelines were to provide a global audience of clinicians with (a) a series of evidence-based recommendations for the provision of lifestyle-based mental health care in clinical practice for adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and (b) a series of implementation considerations that may be applicable across a range of settings.

METHODS

Recommendations and associated evidence-based gradings were based on a series of systematic literature searches of published research as well as the clinical expertise of taskforce members. The focus of the guidelines was eight lifestyle domains: physical activity and exercise, smoking cessation, work-directed interventions, mindfulness-based and stress management therapies, diet, sleep, loneliness and social support, and green space interaction. The following electronic bibliographic databases were searched for articles published prior to June 2020: PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Cochrane Methodology Register), CINAHL, PsycINFO. Evidence grading was based on the level of evidence specific to MDD and risk of bias, in accordance with the World Federation of Societies for Biological Psychiatry criteria.

RESULTS

Nine recommendations were formed. The recommendations with the highest ratings to improve MDD were the use of physical activity and exercise, relaxation techniques, work-directed interventions, sleep, and mindfulness-based therapies (Grade 2). Interventions related to diet and green space were recommended, but with a lower strength of evidence (Grade 3). Recommendations regarding smoking cessation and loneliness and social support were based on expert opinion. Key implementation considerations included the need for input from allied health professionals and support networks to implement this type of approach, the importance of partnering such recommendations with behaviour change support, and the need to deliver interventions using a biopsychosocial-cultural framework.

CONCLUSIONS

Lifestyle-based interventions are recommended as a foundational component of mental health care in clinical practice for adults with Major Depressive Disorder, where other evidence-based therapies can be added or used in combination. The findings and recommendations of these guidelines support the need for further research to address existing gaps in efficacy and implementation research, especially for emerging lifestyle-based approaches (e.g. green space, loneliness and social support interventions) where data are limited. Further work is also needed to develop innovative approaches for delivery and models of care, and to support the training of health professionals regarding lifestyle-based mental health care.

Diurnal symptoms of sleepiness and dysfunction predict future suicidal ideation in a French cohort of outpatients (FACE-DR) with treatment resistant depression: A 1-year prospective study about sleep markers

BACKGROUND

Patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD) are at risk of suicide. Sleep and circadian rhythm alterations are widely recognized as core symptoms of major depressive disorder and are associated with suicidal ideation. Thus, sleep and circadian rhythm alterations may be targeted to prevent suicide.

METHODS

Patients were recruited from a prospective cohort of the French network of TRD expert centers. Mood, sleep and circadian rhythms were assessed at baseline; suicidal risk was assessed both at baseline and during a one-year follow-up with standardized subjective questionnaires.

RESULTS

Excessive daytime sleepiness (adjusted odds ratio aOR = 1.7(1-3.3), p = 0.04) and daytime dysfunction (aOR = 1.81(1.16-2.81), p = 0.0085) increased the risk of suicidal thoughts over the one-year follow-up period in patients with TRD after adjustment on age, gender, depression, trauma, anxiety, impulsivity, current daily tobacco smoking and body mass index. Hypnotics intake is associated with a reduced risk of suicidal ideation at one-year follow-up after the same adjustments (OR = 0.73(0.56-0.95), p = 0.019). Other associations between sleep quality or circadian rhythms and suicidal ideations at either baseline or one year did not remain significant in multivariate analyses after the same adjustments.

LIMITATIONS

Sleep assessments were based on self-reported questionnaires rather than objective measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Daytime sleepiness and dysfunction are predictors of suicidal ideations, whereas hypnotics intake is associated with a reduced risk of suicidal ideations. Diurnal symptoms of sleep disturbances are therefore red flags to target for preventing suicide in depressed patients, and hypnotics seem efficient in preventing suicide for patients with TRD.

The Relationship between Insomnia and the Pathophysiology of Major Depressive Disorder: An Evaluation of a Broad Selection of Serum and Urine Biomarkers

Insomnia exhibits a clinically relevant relationship with major depressive disorder (MDD). Increasing evidence suggests that insomnia is associated with neurobiological alterations that resemble the pathophysiology of MDD. However, research in a clinical population is limited. The present study, therefore, aimed to investigate the relationship between insomnia and the main pathophysiological mechanisms of MDD in a clinical sample of individuals with MDD. Data were extracted from three cohorts (N = 227) and included an evaluation of depression severity (Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, QIDS-SR₁₆) and insomnia severity (QIDS-SR₁₆ insomnia items) as well as serum and urine assessments of 24 immunologic (e.g., tumour necrosis factor α receptor 2 and calprotectin), neurotrophic (e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor and epidermal growth factor), neuroendocrine (e.g., cortisol and aldosterone), neuropeptide (i.e., substance P), and metabolic (e.g., leptin and acetyl-L-carnitine) biomarkers. Linear regression analyses evaluating the association between insomnia severity and biomarker levels were conducted with and without controlling for depression severity (M = 17.32), antidepressant use (18.9%), gender (59.0% female; 40.5% male), age (M = 42.04), and the cohort of origin. The results demonstrated no significant associations between insomnia severity and biomarker levels. In conclusion, for the included biomarkers, current findings reveal no contribution of insomnia to the clinical pathophysiology of MDD.

The course of insomnia symptoms during the acute treatment of major depressive disorder: A CAN-BIND-1 report

Despite considerable efforts to study the relationship between insomnia and depression, there is minimal research investigating whether insomnia symptoms change over time during a course of antidepressant pharmacotherapy. This study investigated the course of insomnia symptoms during the acute treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) using a secondary analysis of data from MDD patients (N = 180) who were treated with open-label escitalopram (10-20 mg/day) for 8-weeks. Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale without sleep item (modified-MADRS) assessed depression and Self-reported Quick Inventory Depressive Scale (QIDS-SR) measured subjective sleep-onset, mid-nocturnal, and early-morning insomnia throughout 8-weeks of treatment. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess subjective sleep quality, duration, onset latency, and efficiency throughout 8-weeks of treatment. Remission of depression was defined as modified-MADRS ≤10 at week-8. Mixed model repeated measures (MMRMs) were conducted with remission status as an independent variable and each sleep variable as a dependent variable. MMRMs demonstrated that remitters had significantly lower QIDS-SR sleep-onset and mid-nocturnal insomnia scores as well as a significantly lower PSQI sleep quality score than non-remitters throughout 8-weeks of treatment. Monitoring subjective sleep-onset and mid-nocturnal insomnia during the course of treatment with serotonergic antidepressants may be useful for predicting acute remission of depression.

Predictive biosignature of major depressive disorder derived from physiological measurements of outpatients using machine learning

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has heterogeneous manifestations, leading to difficulties in predicting the evolution of the disease and in patient's follow-up. We aimed to develop a machine learning algorithm that identifies a biosignature to provide a clinical score of depressive symptoms using individual physiological data. We performed a prospective, multicenter clinical trial where outpatients diagnosed with MDD were enrolled and wore a passive monitoring device constantly for 6 months. A total of 101 physiological measures related to physical activity, heart rate, heart rate variability, breathing rate, and sleep were acquired. For each patient, the algorithm was trained on daily physiological features over the first 3 months as well as corresponding standardized clinical evaluations performed at baseline and months 1, 2 and 3. The ability of the algorithm to predict the patient's clinical state was tested using the data from the remaining 3 months. The algorithm was composed of 3 interconnected steps: label detrending, feature selection, and a regression predicting the detrended labels from the selected features. Across our cohort, the algorithm predicted the daily mood status with 86% accuracy, outperforming the baseline prediction using MADRS alone. These findings suggest the existence of a predictive biosignature of depressive symptoms with at least 62 physiological features involved for each patient. Predicting clinical states through an objective biosignature could lead to a new categorization of MDD phenotypes.

Objective polysomnography-based sleep features and major depressive disorder subtypes in the general population

Insomnia and its opposite hypersomnia are part of the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, no study has investigated whether the postulated sleep alterations in clinical subtypes of MDD are reflected in polysomnography (PSG)-derived objective sleep measures. The objective of this study was to establish associations between the melancholic, atypical and unspecified subtypes of MDD and objective PSG-based sleep features. This cross-sectional analysis included 1820 community-dwelling individuals who underwent PSG and a semi-structured psychiatric interview to elicit diagnostic criteria for MDD and its subtypes. Adjusted robust linear regression was used to assess associations between MDD subtypes and PSG-derived objective sleep measures. Current melancholic MDD was significantly associated with decreased absolute delta power and sleep efficiency and with increased wake after sleep onset. Remitted unspecified MDD was significantly associated with increased rapid eye movements density. No other significant associations were identified. Our findings reflect that some PSG-based sleep features differed in MDD subtypes compared with no MDD. The largest number of significant differences were observed for current melancholic MDD, whereas only rapid eye movements density could represent a risk factor for MDD as it was the only sleep measure that was also associated with MDD in remitted participants.

Validation of a data collection set for the psychiatric, addiction, sleep and chronobiological assessments of patients with depression: A Delphi study for the SoPsy-depression French national cohort

OBJECTIVES

Despite international efforts to identify biomarkers of depression, none has been transferred to clinical practice, neither for diagnosis, evolution, nor therapeutic response. This led us to build a French national cohort (through the clinical and research network named SoPsy within the French biological psychiatry society (AFPBN) and sleep society (SFRMS)), to better identify markers of sleep and biological rhythms and validate more homogeneous subgroups of patients, but also to specify the manifestations and pathogeneses of depressive disorders. Before inclusions, we sought to provide a predefined, standardized, and robust set of data to be collected in all centers.

METHODS

A Delphi process was performed to achieve consensus through the independent rating of invited experts, the SoPsy-depression co-investigators (n=34). The initial set open for vote included 94 questionnaires targeting adult and child psychiatry, sleep and addiction.

RESULTS

Two questionnaire rounds were completed with 94% participation in the first round and 100% participation in the second round. The results of the Delphi survey incorporated the consensus opinion of the 32 members who completed both rounds. Nineteen of the 94 questionnaires achieved consensus at the first round and seventy of 75 at the second round. The five remaining questionnaires were submitted to three experts involved in the steering committee during a dedicated meeting. At the end, 24 questionnaires were retained in the mandatory and 26 in the optional questionnaire set.

CONCLUSIONS

A validated data collection set of questionnaires is now available to assess psychiatry, addiction, sleep and chronobiology dimensions of depressive disorders.

The relationship between sleep quality and depression: Critical roles of reflective and brooding rumination and sleep-related cognition

There is a complex interplay between sleep problems and depression. This study explored the possible effects of rumination and dysfunctional beliefs about sleep on the relationship between sleep quality and depression. A cross-sectional survey of 1240 Chinese adults was conducted to assess the possible relationships. The results showed a chain mediating effect of reflection rumination and brooding rumination on the relationship between sleep quality and depression, accounting for 38.91% of the total variance. A moderating role of unreasonable attitudes about sleep was also discovered among the study participants, which enhanced the relationship between reflection and brooding, leading to a further increase in this relationship. Individually-tailored approaches targeting rumination and cognition may more effectively alleviate depression or co-morbid sleep problems and depression than the current standards of care.

Mood symptoms in cervical dystonia: Relationship with motor symptoms and quality of life

Background

Cervical dystonia (CD) has a high prevalence of anxiety and depression. The relationship between motor severity, mood symptoms and QoL is unclear and how to adequately assess these is also unknown. Instruments like the BAI, BDI and HADS are often used but items within these relating to somatic symptoms might influence the results.

Methods

Patients with idiopathic cervical dystonia (CD) were included. The BAI, BDI, HADS, CIDP58 and TWSTRS2- severity score were used for assessment of motor, mood and QoL symptoms. Pearson's correlations between motor and non-motor symptom scores were assessed. The psychometric properties of the psychiatric tools were measured and principal component analysis performed after identifying items that could correspond to somatic symptoms.

Results

201 participants were included. 42% of participants had either significant depression or anxiety symptoms or both when measured by BAI and BDI and 51% of patients met criteria on HADS. HADS-A and HADS-D, BAI and BDI were poorly correlated with TWSTRS2-S. The HADS-A and HADS-D both showed strong correlation with the sleep subdomain of CDIP58. Psychometric and principal component analysis on 149/201 participants did not reveal factor loadings consistent with the a priori somatic groupings. However mean scores were higher for somatic items.

Conclusion

A good score on the CDIP58, a commonly used tool, does not indicate mild disease severity or minimal mood symptoms. Minimal motor symptoms, similarly, also does not imply a positive QoL. Clinicians should be mindful on ideal methods for performing a holistic assessment of CD patients. This likely warrants a combination of motor, QoL and mood assessment tools.

Objective sleep markers of suicidal behaviors in patients with psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Close relationships have been reported between sleep alterations and suicidal behaviors, nevertheless few studies used objective measures of sleep. Such objective markers would be interesting in clinical practice to better screen and prevent suicide. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies examining the relationship between sleep markers and suicidal behaviors using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. Actigraphy, polysomnography, and nocturnal EEG were considered. The qualitative analysis retained 15 original studies, including 1179 participants (939 with a psychiatric disorder), and 11 studies were included for the meta-analysis. Current suicidal behaviors were associated with a decreased total sleep time (TST) (SMD = -0.35, [95% CI: -0.66 to -0.04], p = 0.026, I² = 39.8%). The evaluation of possible moderators shows that age, gender, and depression scores had no effects on the random effect model. No significant differences were observed regarding sleep efficiency, REM latency, or percentage of REM sleep. In conclusion, among candidate objective markers, decreased total sleep time seems associated with suicidal behaviors and could be easily used to assess suicide risk. Alterations of regular sleep duration should invite healthcare professionals to screen the cause and propose sleep interventions to prevent suicide.

Abnormal amygdala functional connectivity in MDD patients with insomnia complaints

BACKGROUND

Insomnia is one of the major symptom relevant factors in major depressive disorder (MDD), but the neurological mechanisms underlying the multiple effect between insomnia and depression have not been well interpreted. This study aimed at exploring the potential mechanisms between insomnia and depression based on amygdala-based resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC).

METHODS

In total 56 MDD patients with low insomnia (MDD-LI) patients, 46 MDD patients with high insomnia (MDD-HI) patients, and 57 healthy controls (HCs) were employed and underwent a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan. ANOVA test was performed on RSFC value for three groups. Correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between abnormal RSFC values and clinical features.

RESULTS

We found that MDD-HI mainly showed increased RSFC in (bilateral superior temporal gyrus (STG), and decreased RSFC in left supplementary motor area (SMA) and bilateral postcentral gyrus (PoCG) compared with MDD-LI. Correlation analysis indicated that RSFC of the bilateral amygdala with STG were positively associated with the sleep disturbance score and adjust HAMD score.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that RSFC in temporal lobe and other specifically activated regions may be associated with neural circuits involved with insomnia in MDD. These provide new evidence for understanding the potential mechanisms of major depression and insomnia from the perspective of functional connectivity.

The Case for the Patient-Centric Development of Novel Digital Sleep Assessment Tools in Major Depressive Disorder

Background

Depression imposes a major burden on public health as the leading cause of disability worldwide. Sleep disturbance is a core symptom of depression that affects the vast majority of patients. Nonetheless, it is frequently not resolved by depression treatment and may even be worsened through some pharmaceutical interventions. Disturbed sleep negatively impact patients' quality of life, and persistent sleep disturbance increases the risk of recurrence, relapse, and even suicide. However, the development of novel treatments that might improve sleep problems is hindered by the lack of reliable low-burden objective measures that can adequately assess disturbed sleep in this population.

Summary

Developing improved digital measurement tools that are fit for use in clinical trials for major depressive disorder could promote the inclusion of sleep as a focus for treatment, clinical drug development, and research. This perspective piece explores the path toward the development of novel digital measures, reviews the existing evidence on the meaningfulness of sleep in depression, and summarizes existing methods of sleep assessments, including the use of digital health technologies.

Key Messages

Our objective was to make a clear call to action and path forward for the qualification of new digital outcome measures which would enable assessment of sleep disturbance as an aspect of health that truly matters to patients, promoting sleep as an important outcome for clinical development, and ultimately ensure that disturbed sleep will not remain the forgotten symptom of depression.

Recent advances in sleep and depression

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There is increasing interest in the connection between sleep disturbances and mood disorders. The purpose of this review is to summarize and evaluate current research on the role of sleep disturbance in the development of depression, as well as to describe recent advances in treatments that improve both sleep and depression symptoms.

RECENT FINDINGS

Relevant publications included in this review cover a wide range of topics related to sleep and depression. Data from large longitudinal studies suggest that insomnia and evening circadian preference are unique risk factors for depression. Depression treatment studies indicate poorer outcomes for those with comorbid sleep disturbances. A few recent trials of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and triple chronotherapy in unipolar depression have shown promising results.

SUMMARY

Sleep disturbance is a modifiable risk factor in the development and maintenance of depression. In the context of current depression, although the data is mixed, some evidence suggests treating sleep disturbance can improve overall outcomes. Recent evidence also suggests that treating sleep disturbance may prevent the future depressive episodes.

Associations between sleep-related heart rate variability and both sleep and symptoms of depression and anxiety: A systematic review

There is a bidirectional relationship between poor sleep and both mood- and anxiety-related disorders, which are among leading global health concerns. Additionally, both disordered sleep and these psychiatric disorders appear to be independently associated with altered autonomic nervous system (ANS) function. We hypothesise that ANS dysregulation during sleep may explain part of the relationship between poor sleep and mood- and anxiety-related disorders. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a frequently used marker of ANS function and gives an indication of ANS input to the heart - in particular, of the relative contributions of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. A systematic review of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science yielded 41 studies dealing with sleep, mood- and anxiety-related disorders and sleep-related HRV. Hyperarousal during sleep, reflecting a predominance of sympathetic activation and indicative of ANS dysregulation, may be an important factor in the association between poor sleep and mood-related disorders. Longitudinal studies and mediation analyses are necessary to further understand the potential mediating role of ANS dysregulation on the relationship between poor sleep and mood- and anxiety-related disorders.

Psychological Distress in Responders and Nonresponders in a 5-year Follow-up Health Survey: The RIAS Study

BACKGROUND

People with poor health or mental conditions are generally unwilling to participate in the health examinations, and no studies have directly examined the relationship of psychological distress among disaster survivors with participation status to date. The present study thus examined psychosocial differences according to the respondent status in a 5-year follow-up survey among participants in the prospective health surveys on survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster study in Iwate Prefecture, Japan.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 10,203 Japanese survivors aged ≥18 years (mean age, 65.6 years; 38.0% men) and who underwent health examinations at baseline in 2011. Participants were classified into responders and nonresponders according to their 2015 health examination participation status. Psychological distress was evaluated using the Kessler 6 scale and categorized as none, mild, and severe. Multinominal logistic regression was used to examine the risk of psychological distress in relation to participation status.

RESULTS

In the 2015 survey, 6,334 of 6,492 responders and 1,686 of 3,356 nonresponders were analyzed. The most common reasons for nonparticipation in the survey were participated in other health examinations, examined at a hospital, and did not have time to participate. Nonresponse in males was associated only with mild psychological stress, whereas nonresponse in females was associated with mild and severe psychological distress.

CONCLUSION

Nonresponders in the follow-up survey had a higher risk of psychological distress than responders. Continuous monitoring of the health of nonresponders and responders may help to prevent future health deterioration.