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Majd M, Chen MA, Chirinos DA, Brown RL, LeRoy AS, Murdock KW, Lydia Wu-Chung E, Thayer JF, Fagundes CP. Trajectories of depressive symptoms early in the course of bereavement: Patterns, psychosocial factors and risk of prolonged grief. Stress Health 2024; 40:e3340. [PMID: 37926770 PMCID: PMC11069593 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
In the context of bereavement, little is known about the mechanisms that differentiate normative adjustment patterns from those that may indicate potential psychopathology. This study aimed to replicate and extend previous work by (1) characterizing the trajectories of depressive symptoms from 3 to 12 months after the loss of a spouse, (2) examining whether (a) childhood maltreatment and attachment style predicted distinct depression trajectories, and (b) different depression trajectories were associated with the risk of prolonged grief at 12 months post-loss. Recently bereaved individuals (N = 175) completed self-report assessments at 3, 4, 6, and 12-months post-loss. Trajectories of depressive symptoms were estimated using group-based trajectory modelling. Four distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms were identified: (1) resilience (minimal/no depression across time points; 45%), (2) moderate depression-improved (alleviated to 'mild' by 12 months; 31%), (3) severe depression-improved (alleviated to 'moderate' by 12 months; 15%), and (4) chronic depression ('severe' symptoms across time points; 9%). Higher childhood maltreatment predicted a greater likelihood of belonging to the 'severe depression-improved' and 'chronic depression' groups than the 'resilient' and 'moderate depression-improved' groups. Widow(er)s with higher attachment anxiety were more likely to belong to the 'severe depression-improved' and 'chronic depression' groups than the 'resilient' group. The trajectory groups with persistent levels of depressive symptoms up until 6 months were more likely to exhibit prolonged grief at 12 months post-loss. Changes from pre-loss functioning cannot be estimated. Our findings provide insight into the early identification of post-loss prolonged grief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Majd
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University
- Mood and Psychosis Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
| | | | - Diana A. Chirinos
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Ryan L. Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Angie S. LeRoy
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Baylor University
| | - Kyle W. Murdock
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University
| | | | - Julian F. Thayer
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California–Irvine
| | - Christopher P. Fagundes
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine
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2
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Sadino JM, Donaldson ZR. Prairie voles as a model for adaptive reward remodeling following loss of a bonded partner. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024; 1535:20-30. [PMID: 38594916 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Loss of a loved one is a painful event that substantially elevates the risk for physical and mental illness and impaired daily function. Socially monogamous prairie voles are laboratory-amenable rodents that form life-long pair bonds and exhibit distress upon partner separation, mirroring phenotypes seen in humans. These attributes make voles an excellent model for studying the biology of loss. In this review, we highlight parallels between humans and prairie voles, focusing on reward system engagement during pair bonding and loss. As yearning is a unique feature that differentiates loss from other negative mental states, we posit a model in which the homeostatic reward mechanisms that help to maintain bonds are disrupted upon loss, resulting in yearning and other negative impacts. Finally, we synthesize studies in humans and voles that delineate the remodeling of reward systems during loss adaptation. The stalling of these processes likely contributes to prolonged grief disorder, a diagnosis recently added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Sadino
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Zoe R Donaldson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
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Tamman AJF, Koller D, Nagamatsu S, Cabrera-Mendoza B, Abdallah C, Krystal JH, Gelernter J, Montalvo-Ortiz JL, Polimanti R, Pietrzak RH. Psychosocial moderators of polygenic risk scores of inflammatory biomarkers in relation to GrimAge. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:699-708. [PMID: 37848731 PMCID: PMC10876568 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01747-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
GrimAge acceleration has previously predicted age-related morbidities and mortality. In the current study, we sought to examine how GrimAge is associated with genetic predisposition for systemic inflammation and whether psychosocial factors moderate this association. Military veterans from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans study, which surveyed a nationally representative sample of European American male veterans, provided saliva samples for genotyping (N = 1135). We derived polygenic risk scores (PRS) from the UK Biobank as markers of genetic predisposition to inflammation. Results revealed that PRS for three inflammatory PRS markers-HDL (lower), apolipoprotein B (lower), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (higher)-were associated with accelerated GrimAge. Additionally, these PRS interacted with a range of potentially modifiable psychosocial variables, such as exercise and gratitude, previously identified as associated with accelerated GrimAge. Using gene enrichment, we identified anti-inflammatory and antihistamine drugs that perturbate pathways of genes highly represented in the inflammatory PRS, laying the groundwork for future work to evaluate the potential of these drugs in mitigating epigenetic aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J F Tamman
- Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Dora Koller
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sheila Nagamatsu
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Brenda Cabrera-Mendoza
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chadi Abdallah
- Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - John H Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Janitza L Montalvo-Ortiz
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Renato Polimanti
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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4
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Koliouli F, Canellopoulos L, Stasinopoulou I, Risvas C, Sani L, Bacqué MF. Experiences of grief and mourning practices of Greek bereaved adults during the pandemic: A qualitative approach. DEATH STUDIES 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38293741 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2024.2309451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
This pilot study aims to explore the experiences of grief and mourning practices of bereaved adults during the pandemic. Eleven adults who have lost a loved one since March 2020 participated in a semi-structured interview exploring the experiences of grief and mourning. Data were analyzed through Thematic Analysis. Participants experienced contrasting psycho-emotional reactions to loss, and they highlighted the restriction of being physically present to the dying loved one as the hardest aspect of losing someone during COVID-19. Moreover, they identified challenging factors during the funeral practices: the small number of mourners during ceremonies, abstinence from hugging and touching each other as a form of consolation, and wearing masks, which further made the ceremony impersonal. Finally, the alteration of the paying respects process has contributed to the mourners' experienced stress and sorrow. Findings are discussed per the current literature and recommendations based on cultural diversities are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Koliouli
- Assistant Professor in Developmental Psychology: social and emotional development, Department of Early Childhood Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Lissy Canellopoulos
- Psychoanalyst, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology, Psychology Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Zografou, Greece
| | - Irene Stasinopoulou
- BSc Psychology, Psychology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Zografou, Greece
| | - Charalampos Risvas
- Clinical Psychologist, Psychology Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Zografou, Greece
| | - Livia Sani
- Clinical Psychology, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marie-Frédérique Bacqué
- Psychoanalyst, Professor in Clinical Psychopathology, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Nilaweera D, Gurvich C, Freak-Poli R, Woods RL, Owen A, McNeil J, Nelson M, Stocks N, Ryan J. The association between adverse events in later life and mortality in older individuals. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2023; 16:100210. [PMID: 37753199 PMCID: PMC10518669 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2023.100210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Stress can have adverse impacts on health, particularly when it is chronic or resulting from major adverse events. Our study investigated whether relatively common adverse events in older individuals were associated with an increased risk of death, as well as cause-specific death and potential gender differences. Methods Participants were 12896 community-dwelling Australians aged ≥70 years at enrolment into the ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) study and without known life-limiting disease. A questionnaire administered in the year after enrolment, collected information on ten adverse events experienced in the past year. Mortality status was verified by multiple sources including health records and the National Death Index across a maximum of 10 years. Underlying causes of death were determined using clinical information by two adjudicators. Cox-proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate mortality risk. Results Two of the ten adverse events were associated with an increased risk of mortality in fully adjusted models. A 69% increased risk of mortality was observed in participants who reported their spouse/partner had recently died (95% CI: 1.19-2.39, P < 0.01). Cancer-related but not cardiovascular deaths also increased. Participants with a seriously ill spouse/partner also had a 23% increased risk of mortality (HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.02-1.48, P = 0.03). There was a tendency for these associations to be stronger among men than women. Limitations Perceived stress and cortisol were not measured, thus limiting our understanding of the psychological and physiological impacts of adverse events. Conclusions Experiencing adverse events in later-life, especially the death of a spouse/partner, may be a risk factor for earlier mortality. These findings may increase public health awareness and better inform initiatives for particular groups, including bereaved men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinuli Nilaweera
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caroline Gurvich
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rosanne Freak-Poli
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robyn L. Woods
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alice Owen
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John McNeil
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Nelson
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Nigel Stocks
- Discipline of General Practice, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Economos AD, Kluemper T, Woods R. The lived experiences of young adults grieving an intimate partner or spouse: A phenomenological pilot study. DEATH STUDIES 2023; 48:600-608. [PMID: 37676793 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2023.2253771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
This pilot study explored the lived experiences of six young adults between the ages of 18-32 years grieving an intimate partner or spouse. Through Moustakas's (1994) steps of transcendental phenomenological analysis, four key themes revealed a traumatic initial period after the death, the importance of helpful vs dismissive community support, a continuation of meaningful activities and ritual to honor the deceased, and significant shifts in participants' life plans and worldviews. These themes suggest that clinicians may consider facilitating identity-restructuring exercises (e.g., journaling) and inclusive community spaces to support this unique population of grievers. Implications for future research are discussed, including the suggestion to create more targeted inclusion criteria to improve the clinical relevance of results in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa D Economos
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Tamara Kluemper
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Regina Woods
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Leung KK, Wong YC, Shea KS, Chan SC, Chang WC, Mo YMF, Chan SMS. Altered neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with non-affective first episode psychosis and its relationship with symptom severity and cognitive impairment. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11453. [PMID: 37454218 PMCID: PMC10349799 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37846-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Signatures of immune dysregulation as clinical biomarker for psychosis have remained unclear. We aimed to compare the Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of patients with acute non-affective first-episode psychosis (FEP) with healthy controls after accounting for emotional states. We also explored the associations of NLR with symptom severity, onset profile and cognitive functions. The NLR was enumerated from complete blood count taken within a week of assessment. All FEP patients were rated on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Clinician Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) with verbal memory and executive functions assessed with the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Prevailing emotional state was measured with Beck Depression Inventory-II and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Out of seventy-nine consecutive FEP patients presenting to the study site, twenty-seven subjects were eligible and recruited. Twenty-seven age-/sex-matched controls were recruited. FEP patients had an NLR of 1.886 over the controls after accounting for scores on emotional states. The NLR of FEP patients was positively associated with CGI-S scores, PANSS positive symptom, disorganization and excitation scores. There was no significant correlation between NLR with the duration of untreated psychosis and cognitive performances. These findings support using NLR as a clinical biomarker in FEP, purporting further prospective study to measure NLR changes in the course of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwan Keung Leung
- Department of Psychiatry, Tai Po Hospital, G30, Ground Floor, Multicentre, Tai Po Hospital, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yip Chau Wong
- Department of Psychiatry, Tai Po Hospital, G30, Ground Floor, Multicentre, Tai Po Hospital, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka Sin Shea
- Department of Psychiatry, Tai Po Hospital, G30, Ground Floor, Multicentre, Tai Po Hospital, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sheung Chun Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, Tai Po Hospital, G30, Ground Floor, Multicentre, Tai Po Hospital, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing Chung Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yi Man Flora Mo
- Department of Psychiatry, Tai Po Hospital, G30, Ground Floor, Multicentre, Tai Po Hospital, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sau Man Sandra Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, Tai Po Hospital, G30, Ground Floor, Multicentre, Tai Po Hospital, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
- Department of Psychiatry, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Nilaweera D, Gurvich C, Freak-Poli R, Woods R, Owen A, Murray A, Orchard SG, Britt C, Wu Z, McNeil J, Ryan J. Adverse events in older adults and the risk of dementia and cognitive decline. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2023; 13:100592. [PMID: 37475782 PMCID: PMC10357969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2023.100592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing evidence suggests that stress could be a risk factor for dementia but this might vary by gender. This study investigated whether adverse life events were associated with cognitive decline and dementia in later-life, separately in men and women. Methods Participants were 12,789 community-dwelling Australians aged ≥ 70 years. Ten common adverse events in later-life were self-reported. Cognitive decline was defined as a 1.5 SD decline from participants' baseline score in tests of global cognition, psychomotor speed, episodic memory, and executive functioning, which were assessed regularly over a maximum of 10.3 years. Dementia was diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria. Results An increased risk of dementia was observed in participants who experienced the death of a spouse/partner (HR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.17 - 2.52) and for individuals who experienced major financial problems (HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.05 - 2.23). The latter also increased the risk of cognitive decline in men specifically (HR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.10 - 1.86). In contrast, some events for women were associated with a reduced risk of dementia (e.g. close family or friends lost their job/retired (HR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.40-0.95)). Limitations Events including major money problems may result from prodromal dementia symptoms, thus reverse causation needs to be considered. Conclusions Adverse life events may influence dementia risk in older adults, but associations vary depending on the nature of the event, and across genders. These findings support the need for early interventions in older people who have experienced adversities, particularly for the death of a loved one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinuli Nilaweera
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Caroline Gurvich
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rosanne Freak-Poli
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Robyn Woods
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Alice Owen
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Anne Murray
- Berman Centre for Outcomes and Clinical Research, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Suzanne G. Orchard
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Carlene Britt
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Zimu Wu
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - John McNeil
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
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Paoletti J, Chen MA, Wu-Chung EL, Brown RL, LeRoy AS, Murdock KW, Heijnen CJ, Fagundes CP. Employment and family income in psychological and immune outcomes during bereavement. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 150:106024. [PMID: 36702040 PMCID: PMC9974808 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Spousal bereavement is one of the most stressful experiences in adulthood. In a sample of 183 widow(er)s, bereaved about three months prior, we examined the intersection of employment, family income, and health outcomes (proinflammatory marker production, perceived stress, and grief symptoms). Bereaved employees had higher levels of monocyte-stimulated interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, chemokine ligands 4, and perceived stress than bereaved retirees. We also found an interaction such that family income was positively associated with perceived stress and grief symptoms for employed window(er)s, but not for retirees. These findings align with the reserve capacity model, which states that people at higher levels of socioeconomic status have more psychosocial resources to address psychosocial stressors. Employment likely served as an added psychological and inflammatory burden for all bereaved workers, except those with the highest incomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ryan L Brown
- University of California San Francisco, United States
| | | | | | - Cobi J Heijnen
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, United States
| | - Christopher P Fagundes
- Rice University, United States; University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, United States; Baylor College of Medicine, United States
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10
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Garrouste-Orgeas M, Marché V, Pujol N, Michel D, Evin A, Fossez-Diaz V, Perruchio S, Vanbésien A, Verlaine C, Copel L, Kaczmarek W, Birkui de Francqueville L, Michonneau-Gandon V, de Larivière E, Poupardin C, Touzet L, Guastella V, Mathias C, Mhalla A, Bouquet G, Richard B, Gracia D, Bienfait F, Verliac V, Ranchou G, Kirsch S, Flahault C, Loiodice A, Bailly S, Ruckly S, Timsit JF. Incidence and risk factors of prolonged grief in relatives of patients with terminal cancer in French palliative care units: The Fami-Life multicenter cohort study. Palliat Support Care 2023:1-10. [PMID: 36878669 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523000111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Psychological consequences of grief among relatives are insufficiently known. We reported incidence of prolonged grief among relatives of deceased patients with cancer. METHODS Prospective cohort study of 611 relatives of 531 patients with cancer hospitalized for more than 72 hours and who died in 26 palliative care units was conducted. The primary outcome was prolonged grief in relatives 6 months after patient death, measured with the Inventory Complicated Grief (ICG > 25, range 0-76, a higher score indicates more severe symptoms) score. Secondary outcomes in relatives 6 months after patient death were anxiety and depression symptoms based on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score (range 0 [best]-42 [worst]), higher scores indicate more severe symptoms, minimally important difference 2.5. Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms were defined by an Impact Event Scale-Revised score >22 (range 0-88, a higher score indicates more severe symptoms). RESULTS Among 611 included relatives, 608 (99.5%) completed the trial. At 6 months, significant ICG scores were reported by 32.7% relatives (199/608, 95% CI, 29.0-36.4). The median (interquartile range ICG score) was 20.0 (11.5-29.0). The incidence of HADS symptoms was 87.5% (95% CI, 84.8-90.2%) at Days 3-5 and 68.7% (95% CI, 65.0-72.4) 6 months after patient's death, with a median (interquartile range) difference of -4 (-10 to 0) between these 2 time points. Improvement in HADS anxiety and depression scores were reported by 62.5% (362/579) relatives. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS These findings support the importance of screening relatives having risk factors of developing prolonged grief in the palliative unit and 6 months after patient's death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maité Garrouste-Orgeas
- IAME, INSERM, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Palliative Care Unit, Reuilly Diaconesses Fondation, Rueil Malmaison, France
- Medical Unit, French British Hospital, Levallois-Perret, France
| | | | - Nicolas Pujol
- Research Department Palliative Care Unit, Jeanne Garnier Institution, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Michel
- Palliative Care Unit, Reuilly Diaconesses Fondation, Rueil Malmaison, France
| | - Adrien Evin
- Palliative Care Unit, University Teaching Hospital, Nantes, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Laure Copel
- Palliative Care Unit, Diaconesses Croix Saint Simon Hospital, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Licia Touzet
- Palliative Care Unit, University Teaching Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Virginie Guastella
- Palliative Care Unit, University Teaching Hospital, Clermont Ferrand, France
| | - Carmen Mathias
- Palliative Care Unit, Mulhouse Sud Alsace Hospital Network, Mulhouse, France
| | - Alaa Mhalla
- Palliative Care Unit, Albert Chenevier Hospital, Créteil, France
| | | | - Bruno Richard
- Palliative Care Unit, University Teaching Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Dominique Gracia
- Palliative Care Unit, General Hospital, Salon-de-Provence, France
| | - Florent Bienfait
- Palliative Care Unit, University Teaching Hospital, Angers, France
| | - Virginie Verliac
- Palliative Care Unit, Saintonge General Hospital, Saintes, France
| | - Gaelle Ranchou
- Palliative Care Unit, General Hospital, Périgueux, France
| | - Sylvie Kirsch
- Palliative Care Unit, Bligny Hospital, Briis-Sous-Forges, France
| | - Cécile Flahault
- Laboratory of Psychopathology and Health Process, Paris University Paris, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | | | | | | | - Jean-François Timsit
- IAME, INSERM, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Medical and infectious diseases ICU (MI2), APHP Bichat Hospital, Paris, France
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11
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Křenek P, Hořínková J, Bartečků E. Peripheral Inflammatory Markers in Subtypes and Core Features of Depression: A Systematized Review. Psychopathology 2023; 56:403-416. [PMID: 36812905 PMCID: PMC10568602 DOI: 10.1159/000528907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this work was to summarize relationships between two subtypes of major depressive disorder (melancholic and atypical) and four core features of depression that reflect the domains identified consistently in previous studies of major depressive disorder endophenotypes (exaggerated reactivity to negative information, altered reward processing, cognitive control deficits, and somatic symptoms) on the one hand and selected peripheral inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP], cytokines, and adipokines) on the other. METHODS A systematized review was conducted. The database used for searching articles was PubMed (MEDLINE). RESULTS According to our search, most peripheral immunological markers associated with major depressive disorder are not specific to a single depressive symptom group. The most evident examples are CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α. The strongest evidence supports the connection of peripheral inflammatory markers with somatic symptoms; weaker evidence indicates a role of immune changes in altered reward processing. The least amount of evidence was found for the role of peripheral inflammatory markers in exaggerated reactivity to negative information and cognitive control deficits. Regarding the depression subtypes, a tendency for higher CRP and adipokines was observed in atypical depression; increased IL-6 was found in melancholic depression. CONCLUSION Somatic symptoms of depression could be a manifestation of a specific immunological endophenotype of depressive disorder. Melancholic and atypical depression may be characterized by different profiles of immunological markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Křenek
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia,
| | - Jana Hořínková
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Elis Bartečků
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
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12
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Davis KM, Rosinger AY, Murdock KW. Ex vivo LPS-stimulated cytokine production is associated with hydration status in community-dwelling middle-to-older-aged adults. Eur J Nutr 2023; 62:1681-1690. [PMID: 36790579 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03105-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Suboptimal hydration has been linked to a variety of adverse health outcomes. Few studies have examined the impact of hydration status on immune function, a plausible physiological mechanism underlying these associations. Therefore, we tested how variation in hydration status was associated with circulating pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and ex vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokine production. METHODS Blood samples were obtained from a community sample of healthy middle-to-older-aged adults (N = 72). These samples were used to assess serum osmolality, a biomarker of hydration status, and markers of immune function including circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokine production after 4 and 24 h of incubation with LPS. Multiple linear regressions were used to test the association between serum osmolality (as a continuous variable) and markers of immune function at baseline and after 4 and 24 h adjusting for age, sex, and BMI. These models were re-estimated with serum osmolality dichotomized at the cut-off for dehydration (> 300 mOsm/kg). RESULTS While not significantly associated with circulating cytokines (B = - 0.03, p = 0.09), serum osmolality was negatively associated with both 4 h (B = - 0.05, p = 0.048) and 24 h (B = - 0.05, p = 0.03) stimulated cytokine production when controlling for age, sex, and BMI. Similarly, dehydration was associated with significantly lower cytokine production at both 4 h (B = - 0.54, p = 0.02) and 24 h (B = - 0.51, p = 0.02) compared to adequate hydration. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that dehydration may be associated with suppressed immune function in generally healthy middle-to-older aged community-dwelling adults. Further longitudinal research is needed to more clearly define the role of hydration in immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Davis
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Asher Y Rosinger
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.,Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Kyle W Murdock
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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13
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Bryant RA. Attachment processes in posttraumatic stress disorder: A review of mechanisms to advance theories and treatments. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 99:102228. [PMID: 36493729 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Current conceptualisations of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are driven by biological, learning, and cognitive models that have shaped current treatments of the disorder. The strong influence of these models has resulted in a relative neglect of social mechanisms that can influence traumatic stress. There is abundant evidence from experimental, observational, and clinical studies that social factors can moderate many of the mechanisms articulated in prevailing models of PTSD. In this review it is proposed that attachment theory provides a useful framework to complement existing models of PTSD because it provides explanatory value for social factors can interact with biological, learning, and cognitive processes that shape traumatic stress response. The review provides an overview of attachment theory in the context of traumatic stress, outlines the evidence for how attachment factors can moderate stress responses and PTSD, and considers how harnessing attachment processes may augment recovery from and treatment of PTSD. This review emphasizes that rather than conceptualizing attachment theory as an independent theory of traumatic stress, there is much to gain by integrating attachment mechanisms into existing models of PTSD to accommodate the interactions between cognitive, biological, and attachment processes.
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14
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Moreira D, Azeredo A, Sá Moreira D, Fávero M, Sousa-Gomes V. Why Does Grief Hurt? EUROPEAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2022. [DOI: 10.1027/1016-9040/a000490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Grief is a major physical and psychological health concern for adults, as well as a key risk factor for depression. The direct and indirect costs of depression in adults place heavy burdens on societal resources. Indeed, bereavement is a stressful and profound life experience, with the grieving process combining reactions to a loss that may originate in complications for bereaved individuals. The goal of this systematic review is to synthesize the findings regarding depression and grief. Studies related to the topic were obtained from multiple databases through rigorous exclusion and inclusion criteria. Only empirical studies with quantitative methodologies were included. Objectives, sample (type of sample, % male, and age), instruments, and main conclusions were extracted from each study. Overall, there are personality and contextual factors that, in addition to affecting depressive reactions following a loss, may also interface with one’s ability to grieve. Furthermore, after the patient’s death, there was a decrease in depressive symptoms over time, indicating that these symptoms are dynamic. Individuals who experience prolonged grief exhibit depressive symptoms, and those who suffer a loss may have depressive symptoms, but in a natural and non-pathological way, that is, sadness and not depression. Depression tends to decrease over time, with the existence of more children and a focus on occupation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Moreira
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Philosophical and Humanistic Studies, Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Portugal
- Institute of Psychology and Neuropsychology of Porto – IPNP Health, Portugal
- Centro de Solidariedade de Braga/Projecto Homem, Portugal
| | - Andreia Azeredo
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Diana Sá Moreira
- Institute of Psychology and Neuropsychology of Porto – IPNP Health, Portugal
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, University Institute of Maia, Portugal
| | - Marisalva Fávero
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, University Institute of Maia, Portugal
- Unit I&D of the Justice and Governance Research Center of the Law School, University of Minho (JusGov/UM), Portugal
| | - Valéria Sousa-Gomes
- Institute of Psychology and Neuropsychology of Porto – IPNP Health, Portugal
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, University Institute of Maia, Portugal
- Unit I&D of the Justice and Governance Research Center of the Law School, University of Minho (JusGov/UM), Portugal
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15
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Edwards A, Do D, Dao T. Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Grief: A Prospective Survey among Community Hospital Next-of-Kin. J Palliat Med 2022; 26:653-661. [PMID: 36355342 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Over one million Americans have died from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Increased isolation resulting from social distancing, public health restrictions, and hospital visit limitations may affect the ability to perform normal mourning practices. Grief experts expect higher rates of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) because of the pandemic, but empirical evidence is limited. Objectives: To compare grief severity using PG-13-R scores among those bereaved during the COVID-19 pandemic to prepandemic controls. Design: Prospective cohort trial. Setting/Subjects: One hundred twenty-three next-of-kin of deceased individuals at a secondary medical center in the United States. Measurements: We compared the PG-13-R score and demographic characteristics across three periods based on the time of their relative's death: prepandemic (n = 42, November 2019-March 19, 2020), early-pandemic (n = 42, March 20, 2020-June 2020), and mid-pandemic (n = 39, July 2020-October 2020). Linear regression investigated the association between the PG-13-R score and COVID-19-related death, hospice use, and grief support services while controlling for demographic characteristics. Results: There were no statistical differences in unadjusted PG-13-R score, individual PG-13-R questions, and demographic characteristics across three periods. In adjusted analyses, COVID-19-related death was associated with an increased PG-13-R score (coefficient: 6.17; p = 0.031), while hospice use was associated with a decline in the PG-13-R score (coefficient: -3.68; p = 0.049). Conclusion: Individuals have adapted to COVID-19 societal changes, including how they grieve. However, COVID-19-related deaths may lead to a higher risk for PGD, consistent with COVID-19 grief studies globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asher Edwards
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center, Baldwin Park, California, USA
| | - Duy Do
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Trina Dao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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16
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Meng J, Liu E, Xiang N, Yue Z. Can community-based care moderate widowhood's health impact? -A longitudinal study among older Chinese adults. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e5725-e5734. [PMID: 36200763 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.14002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The plethora of pathways leading to health problems of later life has made the causal assessment of widowhood on the health of older adults difficult. This research aimed to assess the short-term impact of widowhood on the objective health of older adults and to the moderating role of community-based care (CBC) in improving the health outcomes of older adults. In this study, the activities of daily living (ADLs) and number of hospitalisations of older adults were measured, and PSM-DID models were conducted. Widowhood had a significant negative impact on the objective health of older adults. Widowed adults had higher ADL scores (B = 0.569, 95 percent CI: 0.295 to 0.844) and more hospitalisations (B = 2.551, 95 percent CI: 1.189 to 3.914) than nonwidowed adults. Meanwhile, CBC in urban areas can significantly reduce ADL scores (B = -0.154, SE = 0.082) and the number of hospitalisations (B = -1.402, SE = 0.348) in older adults, whereas CBC in rural areas can only significantly reduce ADL scores (B = -0.197, SE = 0.087). Taken together, there is an urgent need to focus on the health of widowed and older adults and to provide CBC in both urban and rural areas equally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Meng
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Erpeng Liu
- Institute of Income Distribution and Public Finance, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Nan Xiang
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhang Yue
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
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17
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Gamad MJG, Managuio PDV, Pastor MAA, Ariola AGG, Diane MGA, Silva RP. The Lived Experiences of Bereaved Filipino Families of the Deceased Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2022:302228221129669. [PMID: 36167490 PMCID: PMC9520277 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221129669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The typical highlight of Filipino mourning of conducting funerals and burials has ceased due to recent health guidelines which required the deceased, who tested positive for the virus, to be cremated and buried right away to avoid further spread of the disease - making bereavement more complicated. This paper investigates the experiences of bereaved Filipino families who lost their loved ones to COVID-19 through a qualitative research design. Researchers explored the experiences of at least three (3) COVID-19 bereaved families through a descriptive phenomenological approach and analyzed the data using thematic analysis to extract the bereavement process experienced by the participants. The findings of the study highlight the changes to the Filipino funeral practice caused by the pandemic and the major roles of connectedness, and cultural and religious beliefs in the Filipino bereavement experience.
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18
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Wei D, Janszky I, Ljung R, Fang F, Li J, László KD. Bereavement and Prognosis After a First Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Swedish Register-Based Cohort Study. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e027143. [PMID: 36056733 PMCID: PMC9496408 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.027143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite accumulating evidence suggesting that bereavement is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, the association between bereavement and prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has not been well documented. We investigated the association by using Swedish register data. METHODS AND RESULTS We studied 266 651 patients with a first AMI included in the SWEDEHEART (Swedish Web-system for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-based care in Heart disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies) quality register from 1991 to 2018. We obtained information on bereavement (ie, death of a partner, child, grandchild, sibling, or parent), on primary (nonfatal recurrent AMI and death attributed to ischemic heart disease) and secondary outcomes (total mortality, heart failure, and stroke) and on covariates from several national registers. The association was analyzed using Poisson regression. The bereaved patients had a slightly increased risk of the primary outcome; the corresponding risk ratio (RR) was 1.02 (95% CI, 1.00-1.04). An increased risk was noted any time bereavement occurred, except if the loss was in the year after the first AMI. The association was strongest for the loss of a partner, followed by the loss of a child, grandchild, sibling, or parent. We also observed increased risks for total mortality (RR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.12-1.16]), heart failure (RR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.02-1.08]), and stroke (RR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.05-1.13]) following bereavement. CONCLUSIONS Bereavement was associated with an increased risk of poor prognosis after a first AMI. The association varied by the relationship to the deceased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dang Wei
- Department of Global Public Health Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden.,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
| | - Imre Janszky
- Department of Global Public Health Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden.,Department of Public Health and Nursing Norwegian University of Science and Technology Trondheim Norway
| | - Rickard Ljung
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden.,Swedish Medical Products Agency Uppsala Sweden
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
| | - Jiong Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine-Department of Clinical Epidemiology Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
| | - Krisztina D László
- Department of Global Public Health Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
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19
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Brown RL, LeRoy AS, Chen MA, Suchting R, Jaremka LM, Liu J, Heijnen C, Fagundes CP. Grief Symptoms Promote Inflammation During Acute Stress Among Bereaved Spouses. Psychol Sci 2022; 33:859-873. [PMID: 35675903 PMCID: PMC9343888 DOI: 10.1177/09567976211059502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The death of a spouse is associated with maladaptive immune alterations; grief severity may exacerbate this link. We investigated whether high grief symptoms were associated with an amplified inflammatory response to subsequent stress among 111 recently bereaved older adults. Participants completed a standardized psychological stressor and underwent a blood draw before, 45 min after, and 2 hr after the stressor. Those experiencing high grief symptoms (i.e., scoring > 25 on the Inventory of Complicated Grief) experienced a 45% increase in interleukin-6 (IL-6; a proinflammatory cytokine) per hour, whereas those experiencing low grief symptoms demonstrated a 26% increase. In other words, high grief was related to a 19% increase in IL-6 per hour relative to low grief. The grief levels of recently bereaved people were associated with the rate of change in IL-6 following a subsequent stressor, above and beyond depressive symptoms. This is the first study to demonstrate that high grief symptoms promote inflammation following acute stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan L. Brown
- Department of Psychological Sciences,
Rice University
| | | | | | - Robert Suchting
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral
Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at
Houston
| | - Lisa M. Jaremka
- Department of Psychological and Brain
Sciences, University of Delaware
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, The
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Cobi Heijnen
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, The
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Christopher P. Fagundes
- Department of Psychological Sciences,
Rice University
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, The
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral
Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine
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20
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Wu-Chung EL, Leal SL, Denny BT, Cheng SL, Fagundes CP. Spousal caregiving, widowhood, and cognition: A systematic review and a biopsychosocial framework for understanding the relationship between interpersonal losses and dementia risk in older adulthood. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 134:104487. [PMID: 34971701 PMCID: PMC8925984 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating research suggests that stressful life events, especially those that threaten close intimate bonds, are associated with an increased risk of dementia. Grieving the loss of a spouse, whether in the form of caregiving or after the death, ranks among 'life's most significant stressors', evoking intense psychological and physiological distress. Despite numerous studies reporting elevated dementia risk or poorer cognition among spousal caregivers and widow(er)s compared to controls, no review has summarized findings across cognitive outcomes (i.e., dementia incidence, cognitive impairment rates, cognitive performance) or proposed a theoretical model for understanding the links between partner loss and abnormal cognitive decline. The current systematic review summarizes findings across 64 empirical studies. Overall, both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies revealed an adverse association between partner loss and cognitive outcomes. In turn, we propose a biopsychosocial model of cognitive decline that explains how caregiving and bereavement may position some to develop cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. More longitudinal studies that focus on the biopsychosocial context of caregivers and widow(er)s are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bryan T. Denny
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX
| | | | - Christopher P. Fagundes
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX,Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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21
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Davidow JB, Zide BS, Levin LL, Biddle KD, Urizar JC, Donovan NJ. A Scoping Review of Interventions for Spousal Bereavement in Older Adults. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 30:404-418. [PMID: 34493416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The loss of a spouse is a common and natural life event for older adults. Nearly one of four older bereaved spouses experience prolonged grief, impaired function or chronic depression. Mechanisms underlying these and other long-term health risks are not well understood. We conducted a scoping literature review to examine the interventions and outcomes that have been studied for late-life spousal bereavement to date. We identified 22 studies of group and individual-level interventions with most studies concerning grief processes within the first year. Nearly all studies evaluated emotional and psychological symptoms of loss and a small number evaluated the restoration of adaptive functioning. Four interventions addressed the treatment of complicated grief or grief with major depressive disorder. Qualitative studies explored themes of spirituality and mindfulness. There were 17 controlled studies, including 13 randomized controlled trials. Findings were eclectic, with evidence supporting mindfulness techniques in a group format for emotional and life satisfaction outcomes; an individual, function-based therapy addressing sleep to improve emotion and function; an individual, writing-based emotional expression therapy for short-term improvement in emotion and function; nortriptyline for the treatment of bereavement-related major depressive disorder; a group-based, complicated grief therapy for this condition; an internet-based CBT intervention for prolonged grief; and pharmacotherapy for cardiovascular changes during bereavement. These findings highlight the small literature of methodologically strong intervention studies addressing spousal bereavement in older adults and the need for greater exploration of relevant biological, social, cognitive and behavioral factors to improve short and long term health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie B Davidow
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry (JBD, BSZ, KDB, JCU, NJD), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School (JBD, LLL, KDB, JCU, NJD), Boston, MA; Department of Psychiatry (NJD), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Benjamin S Zide
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry (JBD, BSZ, KDB, JCU, NJD), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Dartmouth College (BSZ), Hanover, NH
| | - Leonard L Levin
- Harvard Medical School (JBD, LLL, KDB, JCU, NJD), Boston, MA
| | - Kelsey D Biddle
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry (JBD, BSZ, KDB, JCU, NJD), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School (JBD, LLL, KDB, JCU, NJD), Boston, MA
| | - Juan Carlos Urizar
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry (JBD, BSZ, KDB, JCU, NJD), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School (JBD, LLL, KDB, JCU, NJD), Boston, MA
| | - Nancy J Donovan
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry (JBD, BSZ, KDB, JCU, NJD), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School (JBD, LLL, KDB, JCU, NJD), Boston, MA; Department of Psychiatry (NJD), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Neurology (NJD), Brigham and Women's Hospital, MA.
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22
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Gerber K, Brijnath B, Lock K, Bryant C, Hills D, Hjorth L. 'Unprepared for the depth of my feelings' - Capturing grief in older people through research poetry. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6547546. [PMID: 35284925 PMCID: PMC9171723 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Older people are more likely to experience bereavements than any other age group. However, in healthcare and society, their grief experiences and support needs receive limited attention. Through innovative, arts-based research poetry, this study aimed to capture older people’s bereavement stories and the effects of grief on their physical and mental health. Method Semi-structured in-depth interviews with 18 bereaved older adults were analysed using thematic and poetic narrative analysis, following a five-step approach of immersion, creation, critical reflection, ethics and engagement. Results Research poems were used to illustrate three themes of bereavement experiences among older adults: feeling unprepared, accumulation of losses and ripple effects of grief. While half of participants reported that the death of their family member was expected, many felt unprepared despite having experienced multiple bereavements throughout their life. Instead, the accumulation of losses had a compounding effect on their health and well-being. While these ripple effects of grief focussed on emotional and mental health consequences, many also reported physical health effects like the onset of a new condition or the worsening of an existing one. In its most extreme form, grief was connected with a perceived increased mortality risk. Conclusions By using poetry to draw attention to the intense and often long-lasting effects of grief on older people’s health and well-being, this article offers emotional, engaging and immersive insights into their unique bereavement experiences and thereby challenges the notion that grief has an expiry date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Gerber
- National Ageing Research Institute Melbourne Ageing Research Collaboration, , Melbourne, Australia
- University of Melbourne Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bianca Brijnath
- National Ageing Research Institute Melbourne Ageing Research Collaboration, , Melbourne, Australia
- Curtin University School of Allied Health, , Perth, Australia
- University of Western Australia School of Social Sciences, , Perth, Australia
| | - Kayla Lock
- National Ageing Research Institute Melbourne Ageing Research Collaboration, , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christina Bryant
- University of Melbourne Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Danny Hills
- Federation University School of Health, , Ballarat, Australia
| | - Larissa Hjorth
- School of Media and Communication, RMIT University , Melbourne, Australia
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23
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Jang J, Park SY, Kim YY, Kim EJ, Lee G, Seo J, Na EJ, Park JY, Jeon HJ. Risks of suicide among family members of suicide victims: A nationwide sample of South Korea. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:995834. [PMID: 36311502 PMCID: PMC9614235 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.995834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identifying the risks of completed suicide in suicide survivors is essential for policies supporting family members of suicide victims. We aimed to determine the suicide risk of suicide survivors and identify the number of suicides per 100,000 population of suicide survivors, bereaved families of traffic accident victims, and bereaved families with non-suicide deaths. METHODS This was a nationwide population-based cohort study in South Korea. The data were taken from the Korean National Health Insurance and Korea National Statistical Office between January 2008 and December 2017. The relationship between the decedent and the bereaved family was identified using the family database of the National Health Insurance Data. Age and gender were randomly matched 1:1 among 133,386 suicide deaths and non-suicide deaths. A proportional hazard model regression analysis was conducted after confirming the cumulative hazard using Kaplan-Meier curves to obtain the hazard ratio (HR) of completed suicide in suicide survivors. RESULTS Using 423,331 bereaved families of suicide victims and 420,978 bereaved families of non-suicide deaths as the control group, HR of completed suicide in suicidal survivors was found to be 2.755 [95% confidence limit (CL): 2.550-2.977]. HR for wives committing suicide after husbands' suicide was 5.096 (95% CL: 3.982-6.522), which was the highest HR among all relationships with suicide decedents. The average duration from suicide death to suicide of family members was 25.4 months. Among suicide survivors, the number of suicides per 100,000 people was 586, thrice that of people in bereaved families of traffic accident victims and in bereaved families of non-suicide deaths. CONCLUSION The risk of completed suicide was three times higher in suicide survivors than in bereaved families with non-suicide deaths, and it was highest in wives of suicide decedents. Thus, socio-environmental interventions for suicidal survivors must be expanded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Jang
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Korea Psychological Autopsy Center, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Keyo Hospital, Uiwang, South Korea
| | - Seong Yong Park
- Department of Big Data Management, National Health Insurance Service, Wonju, South Korea.,Department of Health Administration, Yonsei University Graduate School, Wonju, South Korea
| | - Yeon Yong Kim
- Department of Big Data Management, National Health Insurance Service, Wonju, South Korea
| | - Eun Ji Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Korea Psychological Autopsy Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Gusang Lee
- Korea Psychological Autopsy Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jihye Seo
- Korea Psychological Autopsy Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun Jin Na
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Korea Psychological Autopsy Center, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Hong Jin Jeon
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Korea Psychological Autopsy Center, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Medical Device Management and Research, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Clinical Research Design and Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
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Merlo G, Vela A. Mental Health in Lifestyle Medicine: A Call to Action. Am J Lifestyle Med 2022; 16:7-20. [PMID: 35185421 PMCID: PMC8848112 DOI: 10.1177/15598276211013313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental health symptoms are pervasive, with 1 in 5 American adults experiencing a mental disorder. Poor mental health is associated with a significant global cost burden, from disability to economic impacts. The field of lifestyle medicine, which emphasizes the role of lifestyle factors in the onset and treatment of disease and well-being, is well suited to address mental health. More recently, there has been attention to the need to incorporate mental health into the field of lifestyle medicine and to attend to the bidirectional role of mental health and lifestyle. Thus, there is a critical opportunity for the field of lifestyle medicine to incorporate mental health into each of the foundational pillars (diet, exercise, substance use, psychological well-being/stress, relationships, sleep) while also specifically targeting lifestyle interventions for populations with mental disorders. The current article provides a framework for the role of mental health within lifestyle medicine by addressing the scope of the problem, clarification regarding mental health, and areas of practice (ie, psychiatry), and providing an overview of the relevant mental health literature for each pillar. This article serves as a call to action to explicitly address and include mental health within all aspects of lifestyle medicine research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gia Merlo
- New York University, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, and NYU Grossman School of Medicine
| | - Alyssa Vela
- New York, and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Chen MA, Brown RL, Chen JY, de Dios MA, Green CE, Heijnen CJ, Fagundes CP. Childhood maltreatment, subjective social status, and health disparities in bereavement. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 135:105595. [PMID: 34837775 PMCID: PMC8702370 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spousal bereavement can lead to adverse health outcomes; however, not all widow(er)s experience the same degree of health problems. Thus, it is important to understand the contribution of disparities (e.g., childhood maltreatment and subjective social status) that may underlie adverse health outcomes that arise following bereavement. METHODS We collected data from 130 spousally bereaved individuals at 3-time points (3 months post-loss, 4 months post-loss, and 6 months post-loss). Using mixed models, we assessed the interaction of childhood maltreatment, subjective social status, and time to predict changes in proinflammatory cytokine production, depressive symptoms, grief symptoms. RESULTS We found a significant interaction between childhood maltreatment, subjective social status, and time predicting proinflammatory cytokine production (beta > -0.01, p = 0.048), depressive symptoms (beta = 0.008, p = .010), and grief symptoms (beta = 0.001 p = .001). CONCLUSION This study highlights the role of disparities related to childhood maltreatment and subjective social status on adverse health outcomes following spousal bereavement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A. Chen
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Ryan L. Brown
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Jonathan Y. Chen
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA,School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1200 Pressler St, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Marcel A. de Dios
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, 4800 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77004, USA
| | - Charles E. Green
- Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cobi J. Heijnen
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Christopher P. Fagundes
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA,Department of Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcome Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Mikulincer M, Shaver PR. An attachment perspective on loss and grief. Curr Opin Psychol 2021; 45:101283. [PMID: 35008028 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Attachment theory provides a useful framework for understanding emotional reactions to separation and loss and the process of adapting to these painful events. In this article, we review adult attachment studies that have examined emotional reactions and adjustment to separation and loss in romantic and marital relationships. We begin with a brief account of attachment theory. Next, we review studies examining the emotional consequences of losing a relationship partner and the coping responses that can help a person adjust to this loss. Throughout the article, we also summarize research documenting attachment-related individual differences in responses to separation and loss. (99 words).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Mikulincer
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya, P.O. Box 167, Herzliya, 46150, Israel.
| | - Phillip R Shaver
- University of California, Department of Psychology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616-8686, USA.
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Peña-Vargas C, Armaiz-Peña G, Castro-Figueroa E. A Biopsychosocial Approach to Grief, Depression, and the Role of Emotional Regulation. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:110. [PMID: 34436100 PMCID: PMC8389251 DOI: 10.3390/bs11080110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the field of affective neuroscience, grief has been identified as one of the seven primary emotions necessary for human survival. However, maladaptive grief could cause significant impairment in an individual's life, leading to psychopathologies such as major depressive disorder. Research on grief has shifted to a biopsychosocial approach, leaving behind outdated models-such as the Kübler-Ross theory-that have shown poor consistency. The field of psychoneuroimmunology has identified adverse life events such as social loss as being associated with major depressive disorder, and inflammatory processes in chronic health conditions. Likewise, scientists in the field of affective neuroscience have theorized that prolonged and sustained activation of the grief neurological pathway can cause a cascade of neurotransmitters that inhibits the reward-seeking system, causing symptoms of depression. The objective of this review is to highlight findings on the grief process using a biopsychosocial approach to explore grief's impact on psychopathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Peña-Vargas
- Ponce’s Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR 00716, USA
| | | | - Eida Castro-Figueroa
- School of behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR 00716, USA;
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Fagundes CP, Wu EL. Biological mechanisms underlying widowhood's health consequences: Does diet play a role? COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2021; 7:100058. [PMID: 35757059 PMCID: PMC9216459 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of a spouse is a highly stressful event that puts older adults at increased risk for morbidity and mortality. The risk is highest in the first year to 18 months post-loss; nevertheless, widow(er)s, in general, are at heightened risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) related morbidity and mortality, and to a lesser extent, non-CVD related morbidity and mortality. The primary goal of this article is to argue for a perspective that considers diet and emotion-induced autonomic, neuroendocrine, and immune dysregulation, in unison, to understand the mechanisms underlying morbidity and mortality in early widowhood. Toward this end, we first summarize our previously published work, as well as work from other investigatory teams, showing that compared with those who were not bereaved, widow(er)s have higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and more dysregulated autonomic and neuroendocrine activity than non-widow(er)s, independent of health behaviors such as diet. We highlight that a major gap in our current understanding of the biobehavioral mechanisms that underlie the widowhood effect is the role of diet and hypothesize that the adverse health impact of grief and associated negative emotions and diet may be more than additive. Therefore, we propose that diet may be a pathway by which widow(er)s are at higher CVD risk requiring further investigation. Losing a spouse is highly stressful event; it increases one’s risk for morbidity and mortality, especially within the first 18 months post-loss. Widow(er)s are at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)- and non-CVD related morbidity and mortality. The role of diet is a major gap in our understanding of the biobehavioral mechanisms that underlie the widowhood effect. Diet clearly impacts CVD, and widow(er)s' eating habits are altered for at least the first two years post-loss. The adverse health impact of stress and diet may be more than additive; it may be synergistic.
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Microglia react to partner loss in a sex- and brain site-specific manner in prairie voles. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 96:168-186. [PMID: 34058309 PMCID: PMC8319132 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Positive social relationships are paramount for the survival of mammals and beneficial for mental and physical health, buffer against stressors, and even promote appropriate immune system functioning. By contrast, impaired social relationships, social isolation, or the loss of a bonded partner lead to aggravated physical and mental health. For example, in humans partner loss is detrimental for the functioning of the immune system and heightens the susceptibility for the development of post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety disorders, and major depressive disorders. To understand potential underlying mechanisms, the monogamous prairie vole can provide important insights. In the present study, we separated pair bonded male and female prairie voles after five days of co-housing, subjected them to the forced swim test on the fourth day following separation, and studied their microglia morphology and activation in specific brain regions. Partner loss increased passive stress-coping in male, but not female, prairie voles. Moreover, partner loss was associated with microglial priming within the parvocellular region of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) in male prairie voles, whereas in female prairie voles the morphological activation within the whole PVN and the prelimbic cortex (PrL) was decreased, marked by a shift towards ramified microglial morphology. Expression of the immediate early protein c-Fos following partner loss was changed within the PrL of male, but not female, prairie voles. However, the loss of a partner did not affect the investigated aspects of the peripheral immune response. These data suggest a potential sex-dependent mechanism for the regulation of microglial activity following the loss of a partner, which might contribute to the observed differences in passive stress-coping. This study furthers our understanding of the effects of partner loss and its short-term impact on the CNS as well as the CNS immune system and the peripheral innate immune system in both male and female prairie voles.
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Wu EL, LeRoy AS, Heijnen CJ, Fagundes CP. Inflammation and future depressive symptoms among recently bereaved spouses. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 128:105206. [PMID: 33866069 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is an important contributor to the total disease burden because of its high comorbidity with chronic illnesses. Many people with high levels of depressive symptoms exhibit elevated systemic inflammation, but inflammation is not a necessary determinant of depression onset. Among those who recently experienced the death of a spouse, we investigated whether (a) inflammation assessed early in bereavement predicted future depressive symptoms and whether (b) inflammation predicted change in depressive symptoms from baseline to follow-up. Ninety-nine spousally bereaved individuals (M=68.61, SD=10.70) from a larger study were evaluated at baseline (3 months post-death) and follow-up (6 months post-death). Subjects received a venous blood draw and completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Stimulated T-cell derived cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) were assessed individually and as a pro-inflammatory composite index. After controlling for confounding factors (i.e., age, sex, body mass index, race, ethnicity, anti-inflammatory medication, days since spousal death, smoking status, comorbidities), individuals with higher levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ at baseline exhibited more depressive symptoms (composite index, p = .05) and an increased probability of experiencing clinical levels of depression (CES-D score ≥16) (composite index, p = .04). Inflammatory levels were not predictive of change in depressive symptoms or in clinical depression status from baseline to follow-up. Among individuals who did not experience clinical levels of depression at baseline, baseline inflammatory levels predicted clinical levels of depression 3 months later (p = .03). This study provides support for an inflammatory mechanism underlying depression following bereavement. It suggests that one's inflammatory profile following a significant social stressor in older adulthood can be prognostic of depression risk months later. These findings add to our understanding of the physiological and mental health risks experienced by the bereaved population and provide insight into identifying vulnerable widow(er)s at risk for maladaptive grief coping.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Lydia Wu
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Angie S LeRoy
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cobi J Heijnen
- Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christopher P Fagundes
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Socioeconomic disparities in health: Changes in sleep quality and inflammation during bereavement. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2021; 7. [PMID: 34195688 PMCID: PMC8238458 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Widow(er)s experience significant sleep disruption that may dysregulate immune functioning. This longitudinal study aimed to determine 1) whether changes in sleep quality were associated with changes in pro-inflammatory cytokine production during the first six months of bereavement and 2) whether these relationships depended on objective socioeconomic status (SES) and/or subjective social status. One hundred and six bereaved spouses (M = 68.49 years, SD = 9.35, 69 females) completed the following assessments at approximately three months post-death and six-month post-death: a venous blood draw and self-report questionnaires on sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), SES (MacArthur Sociodemographic Questionnaire), health, and demographic information. T-cell stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokines were assessed, including IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17A, and IL-2. Worsening sleep quality was associated with increased levels of pro-inflammatory activity even after adjusting for confounding variables. The present study also identified SES as an important factor for understanding health following spousal bereavement: individuals with low SES were more susceptible to sleep-related changes in immune function. Compared to more educated widow(er)s, less educated widow(er)s showed greater increases and decreases in inflammation when sleep quality worsened or improved, respectively, over time. Findings provide evidence for a biobehavioral pathway linking bereavement to disease risk, highlight SES disparities in late adulthood, and identify individuals who may require tailored interventions to offset SES-related burden that impedes adaptive grief recovery. Changes in sleep quality are associated with changes in inflammation in widow(er)s. Proinflammatory cytokine levels increase as sleep quality worsens in widow(er)s. Low SES widow(er)s are susceptible to sleep-related changes in inflammation. Socioeconomic disparities in biobehavioral health are evident in older adulthood.
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Abstract
With few exceptions, greater disparities in mortality risk by socio-economic status (SES) have been found among men than among women. Most research has also shown that the higher mortality risk after widowhood (the widowhood effect) is greater for men. However, a different picture appears when examining these associations jointly. Based on Swedish register data, this study shows that widowhood weakens, or even reverses, the sex differences in socio-economic disparities in mortality. The overall findings also indicate that higher SES elevates the widowhood effect for men but diminishes it for women, and that the widowhood effect is greater for women than men in the lowest SES categories. These results imply that men with higher SES are more vulnerable after widowhood, perhaps because of their previous relatively privileged situation. The disadvantage of widows in lower SES categories may reflect exposure to financial strains after spousal loss and inequalities in the healthcare system.
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Davis KM, Engeland CG, Murdock KW. Ex vivo LPS-stimulated cytokine production is associated with cortisol curves in response to acute psychosocial stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 121:104863. [PMID: 32950932 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Empirical and theoretical evidence suggest that because of the co-evolution of the endocrine and immune response systems, different types of stressors may lead to similar levels of physiological activation. The present analyses examined associations between two physiological stress responses: the cortisol response to an acute laboratory stressor and ex vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated inflammatory cytokine production. METHODS Healthy middle-aged adults (N = 65) completed testing at two appointments, two weeks apart. Blood was collected at each appointment to measure circulating inflammatory cytokine levels and stimulated inflammatory cytokine production after 4 and 24 hours of incubation with LPS. A cumulative standardized composite measure of inflammation was calculated using the cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). At visit two, after the blood draw, participants completed the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST); saliva samples were collected before and after to generate cortisol response curves (area under the curve with respect to ground [AUCG] and increase/decrease [AUCI]). RESULTS AUCG was significantly associated with stimulated cytokine production at visit 2 after both 4 hours (B = 6.89; p = 0.007) and 24 hours (B = 7.50; p = 0.005) of incubation, controlling for age, sex, and BMI. AUCI was also significantly associated with stimulated cytokine production at visit 2 after 4 hours (B = 6.28; p = 0.004) and 24 hours (B = 6.16; p = 0.007) of incubation, controlling for age, sex, and BMI. Stimulated inflammatory cytokine production was strongly correlated across the two visits (2 weeks apart) after 4 hours of incubation (r = 0.80, p < 0.001) and after 24 hours (r = 0.80, p < 0.001). Within each visit, stimulated cytokine production after 4 hours was significantly correlated with stimulated inflammation at 24 hours (r = 0.93-0.94, p < 0.05) CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that LPS-stimulated inflammatory cytokine production and the cortisol response to the TSST contain comparable information about acute human physiological stress responses. Moreover, measurement of stimulated cytokines was highly stable across a two-week time period whether measured after 4 or 24 hours of incubation with LPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Davis
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, United States
| | - Christopher G Engeland
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, United States; College of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University, United States
| | - Kyle W Murdock
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, United States.
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Abstract
The definition of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has expanded to include mild TBI and postconcussive syndrome. This evolution has resulted in difficulty disentangling the physical trauma of mild TBI from the emotional trauma of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Advances in stress neurobiology and knowledge of brain injury at the macroscopic, microscopic, biochemical, and molecular levels call for a redefinition of TBI that encompasses both physical and emotional TBI. Conceptualizing a spectrum of TBI with both physical and emotional causation resolves the irreconcilable tangle between diagnostic categories and acknowledges overlapping forms of brain injury and shared systemic effects due to hormonal and inflammatory mediators. Recognizing emotional TBI shifts the interpretation of emotional trauma from a confound to a comorbid, related cause of brain injury. The mechanism of emotional TBI includes the intricate actions of stress hormones on diverse brain functions due to changes in synaptic plasticity, where chronically elevated hormone levels reduce neurogenesis, resulting in dendritic atrophy and impaired cognition. The overlapping effects of physical and emotional trauma are seen in neuropathology (ie, reduction of hippocampal volume in TBI and PTSD); fMRI (similar regional activations in physical and emotional pain); and systemic sequelae, including changes in proinflammatory cytokine levels and immune cell function. Accumulating evidence favors a change in the definition of TBI to encompass emotional TBI. The definition of TBI will be strengthened by the inclusion of both physical and emotional trauma that result in diverse and overlapping forms of brain injury with sequelae for physical and mental health.
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Bourassa KJ, Cornelius T, Birk JL. Bereavement is associated with reduced systemic inflammation: C-reactive protein before and after widowhood. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 88:925-929. [PMID: 32283288 PMCID: PMC7415735 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bereavement is associated with poorer health and early mortality. Increased systemic inflammation is one pathophysiological pathway thought to explain this health risk. However, few studies have examined systemic inflammation before and after widowhood. PURPOSE The current study examined the associations between inflammation and widowhood status before and after bereavement in a sample of married adults who became widowed between assessments in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. METHODS We examined levels and change over time in systemic inflammation, as assessed by C-reactive protein (CRP), among participants who became bereaved (n = 199). We then compared these results to a sample of participants whose spouse remained living, selected using a propensity score matching algorithm (n = 199). RESULTS Contrary to expectations, widowed participants' CRP decreased following bereavement, d = -0.29, p < 0.001. Change in CRP was not associated with pre-loss depression levels, caregiving status, marital quality, number of chronic diseases, prescribed medications, body mass index, age, or sex. Compared to continuously married participants, widowed participants' evidenced a significantly greater decrease in CRP after their spouse's death, β = -0.14, p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS Widowed adults' systemic inflammation decreased significantly following bereavement, both as a group and compared to people who remained married. We discuss possible explanations for this counterintuitive finding, including the measure of inflammation used in the study and the timing of the study measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J. Bourassa
- Duke University Medical Center, Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development
| | - Talea Cornelius
- Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Jeffrey L. Birk
- Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
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Fagundes CP, Wu EL. Matters of the heart: Grief, morbidity, and mortality. CURRENT DIRECTIONS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2020; 29:235-241. [PMID: 33758475 PMCID: PMC7983846 DOI: 10.1177/0963721420917698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Spousal bereavement is associated with an elevated risk of morbidity and mortality. Several well-regarded multidisciplinary research teams have sought to understand the biopsychosocial processes underlying why widow(er)s are at elevated physical health risk. In this paper, we review research from multiple investigatory teams, including our own, showing that, on average, widow(er)s exhibit maladaptive patterns of autonomic, neuroendocrine, and immune activity compared to matched comparisons. Widow(er)s also exhibit poorer health behaviors than they did before their spouse's death. There is considerable variation in post-loss psychological adjustment trajectories among widow(er)s, which likely corresponds to physical health risk trajectories. Yet, there is little biobehavioral research on patterns of change in physical health risk after the death of a spouse. We summarize recently published work demonstrating the utility of attachment theory to characterize and predict individual differences in physical health biomarkers; we highlight the need for a biopsychosocial approach to understand and characterize post-loss trajectory patterns. We conclude by discussing the possibility that this line of inquiry could help researchers, and ultimately providers, identify adjustment trajectories earlier and thus deliver appropriate interventions when they are most needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Fagundes
- Rice University, Houston, TX
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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Two Cases of Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder Diagnosed in the Acute Inpatient Unit. Case Rep Psychiatry 2020; 2020:3632060. [PMID: 32309001 PMCID: PMC7154980 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3632060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological grief has been noted to have considerable adverse effects on affected individuals. In the DSM-5, the diagnosis of complicated grief is included under conditions for further study as Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (PCBD). PCBD can be easily missed because it is a relatively new and developing diagnosis. It can also be overlooked when it is comorbid with more common psychiatric disorders. We present 2 patients with PCBD diagnosed in the inpatient unit, while the patients were admitted for comorbid disorders. PCBD contributed immensely to both patients' suffering and decline in functioning. This report highlights the presentation, diagnoses, and management of these patients. We theorize that paying attention to separation distress, reactive distress to loss, and identity disruption in individuals who have been bereaved for over 12 months will enhance treatment specificity and lead to better patient outcomes.
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Biddle KD, Jacobs HIL, d’Oleire Uquillas F, Zide BS, Kirn DR, Properzi MR, Rentz DM, Johnson KA, Sperling RA, Donovan NJ. Associations of Widowhood and β-Amyloid With Cognitive Decline in Cognitively Unimpaired Older Adults. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e200121. [PMID: 32101313 PMCID: PMC7099624 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE To reduce the rising incidence of clinical impairment due to Alzheimer disease, it is essential to define older adults at highest risk. Widowhood may be an unrecognized factor contributing to accelerated clinical progression along the Alzheimer disease pathway among cognitively unimpaired older adults. OBJECTIVE To determine whether widowhood status and level of brain β-amyloid (ie, the Alzheimer disease pathologic protein) are additively or interactively associated with cognitive decline among cognitively unimpaired older adults. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this cohort study, 257 married, widowed, and unmarried (ie, never married, divorced, or separated) participants from the Harvard Aging Brain Study longitudinal cohort underwent baseline evaluation of neocortical β-amyloid levels using Pittsburgh compound B positron emission tomography and 4 annual cognitive assessments. Data were collected from September 2010 to February 2017 and analyzed from July 2018 to July 2019. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Cognitive performance was measured using the Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite. RESULTS Of the 257 participants, 153 (59.5%) were women, and the mean (SD) age was 73.5 (6.1) years; 145 participants (56.4%) were married (66 [45.5%] women), 77 (30.0%) were unmarried (56 [72.7%] women), and 35 (13.6%) were widowed (31 [88.6%] women). Compared with married participants, widowed participants demonstrated worsening cognitive performance after adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, depression, and β-amyloid levels (β = -0.11; 95% CI, -0.19 to -0.04; P = .002) with no difference observed between married and unmarried participants. Furthermore, widowed participants with higher baseline β-amyloid levels exhibited steeper cognitive decline (β = -0.22; 95% CI, -0.42 to -0.03; P = .02), indicating both independent and interactive associations of β-amyloid levels and widowhood with cognition. In a secondary model using dichotomous β-amyloid-marital status groupings, the rate of cognitive decline among widowed participants with high β-amyloid was nearly 3 times faster than among married participants with high β-amyloid (widowed, high β-amyloid: β, -0.33; 95% CI, -0.46 to -0.19; P < .001; married, high β-amyloid: β, -0.12; 95% CI, -0.18 to -0.01; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In a sample of cognitively unimpaired older adults, being widowed was associated with accelerated β-amyloid-related cognitive decline during 3 years. Cognitively unimpaired, widowed older adults were particularly susceptible to Alzheimer disease clinical progression, emphasizing the need for increased research attention and evidenced-based interventions for this high-risk group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey D. Biddle
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Heidi I. L. Jacobs
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Alzheimer Centre, Limburg, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Federico d’Oleire Uquillas
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, New Jersey
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Benjamin S. Zide
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dylan R. Kirn
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Michael R. Properzi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Dorene M. Rentz
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Keith A. Johnson
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Reisa A. Sperling
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nancy J. Donovan
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
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Knight EL, Majd M, Graham-Engeland JE, Smyth JM, Sliwinski MJ, Engeland CG. Gender differences in the link between depressive symptoms and ex vivo inflammatory responses are associated with markers of endotoxemia. Brain Behav Immun Health 2020; 2. [PMID: 34258602 PMCID: PMC8274590 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2019.100013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Depressive symptoms are often linked with higher inflammation and inflammatory responses, although these associations are not always consistent. In a recent study (N = 160, 25–65 years, 67% women), our group reported gender differences relevant to this association: In men higher depressive symptoms were related to heightened ex vivo inflammatory responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), whereas in women higher depressive symptoms were related to attenuated inflammatory responses. In the present manuscript, we investigate markers of endotoxemia – i.e., markers of the presence of endotoxin in the blood, presumably due to bacterial translocation from the gut – as factors that elicit gender-dependent immune responses that may be associated with links between depressive symptoms and inflammation. We examined ex vivo inflammatory responses in whole blood via a composite index of LPS-stimulated cytokines. The ratio of LPS-binding protein to soluble CD14 receptor (LBP:sCD14) was quantified as an index of endotoxemia that captures the relative reliance on pro-inflammatory versus non-inflammatory pathways for bacterial clearance. Levels of endotoxemia markers in blood were found to moderate gender differences in the link between depressive symptoms and stimulated inflammation (Gender × Depressive Symptoms × Endotoxemia: B = −0.039, 95%CI [-0.068, 0.009], p = 0.010). At lower LBP:sCD14 levels, depressive symptoms and stimulated inflammation were unrelated in both men and women. However, with higher levels of LBP:sCD14, men showed an increasingly positive correlation and women showed a negative correlation between depressive symptoms and stimulated inflammation. Hence, men and women exhibited similar associations between depressive symptoms and inflammatory responses at lower endotoxin marker levels, but these associations became divergent at higher levels of endotoxin markers. This information provides a novel perspective on risk factors for depression-linked alterations in inflammation, which may help to determine susceptibility to the downstream physical consequences of depressive symptomatology. Depressive symptoms link to higher inflammation in men, lower inflammation in women. These gender differences were only apparent at moderate or higher endotoxemia. Men’s inflammation may be particularly sensitive to depressed mood and endotoxemia. Endotoxemia may be an important factor in gender, depression and inflammation links.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik L. Knight
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
- Corresponding author. 423 Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Marzieh Majd
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Graham-Engeland
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - Joshua M. Smyth
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - Martin J. Sliwinski
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - Christopher G. Engeland
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
- College of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
- Corresponding author. 229 Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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Seiler A, von Känel R, Slavich GM. The Psychobiology of Bereavement and Health: A Conceptual Review From the Perspective of Social Signal Transduction Theory of Depression. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:565239. [PMID: 33343412 PMCID: PMC7744468 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.565239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Losing a spouse is considered one of the most stressful life events a person can experience. Particularly in the immediate weeks and months after the loss, bereavement is associated with a significantly increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Despite an abundance of research aimed at identifying risk factors for adverse health outcomes following marital death, the mechanisms through which mental and physical health problems emerge following bereavement remain poorly understood. To address this issue, the present review examines several pathways that may link bereavement and health, including inflammation and immune dysregulation, genetic and epigenetic changes, gut microbiota activity, and biological aging. We then describe how these processes may be viewed from the perspective of the Social Signal Transduction Theory of Depression to provide a novel framework for understanding individual differences in long-term trajectories of adjustment to interpersonal loss. Finally, we discuss several avenues for future research on psychobiological mechanisms linking bereavement with mental and physical health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annina Seiler
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - George M Slavich
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Emotion Regulation and Immune Functioning During Grief: Testing the Role of Expressive Suppression and Cognitive Reappraisal in Inflammation Among Recently Bereaved Spouses. Psychosom Med 2020; 82:2-9. [PMID: 31634318 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Losing a spouse is a distressing life event that can negatively affect both mental and physical health. Stress-induced health consequences often include increased risk of cardiovascular disease and altered immune system functioning marked by increased inflammation. Here, we sought to identify individual difference factors that covary with problematic inflammatory outcomes. METHOD We measured recently bereaved spouses' (n = 99) propensity to use emotion regulation strategies and peripheral inflammation, as measured by levels of proinflammatory cytokines after ex vivo stimulation of peripheral leukocytes with T-cell agonists. Specifically, we measured participants' use of cognitive reappraisal, an adaptive emotion regulation strategy in many contexts, and expressive suppression, a less adaptive emotion regulation strategy that involves actively inhibiting emotions after already experiencing them. RESULTS Bereaved spouses who self-reported frequently using expressive suppression as an emotion regulation strategy tended to have a more pronounced inflammatory response, as indexed by higher levels of a composite cytokine index consisting of interleukin (IL) 17A, IL-2, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α, and interferon-γ (b = 0.042), as well as tumor necrosis factor α (b = 0.083) and interferon-γ (b = 0.098) when analyzed individually. Notably, these associations were observed in both unadjusted and adjusted models, with the latter including known covariates of inflammation and other potential confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that bereaved spouses' use of emotion regulation strategies is associated with altered immune functioning, and such a link may be an important biological pathway by which interventions targeting affect may improve immune system-related health outcomes.
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Ennis J, Majid U. "Death from a broken heart": A systematic review of the relationship between spousal bereavement and physical and physiological health outcomes. DEATH STUDIES 2019; 45:538-551. [PMID: 31535594 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2019.1661884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The loss of a loved one is often associated with "death from a broken heart" for the survivor, and there is evidence that shows that widowers and widows are at risk for higher morbidity and mortality than the general population. This systematic review will summarize the physical and physiological health outcomes of spousal bereavement. A systematic database search was conducted, and 38 studies were analyzed. The majority of studies found a statistically significant and positive association between spousal bereavement and adverse physical and physiological health outcomes such as inflammation, cardiovascular risk, chronic pain, and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Ennis
- Ennis Centre for Pain Management, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Umair Majid
- Ennis Centre for Pain Management, Hamilton, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Division of Clinical Decision-Making and Healthcare, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
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LeRoy AS, Knee CR, Derrick JL, Fagundes CP. Implications for Reward Processing in Differential Responses to Loss: Impacts on Attachment Hierarchy Reorganization. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2019; 23:391-405. [PMID: 31200625 DOI: 10.1177/1088868319853895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
When an attachment relationship is severed, so is homeostatic maintenance, leading to dysregulation of multiple physiological systems. Expanding upon Sbarra and Hazan's original model, we suggest that the degree to which an individual's physiological systems remain dysregulated depends on the state of one's attachment hierarchy-namely, whether an individual continues to seek a lost partner for support as their primary attachment figure. To recover from the loss of a romantic partner, an individual's attachment hierarchy must be reorganized. Our model proposes that an individual will go through a series of physiological changes before their attachment hierarchy is reorganized, which can either help or hinder their recovery. We consider the role of reward processing, including endogenous opioids, in this recovery process. Along the way, we identify mechanisms for continued dysregulation of biological systems among those who take longer to recover from a loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christopher P Fagundes
- Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.,University of Houston, TX, USA.,The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA.,Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Nolan RD, Hallam JS. Measurement Development and Validation for Construct Validity of the Treatment: The Grief Recovery Method® Instrument (GRM-I). AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH EDUCATION 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2019.1571962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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