Genetic and Biochemical Markers of Interferon-Induced Depression.
DepressionThe purpose of this study is to identify predictors and associated biochemical markers of interferon-induced depression. It is hypothesized that genetic variation in genes related to the serotonergic system may predict vulnerability to interferon-induced depression.
The Effects of Estrogen Withdrawal on Mood Symptoms in Women
Perimenopausal DepressionPost Menopausal2 moreThis study evaluates the effects on mood when stopping estrogen replacement therapy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of estrogen levels on perimenopausal depression. This study will examine short-term withdrawal of estrogen in women whose mood had improved with estrogen therapy. Perimenopause-related mood disorders cause significant distress in a large number of women. Evidence suggests that estradiol may have beneficial effects in women with perimenopausal depression. However, the effect of declining estradiol secretion during perimenopause has not been fully examined. Peri- and post-menopausal women who experience a remission of perimenopause-related depression symptoms while on estrogen therapy and a control group of healthy volunteers on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will be switched from their current form of HRT to estradiol for a 3-week period; volunteers will also complete symptom ratings to confirm the absence of mood symptoms. Participants will then be randomly assigned to either continue estradiol or take a placebo (an inactive pill) for an additional 3 weeks. Mood ratings will be used to determine response to estradiol withdrawal. ...
Brain Imaging in Depression
DepressionBipolar DisorderThe purpose of this study is to use brain imaging technology to examine the role of certain brain receptors and the nervous system chemical acetylcholine in major depression. The cholinergic system involves the regulation of neurotransmitters and the brain receptors to which they bind. Evidence suggests that the cholinergic system may play a role in the development of depression. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that binds to certain brain receptors called muscarinic cholinergic receptors. Cholinomimetic drugs (drugs that stimulate the cholinergic system) often exacerbate depressive symptoms in people with mood disorders and in healthy individuals. This increase in depressive symptoms may be caused by stimulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), but further study is needed to confirm this. This study will use positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study the function of mAChRs in individuals with depression. Participants in this study will undergo a physical examination, psychiatric interviews, neuropsychological tests, PET and MRI scans, and rating scales of depression, anxiety, and negative thinking symptoms. Questions about behavior and functioning will be asked and blood samples will be collected for genetic analysis.
Mechanisms Linking Depression to Cardiovascular Risk
DepressionCardiovascular Diseases1 moreTo examine the role of depression on risk for cardiovascular disease in twins.
Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Patients Receiving Continuation or Maintenance Electroconvulsive...
Electroconvulsive TherapyMajor Depressive Disorder1 moreElectroconvulsive therapy is a safe and effective therapeutic strategy in patients with treatment resistant depression. As relapse after successful ECT is significant even with adequate pharmacological strategies, continuation (up to 6 months after completion of index-ECT) or maintenance ECT (more than 6 months after index-ECT) is often necessary to maintain remission. During the current Covid-19 pandemic hospitals redirected resources and closed or significantly diminished ECT services. In this study we aim to assess the impact of discontinuing maintenance electroconvulsive therapy in patients diagnosed with unipolar depressive disorder.
Postpartum Depression
Development of Depression PostpartumPostpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common psychiatric complications of pregnancy and postpartum. It is often defined as an episode of depressive disorder that occurs in the postpartum period. Evidence suggests that PPD has serious consequences on the quality of life of all family members, increases the risk for familial conflicts, leaving great negative effects on maternal-infant interaction. The aim of our study was to investigate and shed the light on the determinants of development of PPD mainly maternal age among women in Jordan. We also aimed at examining additional factors on prevalence of PPD and providing more information on PPD among Jordanian mothers.
Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for Depression and Anxiety in Perioperative Elderly...
Predictive ModelAnxiety and depression in later life are highly prevalent, often appear as comorbid disorders, and have many adverse consequences for both the individual and society. Given the disease burden, the large influx of new cases, and the economic costs, efforts should be made to prevent the onset of anxiety and depression in later life. Preventive interventions are likely to become more cost effective when they are targeted at elderly who have been exposed to risk factors known to be predictive of the onset of anxiety and/or depression. As the population aging is speeding up, senile diseases have become a significant and severe public health problem, influencing national health. More than 20 million elderly patients undergo surgery each year in China, accounting for a quarter of the population who undergo surgery. Therefore, it is necessary to construct a predictive model of anxiety and depression in perioperative elderly hospitalized patients
A Scalable Model for Promoting Functioning and Well-Being Among Veterans With a History of Mental...
DepressionAnxiety1 moreThe goal of this study is to refine and test a strategy for engaging veterans with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety as volunteers to help English language learners (ELLs) improve their speaking skills via structured conversations using videoconferencing.
An Exploratory Investigation of a CBD Supplement's Impact on Sleep, Stress, and Focus
AnxietyFear3 moreA high-quality broad-spectrum cannabidiol supplement with a bio-terpene complex will be administered once daily. It is hypothesized that this supplement will lead to improvements in sleep, focus, and stress. Previous research supports that CBD supplementation provides support to the endocannabinoid system, allowing the brain to better control negative psychological outcomes like fear, stress, and negative mood states.
The Sunlight Exposure Therapy on the Improvement of Depression and Quality of Life in Post-stroke...
StrokeDepressionChronic diseases has been the leading causes of death in 2015 to 2017 based on the National database. In particular, cerebrovascular disease was the third in 2015, the fourth in 2016 and 2017. In the Statistical Office of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (2016, 2017,2018). Previous studies have suggested that nearly 30% of the stroke victims present with signs of depression within the first 5 years of illness. Since post-stroke depression significantly affects the patient both physically and psychologically, the emotional disturbances impede the progress and effectiveness of rehabilitation. Regarding the non-pharmacological treatment of melancholia, the phototherapy has been used to treat psychological, behavioral or emotional disorders with satisfactory outcomes.Furthermore, many studies has suggested that artificial light should mimic natural sunlight to reach optimal effect. The benefit of sunlight in human wellbeing has been well documented, therefore we intend to utilize sunlight therapy for stroke patients in order to improve their physical and mental health.