Depression and anxiety
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Depression and anxiety · Feb 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyResidual symptoms after remission of major depressive disorder with fluoxetine and risk of relapse.
Many patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who achieve full remission after antidepressant treatment still have residual depressive symptoms. In this study, we assess the type and frequency of residual symptoms and their relationship to subsequent depressive relapses after remission of major depression with fluoxetine. ⋯ The great majority of patients with remission of MDD after treatment with fluoxetine continue to experience selected residual depressive symptoms. The presence of residual symptoms is not significantly associated with an increased risk of relapse.
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Depression and anxiety · Nov 2010
ReviewPosttraumatic stress and social anxiety: the interaction of traumatic events and interpersonal fears.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) are frequently comorbid among veteran and community samples. Several studies have demonstrated significant comorbidity between trauma, PTSD, and social anxiety (SA), and a growing number of studies have explored the nature of this association. Although a diagnosis of either PTSD or SAD alone can result in significant impairment in social and occupational functioning, these difficulties are often magnified in persons suffering from both disorders. ⋯ Fourth, we describe additional factors-guilt, shame, and depressive symptoms-that may help to explain the co-occurrence of PTSD and SA. A better understanding of this complex relationship will improve the efficacy of treatment for individuals suffering from both disorders. We conclude with key areas for future research.
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Depression and anxiety · Aug 2010
Meta AnalysisA meta-analytic review of the association between anxiety sensitivity and pain.
In recent years, anxiety sensitivity (AS) has demonstrated applicability across a wide range of conditions. An area of particular interest has been the association between AS and pain. ⋯ Results indicate that AS was strongly associated with fearful appraisals of pain, with more modest results for measures of pain tolerance/threshold and pain-related disability. Implications of these results for the treatment of chronic pain are discussed.
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Depression and anxiety · Apr 2010
ReviewCurrent perspectives of the roles of the central norepinephrine system in anxiety and depression.
Norepinephrine (NE) is a major monoamine neurotransmitter that has widespread effects across multiple brain areas to regulate arousal and stress responses. The underlying function of the NE cortical system is to balance vigilance/scanning behavior with focused attention on novel environmental stimuli and the state of arousal. The central NE system is involved intrinsically with the stress response system, and dysregulation within the NE system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of anxiety and depressive disorders. ⋯ Under conditions of chronic stress, NE system activity dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system may turn a homeostatic stress response into a pathological stress response. Data suggest that the NE interplay with the serotonin system may exert neurobiological normalization of the pathophysiological state of anxious depression. Accordingly, pharmacological interventions targeting the NE system can result in anxiolytic, rather than anxiogenic, outcomes when used to treat patients with anxiety and depression.
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Depression and anxiety · Jan 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudySupportive psychotherapy for perinatal depression: preliminary data for adherence and response.
We sought to determine patient factors associated with adherence and response to a manualized supportive psychotherapy designed for pregnant and postpartum women with major depressive disorder (MDD). ⋯ Study limitations included small sample size, and possible nonspecific and placebo effects. Adherence appears important in response to supportive psychotherapy in women with perinatal MDD, and future efforts to improve adherence in perinatal women with MDD are warranted.