Evaluating the prevalence and risk factors for depression in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis: A cross-sectional multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy frequently accompanies Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Notably, people with temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis may face an increased susceptibility to MDD, as evidence indicates the involvement of the limbic system in the development of emotional symptoms.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and predictors of depression in temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS) and compare them to those of other epilepsy types.

METHODS

A sample of 293 epilepsy patients, including 159 non-TLE-HS and 134 TLE-HS, were recruited from three hospitals. Of these, 215 completed a two-section electronic survey. The first section collected demographic and epilepsy data, while the second used the Arabic version of the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E).

RESULTS

Of 215 patients, 104 (48%) had TLE-HS-38 with right TLE-HS (37%), 56 with left TLE-HS (54%), and 10 with bilateral TLE-HS (10%). The prevalence and severity of depression was assessed with an NDDI-E score of 15 or higher identified 35 patients (16%) with MDD. Valproic acid and lamotrigine were associated with higher NDDI-E scores. No such associations were found for levetiracetam or carbamazepine. Polytherapy in TLE-HS showed a significant correlation with daily poor concentration.

CONCLUSION

We explored the differences in depression prevalence between TLE-HS and other epilepsy types and concluded they are minimal but slightly higher in TLE-HS. Predictors of depression such as seizure frequency and disease duration influenced MDD prevalence in TLE-HS. Lamotrigine and valproate were linked to higher NDDI-E scores.

Dynamic risk factors of psychiatric readmission for major depressive disorder: A longitudinal study on patients treated with mono-antidepressant

In this comprehensive study, we sought to unravel the risk factors for recurrence in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), uniquely focusing on patients undergoing mono-antidepressant treatment. By considering psychiatric readmission as a direct indicator of MDD recurrence, we meticulously analyzed the records of 1,456 inpatients from a Chinese mental health center from 2012 to 2020. Our follow-up periods, spanning 90, 180, and 365 days post-discharge, allowed for a nuanced understanding of the recurrence dynamics. We identified four critical risk factors: thyroid function (FT3 and TSH), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, and region of residence. Notably, the study revealed an increasing risk of readmission associated with decreased FT3 and HDL over time, while elevated TSH and residing in another province 's impact diminished. The antidepressant type did not significantly alter readmission risks, providing a unique perspective on MDD management. This research contributes to the field by offering a deeper understanding of how demographic and biochemical factors influence the likelihood of MDD recurrence, guiding more effective treatment approaches.

A Comprehensive Review of the Intersection Between Asthma and Depression

Objective To emphasize the necessity for increased research in this field, incorporating depression into the preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic considerations for asthma. Additionally, we seek to highlight upcoming advancements that can be applied to simultaneously address these comorbidities, ultimately improving the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals coping with these conditions.Methods A rigorous search in PubMed using the MeSH terms "asthma" and "depression" was performed, and papers were screened by the authors in view of their eligibility to contribute to the study.Results There exists a correlation between these two conditions, with specific biological mechanisms and genetic factors playing a crucial role in their concurrent occurrence. In this review, we present preclinical and clinical research data, shed light on the possible mechanisms contributing to the co-occurrence of symptoms associated with both asthma and depression, and explore the intricate relationship between both conditions.Conclusion The evidence presented here supports the existence of a correlation between asthma and depression. By acknowledging these shared biological mechanisms, genetic factors, and epidemiological trends, we can formulate more efficacious strategies for addressing the dual impact of asthma and depression.

A comparison of self- and observer-rated scales for detecting clinical improvement during repetitive transcranial stimulation (rTMS) treatment of depression

Clinical outcomes of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) vary widely, and no single mood rating scale is standard for assessing rTMS outcomes. This study of 708 subjects undergoing clinical rTMS compared the performance of four scales in measuring symptom change during rTMS treatment. Self-report and observer ratings were examined weekly with the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology 30-item (IDS), Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ), Profile of Mood States 30-item (POMS), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17-item (HDRS). While all scales were correlated and detected significant improvement, the degree of improvement over time as well as response (33-50%) and remission (20-24%) rates varied significantly. Higher baseline severity was associated with lower likelihood of remission, and greater improvement by sessions 5 and 10 predicted response across all scales. Use of only a single scale to assess outcome conferred 14-36% risk of failing to detect response/remission indicated by another scale. The PHQ was most likely to indicate improvement and least likely to miss response or remission. These findings indicate that assessment of symptom burden during rTMS treatment may be most accurately assessed through use of multiple instruments.

TBX21, the Master regulator of the type 1 immune response, overexpresses in the leukocytes of peripheral blood in patients with late-onset Alzheimer's disease

BACKGROUND

The involvement of the peripheral immune system in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases has recently been emphasized. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have recently identified several candidate immune genes linked to development of both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and depression. TBX21 (T-bet) which drives the Th1 immune response, is linked to the major depressive disorder (MDD) phenotype. This study investigated the association between the TBX21 immune gene and the possibility of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) incidence in 194 LOAD and 200 control subjects using the real-time qPCR and the Tetra-ARMS-PCR methods. We also used an in silico approach to analyze the potential effects imparted by TBX21 rs17244587 and rs41515744 polymorphisms in LOAD pathogenesis.

RESULTS

We found that the TBX21 "immune gene" had significantly elevated mRNA expression levels in the leukocytes of peripheral blood in patients with LOAD (P < 0.0001). We also found an upward trend in TBX21 expression with increasing age in LOAD patients compared to the control group (P < 0.05; CI = 95%). We noticed that the TT genotype of rs41515744 plays a protective role in LOAD incidence, as it attenuates the expression of TBX21 in the control group. We observed that the dominant model of rs41515744 represented a substantial association with LOAD (P = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show for the first time the likely impact of the TBX21 (T-bet) immune gene in LOAD development and that the elevated TBX21 mRNAs in the WBCs of LOAD patients may represent a new easy diagnostic test for Alzheimer's disease.

The prevalence and economic burden of treatment-resistant depression in Thailand

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this study were to investigate the proportion of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) among patients with diagnosed major depressive disorder (MDD) and undergoing antidepressant treatment, to estimate the economic cost of MDD, TRD, and non-treatment-resistant depression (non-TRD), and to examine the differences between TRD and non-TRD MDD in a Thai public tertiary hospital.

METHODS

This was a combined study between retrospective review of medical records and a cross-sectional survey. The sample size was 500 dyads of antidepressant-treated MDD patients and their unpaid caregivers. MDD patients' medical records, the concept of healthcare resource utilization, the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: depression and mood & mental state versions (WPAI: D, MM), the Class Impairment Questionnaire (CIQ), and the Family Experiences Interview Schedule (FEIS) were applied as the tools of the study. Pearson Chi's square, Fisher's Exact test, and independent T-test were employed for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The proportion of TRD was 19.6% among antidepressant-treated MDD patients in a Thai tertiary public hospital. The results of the study indicated that several factors showed a statistically significant association with TRD criteria. These factors included younger age of MDD patients, a younger age of onset of MDD, lower body mass index (BMI), a history of suicide attempts and self-harm, as well as frequent smoking behavior. The annualized economic cost of TRD was 276,059.97 baht per person ($7,668.33), which was significantly higher than that of cost of non-TRD (173,487.04 baht or $4,819.08). The aggregated economic costs of MDD were 96.8 million baht annually ($2.69 M) if calculated from 500 MDD patients and unpaid caregivers. This contributed to the economic cost of TRD 27.05 million baht (98 respondents) and the economic cost of non-TRD 69.74 million baht (402 respondents).

CONCLUSIONS

The economic burden associated with TRD was significantly higher compared to non-TRD among antidepressant-treated MDD patients. Specifically, both direct medical costs and indirect costs were notably elevated in the TRD group.

The Role of Alpha Oscillations among the Main Neuropsychiatric Disorders in the Adult and Developing Human Brain: Evidence from the Last 10 Years of Research

Alpha oscillations (7-13 Hz) are the dominant rhythm in both the resting and active brain. Accordingly, translational research has provided evidence for the involvement of aberrant alpha activity in the onset of symptomatological features underlying syndromes such as autism, schizophrenia, major depression, and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, findings on the matter are difficult to reconcile due to the variety of paradigms, analyses, and clinical phenotypes at play, not to mention recent technical and methodological advances in this domain. Herein, we seek to address this issue by reviewing the literature gathered on this topic over the last ten years. For each neuropsychiatric disorder, a dedicated section will be provided, containing a concise account of the current models proposing characteristic alterations of alpha rhythms as a core mechanism to trigger the associated symptomatology, as well as a summary of the most relevant studies and scientific contributions issued throughout the last decade. We conclude with some advice and recommendations that might improve future inquiries within this field.

Response to unexpected social inclusion: A study using the cyberball paradigm

BACKGROUND

Dysfunctional expectations are considered core characteristics of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and should be focused in psychotherapy. Dysfunctional expectations are especially pronounced in the interpersonal area (social expectations). In the present study, we examine the effect of unexpected social inclusion (expectation violation) on the change of generalized and specific depression-typical social expectations.

METHOD

We conducted an online study to investigate the impact of social inclusion after a period of social exclusion (unexpected social inclusion) on social expectation change (sample size 144) in a non-clinical sample. Depressive symptoms were assessed via self-reporting. Participants took part in two rounds of the online ball-game Cyberball. In the first round, all participants were socially excluded by their two co-players (acquisition of negative social expectations). In the second round, participants were either once more excluded (expectation confirmation) or included equally (expectation violation) by the same co-players. Specific and generalized social expectations were assessed after each round.

RESULTS

Specific and generalized social expectations increased following expectation violation. Even though depressive symptoms were related to lower levels of social expectations, we found that depressive symptoms did not moderate expectation change after positive expectation violations.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present experimental setup including the use of the online ball-game Cyberball, the establishment and change of social expectations can be experimentally manipulated. Under the given circumstances and in a non-clinical sample, negative expectations can be updated after unexpected positive experiences regardless of the number of depressive symptoms. The results are discussed in the context of current models of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), expectation change, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Epinephrine levels decrease in responders after electroconvulsive therapy

We examined potential changes in catecholamine plasma levels and cortisol serum levels in 29 patients with treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) during a course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Blood samples were taken at three different time points: directly before (T1) and 15 min after (T2) the first ECT, and directly before the last one (T3). Patients responding to ECT had a significant decrease of the intraindividual epinephrine plasma level when both first time points (Δ T1-T2) were compared (χ² (1) = 10.05, p = 0.002). This finding encourages further investigation in the understanding of the catecholamine-metabolism including its release and uptake in patients with treatment-resistant MDD receiving ECT.

Toll-Like Receptor Signaling in Depression

Depression is one of the most prevalent, disabling, and costly mental illnesses currently affecting over 300 million people worldwide. A subset of depressed patients display inflammation as indicated by increased levels of proinflammatory mediators in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Longitudinal and experimental studies suggest that this inflammatory profile may causally contribute to the initiation, maintenance, or recurrence of depressive episodes in the context of major depressive disorder (MDD). While the mechanistic pathways that mediate these depressogenic effects have not yet been fully elucidated, toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling is one potential common inflammatory pathway. In this review, we focus on the role that inflammation plays in depression, TLR signaling and its plasticity as a candidate pathway, its regulation by micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs), and their potential as diagnostic biomarkers for identification of inflammatory subtypes of depression. Pre-clinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that TLR expression and TLR signaling regulators are associated with MDD. Further, TLR expression and signaling is in-turn, regulated in part by miRNAs and some TLR-responsive miRNAs indirectly modulate pathways that are implicated in MDD pathophysiology. These data suggest an intersection between TLR signaling regulation and MDD-linked pathways. While these studies suggest that miRNAs play a role in the pathophysiology of MDD via their regulatory effects on TLR pathways, the utility of miRNAs as biomarkers and potential treatment targets remains to be determined. Developing new and innovative techniques or adapting established immunological approaches to mental health, should be at the forefront in moving the field forward, especially in terms of categorization of inflammatory subtypes in MDD.

Neonatal Immune Activation May Provoke Long-term Depressive Attributes

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown the relationship between neuroinflammation and depressive- like parameters. However, research still has not been carried out to evaluate neuroinflammation in the neonatal period and psychiatric disorders in adulthood.

OBJECTIVE

To verify the association between neonatal immune activation and depressive-like parameters in adulthood using an animal model.

METHODS

Two days old C57BL/6 animals were exposed to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or phosphate- buffered saline (PBS). When the animals were 46 days old, they received PBS or Imipramine at 14 days. At 60 days, the consumption of sucrose; immobility time; adrenal gland and the hippocampus weight; levels of plasma corticosterone and hippocampal Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were evaluated.

RESULTS

It was observed that the animals exposed to LPS in the neonatal period and evaluated in adulthood decreased the consumption of sucrose and had reducted hippocampus weight. Also, the exposed animals presented an increase of immobility time, adrenal gland weight and plasma levels of corticosteroids. The use of imipramine did not only modify the decreased hippocampal weight. On the other hand, there were no alterations in the BDNF levels in the hippocampus with or without the use of imipramine.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that neonatal immune activation may be associated with depressive- like parameters in adulthood. It is believed that endotoxemia may trigger physiological and behavioral alterations, increasing vulnerability for the development of depression in adulthood.

Efficacy of intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy in mood disorders: A critical review

BACKGROUND

Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) is an intervention introduced by Davanloo in order to treat anxiety, mood and somatic symptom, and personality disorders. It is a brief intervention aiming to identify and process painful or forbidden emotions and consequently to override symptoms and self-destructive tendencies. In this review we examine the efficacy of ISTDP on symptoms in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Disorder (BD).

METHODS

A thorough search of articles in Pubmed, PsycINFO, Isi Web of Knowledge was carried out in order to obtain available studies of ISTDP for BD and MDD. We included all studies conducted on patients with a diagnosis of MDD or BD and who received ISTDP.

RESULTS

Eight studies were included. These were two randomized controlled trials and six observational studies. Overall the results of the included manuscripts suggest a positive effect of ISTDP on depressive symptoms for patients affected by mood disorders. Furthermore, they suggest ISTDP may be cost-effective through reducing doctor visits and hospitalizations in follow-up.

LIMITATIONS

Most studies had small samples and consisted of non-randomized trials.

CONCLUSIONS

These are preliminary positive results on the effectiveness of this approach for the treatment of depressive symptoms. They have to be confirmed by studies with larger sample sizes and by comparing this technique with other psychological treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) on cognitive control

BACKGROUND

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is commonly accompanied by cognitive control dysfunction that may persist after remission of clinical symptoms with antidepressant medication treatment. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is an effective treatment alternative for medication-resistant MDD. In this study, we investigated whether rTMS treatment had a beneficial effect not only on depressive symptoms, but on also cognitive control dysfunction.

METHODS

77 subjects with MDD received a 30-session treatment course of 10 Hz rTMS administered at the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Treatment efficacy was assessed using the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Rated (IDS-SR) before and after treatment, with clinical response defined as 50% or greater decrease in the IDS-SR score at treatment 30. Cognitive control function was assessed before and after treatment using the Stroop word-color interference task. We examined changes in Stroop accuracy and reaction time for congruent and incongruent trials, as well as in relation to changes in depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Performance accuracy improved particularly for the rTMS responders in the incongruent condition, with older subjects benefitting most from the rTMS treatment. Improvement in reaction times was positively associated with clinical improvement, especially in the incongruent condition.

LIMITATIONS

We used a single cognitive task in a naturalistic setting without control for individual rTMS treatment parameters or concomitant medication.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, these results indicate that rTMS treatment for MDD has beneficial effects on psychomotor speed and cognitive control. Future studies should extend these findings to larger patient populations and other cognitive domains.

Using early changes in cold cognition to predict response to vortioxetine in major depressive disorder

Antidepressant pharmacotherapy dominates current treatment in psychiatry, including treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the current trial-and-error process of medication selection contributes to treatment failure and unnecessarily exposes patients to lengthy and insufficient treatment trials. Notably, improvements in measures of cognition have been demonstrated to occur early during treatment and prior to improvements in clinical state. Cognitions have been categorized based on emotional valence (i.e., cold versus hot cognitions). Cold cognitions describe cognitive operations that are relevant to the processing of non-emotional information. The current analysis investigates whether early changes in cold cognition can predict response after 8 weeks of vortioxetine treatment in adults with MDD. This was secondary analysis of an 8-week, open-label study. Cognition was assessed at week 0 and week 2 to measure early cognitive change. Depressive symptom severity was assessed at week 0 and week 8 to measure treatment response. Eighty-one subjects were analyzed using binomial logistic regression models. Early change in cognition was a non-significant predictor of response (p = 0.845, SE = 0.599, OR = 1.124), which may have resulted from high data variability. The overall predictive accuracy of the model was low (sensitivity = 37.5%, specificity = 89.8%, PPV = 70.6%, NPV = 68.8%). Future studies should include larger samples and stratify patients based on potentially moderating variables, such as baseline cognitive impairment and occupation. Stratification would likely produce more homogenous samples, reducing the amount of variability observed for early cognitive change.

Feasibility and clinical effects of theta burst stimulation in youth with major depressive disorders: An open-label trial

BACKGROUND

Conventional treatments for youth depression, such as antidepressants, have modest efficacy, side effects, and ongoing controversies regarding safety. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), specifically theta burst stimulation (TBS), applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of depression in adults. However, the feasibility and clinical response to TBS for youth depression has yet to be explored.

METHODS

Twenty participants between the ages of 16 to 24 years old with MDD were recruited. The intervention consisted of 10 treatment sessions over the course of two weeks, in which participants received intermittent TBS and continuous TBS stimulation to the left and right DLPFC, respectively. Change in the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-17) score was the primary outcome. Clinical assessments occurred at baseline, after the fifth treatment session, and within a week after treatment completion.

RESULTS

Of the twenty participants, eighteen received all TBS sessions, and seventeen completed all clinical assessments. There was a significant reduction in depressive symptoms following treatment completion (p < 0.001). Four of the twenty patients had more than 50% reduction in their depressive symptoms, two of whom achieved remission. All participants received and tolerated at least six daily TBS treatments with no major adverse events.

LIMITATIONS

Study was an uncontrolled, open-label design.

CONCLUSION

Ten sessions of TBS was feasible, well tolerated, and appeared to have clinical effects for the treatment of depressed youth. Future sham-controlled randomized trials are warranted to validate these findings in a larger cohort of youth depression.

Early improvement in HAMD-17 and HAMD-7 scores predict response and remission in depressed patients treated with fluoxetine or electroconvulsive therapy

BACKGROUND

Compared to the 17-Item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17), the 7-Item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-7) would be more practical for use in busy clinical settings. Herein, we aim to evaluate (1) whether the HAMD-7 is a reliable and valid measure that is sensitive to changes in depressive symptoms, and (2) whether early improvement of depressive symptoms, as measured by the HAMD-7, is capable of predicting response and remission in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) during acute treatment with fluoxetine or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

METHODS

This is a post-hoc analysis of two clinical trials in MDD. Internal consistency, validity, and sensitivity-to-change of the HAMD-17 and HAMD-7 were compared during acute treatment and at 3-month follow-up. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to evaluate the discriminative capacity of the HAMD-17 and HAMD-7.

RESULTS

The HAMD-7 is a reliable and valid measure that is sensitive to changes in depressive symptoms. Early improvement, as measured by either the HAMD-17 or HAMD-7, was capable of predicting response and remission to acute treatment with fluoxetine or ECT with good discriminative capacity.

LIMITATIONS

This is a post-hoc analysis of two open-label clinical trials with limited sample sizes. All patients were Taiwanese, which limits the generalizability of our results.

CONCLUSIONS

HAMD-7 is a clinically useful measure that is capable of detecting early improvement of depressive symptoms. The HAMD-7 may have the potential to inform clinical assessment as part of measurement-based care.

Dynamic community structure in major depressive disorder: A resting-state MEG study

BACKGROUND

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), characterized by depressed mood or anhedonia, is associated with altered functional connectivity (FC) within and between large scale networks such as the Default Mode Network (DMN), the Central Executive Network (CEN) and the Salience Network (SN). Since aberrant FC exhibits temporal variability and could give rise to distorted reconfiguration of functional brain networks, an in-depth analysis of the community structure could provide further insight into the synchrony of networks. We hypothesized that alterations in dynamic network community structure in MDD could be temporally accompanied by disrupted conscious states of these three networks.

METHODS

26 MDD patients and 25 healthy controls were scanned using a whole-head resting-state Magnetoencephalography (MEG) machine. A novel multilayer modularity framework explored the functional modulation of these networks. Recruitment (R) and integration (I) provided the strength of interaction within networks or across networks, respectively.

RESULTS

The brain regions in the DMN, CEN and SN were transiently integrated and segmented in both patients and controls. R of CEN and I of SN were significantly greater in MDD compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

Intrinsic resting-state networks dynamically interact and reorganize into distinct functional modules in both patients and controls. However, the CEN "hyper-intertwines" with itself and SN "hyper-integrates" among the network of interest in depressed patients compared to controls. Network-level alterations in R and I revealed a more generalized system-level effect rather than a focal-wise effect from a neural dynamic perspective. This could potentially highlight an abnormal network-based mechanism in depression.

Pharmacological Treatment of Cognitive Symptoms in Major Depressive Disorder

BACKGROUND

Cognitive dysfunction is a core transdiagnostic domain of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and is a principal determinant of functional recovery. However, it has been insufficiently targeted within the current therapeutic framework for MDD.

OBJECTIVE

To highlight these unmet cognitive needs in MDD.

METHOD

An article search was conducted using PubMed from inception to November 2016: Major Depressive Disorder (and/or variant) was cross-referenced with the following terms: antidepressants, augmentation, cognition, cognitive deficits, cognitive dysfunction, functional outcomes, mechanism of action, and treatment. Articles informed by observational studies, clinical trials, and review articles relevant to the discussion of cognition and cognitive impairment in MDD were included for review. Additional terms and citations previously not identified in the initial search were obtained from a manual review of article reference lists.

RESULTS

Cognitive deficits in MDD are replicable, non-specific, and clinically significant. Abnormalities in the domains of learning/memory, executive function, attention, concentration, and processing speed are consistently reported. Only two antidepressants (i.e., duloxetine and vortioxetine) have established procognitive effects utilizing rigorous methodology in MDD. Most antidepressants improve cognitive function(s), but the extent to which they directly exert pro-cognitive effects is not yet understood.

CONCLUSION

Cognitive dysfunction in MDD is a principal determinant of patient-reported outcomes (e.g., psychosocial function). Healthcare providers are encouraged to screen for cognitive dysfunction in MDD and familiarize themselves with the efficacy profiles of antidepressants on disparate cognitive domains.

Validation of the University of California San Diego Performance-based Skills Assessment (UPSA) in major depressive disorder: Replication and extension of initial findings

BACKGROUND

The University of California San Diego Performance-based Skills Assessment (UPSA) has been validated as a functional measure in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The study herein aims to both replicate and extend the initial validation incorporating data sets from two additional studies.

METHODS

NCT02279966 and NCT02272517 were multinational, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in adult outpatients with moderate-to-severe MDD and a current major depressive episode of ≥3 months and less than 1 year, respectively. Subjects were randomized to vortioxetine (10 or 20 mg), placebo or active reference drug (paroxetine [20 mg], or escitalopram [10 or 20 mg]) for 8 weeks. Pearson correlation coefficients were estimated for baseline UPSA-Brief (UPSA-B), demographic/disease characteristics, Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Perceived Deficit Questionnaire-20 items (PDQ-20), and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), to examine construct validity. Distribution- and anchor-based methods examined clinically important difference (CID) threshold. A pooled analysis with data from NCT01564862 (initial validation study) was performed to increase the statistical power of the estimations.

RESULTS

In pooled analysis of the two new studies, UPSA-B score correlated with the DSST (r = 0.32, P < 0.0001), but not the MADRS (r = -0.07, p = 0.302) or the PDQ-20 (r = -0.10, p = 0.109), replicating initial validation results. Estimated CID range was 7.1-11.2 and 5.5-6.1 points for anchor- and distribution-based methods, respectively. In pooled analyses of all three studies, the CID was 7.0 and 6.4 for anchor- and distribution-based methods, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm the construct validity of UPSA for assessing functional capacity in patients with MDD. Estimated CID using UPSA is approximately 6-7 points.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01564862; NCT02272517; NCT02279966.

The role of clock genes in the etiology of Major Depressive Disorder: Special Section on "Translational and Neuroscience Studies in Affective Disorders". Section Editor, Maria Nobile MD, PhD. This Section of JAD focuses on the relevance of translational and neuroscience studies in providing a better understanding of the neural basis of affective disorders. The main aim is to briefly summaries relevant research findings in clinical neuroscience with particular regards to specific innovative topics in mood and anxiety disorders

BACKGROUND

Circadian rhythms are largely dysregulated in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The present review provides a summary of the findings about the role of clock genes in the etiology of MDD.

METHODS

A careful search of articles on Pubmed, PsycINFO, Isi Web of Knowledge was performed in order to obtain a comprehensive review about the topic.

RESULTS

The studies reported contrasting results about the association of different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in clock genes and MDD. The most consistent result reported the association between SNP rs2287161 of CRY1 and MDD development.

LIMITATIONS

Most of the published papers on the topic show bias as a prevalence of Asian ethnicity or not blinded conditions of laboratory experiments with respect to subjects' conditions (healthy controls or MDD).

CONCLUSION

Further epigenetic and genome-wide studies are necessary to have a more clear idea about the role of clock genes in the etiology of MDD.

Palmitoylethanolamide as adjunctive therapy in major depressive disorder: A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Experimental studies provide evidence for antidepressant effects of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in animal models of depression. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of PEA add-on therapy in treatment of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHODS

In a randomized double-blind, and placebo-controlled study, 58 patients with MDD (DSM-5) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) score ≥ 19 were randomized to receive either 600 mg twice daily Palmitoylethanolamide or placebo in addition to citalopram for six weeks. Patients were assessed using the HAM-D scale at baseline and weeks 2, 4, and 6.

RESULTS

Fifty-four individuals completed the trial. At week 2, patients in the PEA group demonstrated significantly greater reduction in HAM-D scores compared to the placebo group (8.30 ± 2.41 vs. 5.81 ± 3.57, P = .004). The PEA group also demonstrated significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms [F (3, 156) = 3.35, P = .021] compared to the placebo group throughout the trial period. The patients in the PEA group experienced more response rate (≥ 50% reduction in the HAM-D score) than the placebo group (100% vs. 74% respectively, P = .01) at the end of the trial. Baseline parameters and frequency of side effects were not significantly different between the two groups.

LIMITATIONS

The population size in this study was small and the follow-up period was relatively short.

CONCLUSIONS

Palmitoylethanolamide adjunctive therapy to citalopram can effectively improve symptoms of patients (predominantly male gender) with major depressive disorder. PEA showed rapid-onset antidepressant effects which need further investigation.

Different Cognitive Complaint Profiles in Memory Clinic and Depressive Patients

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive complaints are considered early indicators of incipient Alzheimer's disease (AD) but are very common in geriatric patients, especially in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The clinical assessment of cognitive complaints is still poorly operationalized. Recent qualitative research suggests that certain phenomenologic complaint themes may have some specificity for prodromal AD. The aim of the study was to replicate and explore their occurrence in a clinical setting.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional, case-control study using a mixed-methods approach, 23 memory clinic (cognitive complainers [CC]) patients, 21 psychiatric inpatients with MDD, and 21 healthy control subjects, aged 55-86 years, were assessed at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn. A newly developed semistructured interview addressing 12 complaint themes was used, and transcribed open format responses were coded by qualitative expert rating (theme absent versus present) and compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Seven complaint themes (e.g., sense of predomination, progression) were significantly more often endorsed by the CC group, together with a novel theme of "distractible speech." Complaint themes in those with depression aligned with the depressive symptoms and appeared to be partly different from the complaint pattern of the CC group.

CONCLUSION

Previously established themes were found to be feasible for conversion into a semistructured interview. Several complaint phenotypes were confirmed and previous themes significantly expanded by providing first evidence for a qualitatively different complaint profile in MDD compared with CC. Future investigations may benefit from better characterizing the phenomenologic and qualitative characteristics of AD-related complaints.

Clinical Significance of the Number of Depressive Symptoms in Major Depressive Disorder: Results from the CRESCEND Study

Our study aimed to establish the relationship between the number of depressive symptoms and the clinical characteristics of major depressive disorder (MDD). This would enable us to predict the clinical significance of the number of depressive symptoms in MDD patients. Using data from the Clinical Research Center for Depression (CRESCEND) study in Korea, 853 patients with DSM-IV MDD were recruited. The baseline and clinical characteristics of groups with different numbers of depressive symptoms were compared using the χ(2) test for discrete variables and covariance (ANCOVA) for continuous variables. In addition, the scores of these groups on the measurement tools were compared by ANCOVA after adjusting the potential effects of confounding variables. After adjusting the effects of monthly income and history of depression, a larger number of depressive symptoms indicated higher overall severity of depression (F [4, 756] = 21.458, P < 0.001) and higher levels of depressive symptoms (F [4, 767] = 19.145, P < 0.001), anxiety symptoms (F [4, 765] = 12.890, P < 0.001) and suicidal ideation (F [4, 653] = 6.970, P < 0.001). It also indicated lower levels of social function (F [4, 760] = 13.343, P < 0.001), and quality of life (F [4, 656] = 11.975, P < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in alcohol consumption (F [4, 656] = 11.975, P < 0.001). The number of depressive symptoms can be used as an index of greater illness burden in clinical psychiatry.

Intermediate phenotypes and biomarkers of treatment outcome in major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a pleomorphic illness originating from gene x environment interactions. Patients with differing symptom phenotypes receive the same diagnosis and similar treatment recommendations without regard to genomics, brain structure or function, or other physiologic or psychosocial factors. Using this present approach, only one third of patients enter remission with the first medication prescribed, and patients may take longer than 1 year to enter remission with repeated trials. Research to improve treatment effectiveness recently has focused on identification of intermediate phenotypes (IPs) that could parse the heterogeneous population of patients with MDD into subgroups with more homogeneous responses to treatment. Such IPs could be used to develop biomarkers that could be applied clinically to match patients with the treatment that would be most likely to lead to remission. Putative biomarkers include genetic polymorphisms, RNA and protein expression (transcriptome and proteome), neurotransmitter levels (metabolome), additional measures of signaling cascades, oscillatory synchrony, neuronal circuits and neural pathways (connectome), along with other possible physiologic measures. All of these measures represent components of a continuum that extends from proximity to the genome to proximity to the clinical phenotype of depression, and there are many levels along this continuum at which useful IPs may be defined. Because of the highly integrative nature of brain systems and the complex neurobiology of depression, the most useful biomarkers are likely to be those with intermediate proximity both to the genome and the clinical phenotype of MDD. Translation of findings across the spectrum from genotype to phenotype promises to better characterize the complex disruptions in signaling and neuroplasticity that accompany MDD, and ultimately to lead to greater understanding of the causes of depressive illness.

Utility of event-related potentials in predicting antidepressant treatment response: An iSPOT-D report

It is essential to improve antidepressant treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and one way this could be achieved is by reducing the number of treatment steps by employing biomarkers that can predict treatment outcome. This study investigated differences between MDD patients and healthy controls in the P3 and N1 component from the event-related potential (ERP) generated in a standard two-tone oddball paradigm. Furthermore, the P3 and N1 are investigated as predictors for treatment outcome to three different antidepressants. In the international Study to Predict Optimized Treatment in Depression (iSPOT-D)--a multi-center, international, randomized, prospective practical trial--1008 MDD participants were randomized to escitalopram, sertraline or venlafaxine-XR. The study also recruited 336 healthy controls. Treatment response and remission were established after eight weeks using the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. P3 and N1 latencies and amplitudes were analyzed using a peak-picking approach and further replicated by using exact low resolution tomography (eLORETA). A reduced P3 was found in MDD patients compared to controls by a peak-picking analysis. This was validated in a temporal global field power analysis. Source density analysis revealed that the difference in cortical activity originated from the posterior cingulate and parahippocampal gyrus. Male non-responders to venlafaxine-XR had significantly smaller N1 amplitudes than responders. This was demonstrated by both analytical methods. Male non-responders to venlafaxine-XR had less activity originating from the left insular cortex. The observed results are discussed from a neural network viewpoint.

Subcortical volumes differentiate Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and remitted Major Depressive Disorder

Subcortical gray matter regions have been implicated in mood disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Disorder (BD). It is unclear, however, whether or how these regions differ among mood disorders and whether such abnormalities are state- or trait-like. In this study, we examined differences in subcortical gray matter volumes among euthymic BD, MDD, remitted MDD (RMD), and healthy (CTL) individuals. Using automated gray matter segmentation of T1-weighted MRI images, we estimated volumes of 16 major subcortical gray matter structures in 40 BD, 57 MDD, 35 RMD, and 61 CTL individuals. We used multivariate analysis of variance to examine group differences in these structures, and support vector machines (SVMs) to assess individual-by-individual classification. Analyses yielded significant group differences for caudate (p = 0.029) and ventral diencephalon (VD) volumes (p = 0.003). For the caudate, both the BD (p = 0.004) and the MDD (p = 0.037) participants had smaller volumes than did the CTL participants. For the VD, the MDD participants had larger volumes than did the BD and CTL participants (ps < 0.005). SVM distinguished MDD from BD with 59.5% accuracy. These findings indicate that mood disorders are characterized by anomalies in subcortical gray matter volumes and that the caudate and VD contribute uniquely to differential affective pathology. Identifying abnormalities in subcortical gray matter may prove useful for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mood disorders.

Multi-dimensional modulations of α and γ cortical dynamics following mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in Major Depressive Disorder

To illuminate candidate neural working mechanisms of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in the treatment of recurrent depressive disorder, parallel to the potential interplays between modulations in electro-cortical dynamics and depressive symptom severity and self-compassionate experience. Linear and nonlinear α and γ EEG oscillatory dynamics were examined concomitant to an affective Go/NoGo paradigm, pre-to-post MBCT or natural wait-list, in 51 recurrent depressive patients. Specific EEG variables investigated were; (1) induced event-related (de-) synchronisation (ERD/ERS), (2) evoked power, and (3) inter-/intra-hemispheric coherence. Secondary clinical measures included depressive severity and experiences of self-compassion. MBCT significantly downregulated α and γ power, reflecting increased cortical excitability. Enhanced α-desynchronisation/ERD was observed for negative material opposed to attenuated α-ERD towards positively valenced stimuli, suggesting activation of neural networks usually hypoactive in depression, related to positive emotion regulation. MBCT-related increase in left-intra-hemispheric α-coherence of the fronto-parietal circuit aligned with these synchronisation dynamics. Ameliorated depressive severity and increased self-compassionate experience pre-to-post MBCT correlated with α-ERD change. The multi-dimensional neural mechanisms of MBCT pertain to task-specific linear and non-linear neural synchronisation and connectivity network dynamics. We propose MBCT-related modulations in differing cortical oscillatory bands have discrete excitatory (enacting positive emotionality) and inhibitory (disengaging from negative material) effects, where mediation in the α and γ bands relates to the former.

Impact of lingual gyrus volume on antidepressant response and neurocognitive functions in Major Depressive Disorder: a voxel-based morphometry study

BACKGROUND

Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) has demonstrated structural brain changes between patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and healthy individuals. The initial response to antidepressants is crucial to predict prognosis in the treatment of MDD. The aim of the present study was to investigate gray matter abnormalities predicting antidepressant responsiveness and the relationships between volumetric differences and clinical/cognitive traits in MDD patients.

METHODS

Fifty MDD patients who received 8 week period antidepressant treatment and 29 healthy controls participated in this study. VBM was applied to assess structural changes between MDD groups and control group. Neuropsychological tests were conducted on all participants.

RESULTS

Both treatment responsive and non-responsive patients showed a significant volume reduction of the left insular, but only non-responsive patients had decreased volume in the right superior frontal gyrus compared to healthy controls. The comparison between treatment responsive and non-responsive patient groups demonstrated a significant difference in gray matter volume in the lingual gyrus. The larger volume of lingual gryus predicted early antidepressant response, which was attributable to better performance in neuropsychological tests.

LIMITATION

This study included a small sample size and the patients received various antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the patients who responded poorly to antidepressants were morphologically and cognitively impaired, whereas the treatment responsive patients showed less structural changes and relatively preserved cognitive functions. The lingual gyrus may be a possible candidate region to predict antidepressant responsiveness and maintained cognition in MDD.

Modulation of induced frontocentral theta (Fm-θ) event-related (de-)synchronisation dynamics following mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in Major Depressive Disorder

Depressive severity has been associated with attenuated neocortical frontal midline theta (Fm-θ) power/evoked activity. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) has shown to be a successful novel intervention for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), albeit precise working mechanisms remain elusive. We examined the hypothesis that MBCT would have modulating effects upon evoked Fm-θ power, in addition to investigating possible mediation of induced event-related de/synchronisation (ERD/ERS) dynamics. Fifty one patients with a primary diagnosis of MDD (26 exposed to MBCT vs. 25 wait-list/WL controls) undertook a Go/NoGo task consisting of positive, negative and neutral words, further stratified into abstract versus trait adjective matrices. Depressive symptom severity and rumination were also examined. A pattern of enhanced induced Fm-θ synchronisation during the latter 400-800 ms temporal-window pre-to-post MBCT was observed; the contrary in the WL. Modulated ERD/ERS dynamics correlated to amelioration in depressive and rumination symptoms in the MBCT group. We propose the primary action pathway alluded to a neural disengagement mechanism enacting upon tonic neuronal assemblies implicated in emotional and self-related processing. Due to the complexity and presently undiscovered complete unified scientific understanding of neuro-oscillatory-dynamics, and associated clinical interplays; we hypothesise that the electro-cortical and connected clinical working pathways of MBCT in depression are multi-levelled constituting nonlinear and interdependent mechanisms, represented by mediated EEG synchronisation dynamics.

Development and Implementation of Health and Wellness CBT for Individuals with Depression and HIV

Rates of depression are reported to be between 22-33% in adults with HIV, which is double that of the general population. Depression negatively affects treatment adherence and health outcomes of those with medical illnesses. Further, it has been shown in adults that reducing depression may improve both adherence and health outcomes. To address the issues of depression and non-adherence, Health and Wellness (H&W) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medication management (MM) treatment strategies have been developed specifically for youth living with both HIV and depression. H&W CBT is based on other studies with uninfected youth and upon research on adults with HIV. H&W CBT uses problem-solving, motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioral strategies to decrease adherence obstacles and increase wellness. The intervention is delivered in 14 planned sessions over a 6-month period, with three different stages of CBT. This paper summarizes the feasibility and acceptability data from an open depression trial with 8 participants, 16-24 years of age, diagnosed with HIV and with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) diagnosis of depression, conducted at two treatment sites in the Adolescent Trials Network (ATN). Both therapists and subjects completed a Session Evaluation Form (SEF) after each session, and results were strongly favorable. Results from The Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Clinician (QIDS-C) also showed noteworthy improvement in depression severity. A clinical case vignette illustrates treatment response. Further research will examine the use of H&W CBT in a larger trial of youth diagnosed with both HIV and depression.

CHARACTERIZING WHITE MATTER CONNECTIVITY IN MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER: AUTOMATED FIBER QUANTIFICATION AND MAXIMUM DENSITY PATHS

Diffusion-weighted imaging allows for in vivo assessment of white matter structure, which can be used to assess aberrations associated with disease. Several new methods permit the automated assessment of important white matter characteristics. In the current study we used Automated Fiber Quantification (AFQ) to assess differences between depressed and nondepressed individuals in 18 major white matter tracts. We then used the Maximum Density Path (MDP) method to further characterize group differences identified with AFQ. The results of the AFQ analyses indicated that fractional anisotropy (FA; an index of white matter integrity) along bilateral corticospinal tracts (CST) was higher in depressed than in nondepressed individuals. MDP analyses revealed that white matter anomalies were restricted to four subregions that included the corona radiata and the internal and external capsules. These results provide further evidence that MDD is associated with abnormalities in cortical-to-subcortical connectivity.

ELUCIDATING BRAIN CONNECTIVITY NETWORKS IN MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER USING CLASSIFICATION-BASED SCORING

Graph theory is increasingly used in the field of neuroscience to understand the large-scale network structure of the human brain. There is also considerable interest in applying machine learning techniques in clinical settings, for example, to make diagnoses or predict treatment outcomes. Here we used support-vector machines (SVMs), in conjunction with whole-brain tractography, to identify graph metrics that best differentiate individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) from nondepressed controls. To do this, we applied a novel feature-scoring procedure that incorporates iterative classifier performance to assess feature robustness. We found that small-worldness, a measure of the balance between global integration and local specialization, most reliably differentiated MDD from nondepressed individuals. Post-hoc regional analyses suggested that heightened connectivity of the subcallosal cingulate gyrus (SCG) in MDDs contributes to these differences. The current study provides a novel way to assess the robustness of classification features and reveals anomalies in large-scale neural networks in MDD.