Journal of affective disorders
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There is a lack of knowledge of possible cognitive side effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) beyond the first few months after treatment. We aim to describe cognitive effects and symptom remission 2 years after ECT in major depressive disorders. ⋯ We found improved neurocognitive function 2 years after ECT. This effect occurred regardless of remission status, suggesting that ECT induces unique cognitive boosting processes.
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Comparative Study
Comparative validity and responsiveness of PHQ-ADS and other composite anxiety-depression measures.
Composite measures that assess the overall burden of anxiety and depressive symptoms have been infrequently evaluated in the same study. The objective of this study was to compare the validity and responsiveness of the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety-Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS) and other composite anxiety-depression measures. ⋯ Composite depression and anxiety scales are valid and responsive measures that may be useful as outcomes in research and clinical practice.
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Controlled Clinical Trial
The effect of a six-week focused meditation training on depression and anxiety symptoms in Brazilian university students with 6 and 12 months of follow-up.
Evidence shows high prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among university students. This study investigated whether a meditation-based program would help reducing these symptoms in this population. ⋯ The meditation training was effective in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms, but the maintanance of these reductions only occurred for those who continued meditating. Permanent meditation programs may be an alternative for promoting mental health for university students.
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Major depressive disorder (MDD) is accompanied by atypical brain structure affecting grey and white matter from the early stages. Neuroimaging studies of first-episode depression (FED) have provided evidence on this regard, but most of the studies are cross-sectional. The aim of this longitudinal study was to test potential changes in grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) volumes in FED. ⋯ The present findings provided some new evidence of the role of white matter alterations in the early stages of MDD and in the progression of the illness.
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Mood disorders are major risk factors for suicidal behavior. While cross-sectional studies implicate frontal systems, data to aid prediction of suicide-related behavior in mood disorders are limited. Longitudinal research on neuroanatomical mechanisms underlying suicide risk may assist in developing targeted interventions. Therefore, we conducted a preliminary study investigating baseline gray and white matter structure and longitudinal structural changes associated with future suicide attempts. ⋯ Results suggest abnormalities of gray and white matter in frontal systems and differences in developmental changes of frontal white matter may increase risk of suicide-related behavior in youths with mood disorders. Findings provide potential new leads for early intervention and prevention strategies.