Yawning in depression: worth looking into

Yawning often occurs during states of increased sleep propensity. Depression is associated with sleep problems and tiredness. The aim of this paper is to review the present knowledge about possible changes of yawning during an episode of major depression (MD) and to report data on yawning from an online depression forum comprising of 450,000 postings. A literature search did not reveal any study about yawning in people with MD when compared to controls. However, there is evidence for an increased frequency of yawning under the influence of antidepressants. Analysis of the depression forum postings revealed 63 people writing about increased yawning in the context of depression. However, all but one of them were treated with antidepressants; and yawning was not reported as a symptom of depression, but in most cases (N=56) as occurring as a result of treatment with antidepressants. These findings are in agreement with a tonic hyperarousal in typical depression which is reduced by all standard antidepressants. For clinicians, it would be of interest to know whether yawning is reduced in untreated depression and whether it predicts treatment outcome.

[Modern discussion forum "depression, suicidality"]

Five years ago, with the appearance on the internet of the competence network "Depression, Suicidality", a conducted discussion forum was established to serve as a platform for an internet-based self-help group. Today, the forum has more than 3,000 registered visitors, and is the largest virtual group concerned with depression in the German-speaking area. In comparison with a "real" self-help group, this virtual form offers specific possibilities to those concerned, such as, for example, 24-hour access to other sufferers. Admittedly, specific limitations must nevertheless be noted, which, among other things, have to do with the particular features of internet-based communication and the heterogeneity of the participants. Overall, this virtual self-help group represents a rational and useful addition to the existing possibilities for self help.

Timing of operation for ruptured cerebral aneurysm and long-term recovery of cognitive functions

Advantage and disadvantages of early and late operation for ruptured cerebral aneurysm are controversially evaluated with regard to peri-operative operation outcome and long-term cognitive recovery. In this retrospective analysis 22 patients with early surgery (ES) within three days after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and 22 patients with late surgery (LS) at least 14 days after SAH were studied. Patients were pair-wise matched by degree of SAH localisation of aneurysm and age at SAH. On average three years after SAH both groups were examined individually with a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery including tests of premorbid intelligence, concept formation, memory, visuomotor speed, aphasia screening, and mood. ES and LS patients were well comparable in terms of years of education and level of premorbid intelligence. There was a clear influence of patients age on fluid intelligence tests, indicating a general change-sensitivity of tests. No influence of degree of SAH and localisation of aneurysm could be detected. There were also no differences between ES and LS patients in neuropsychological tests sensitive to brain damage, suggesting that the decision for early or late surgery for ruptured cerebral aneurysm can be based upon surgical reasons at the time of the SAH.