Social isolation and oxytocin antagonism increase emotion-related behaviors and heart rate in female prairie voles

Social isolation influences depression- and anxiety-related disorders and cardiac function. Oxytocin may mediate these conditions through interactions with social behavior, emotion, and cardiovascular function, via central and/or peripheral mechanisms. The present study investigated the influence of oxytocin antagonism using L-368,899, a selective oxytocin receptor antagonist that crosses the blood-brain barrier, on depression- and anxiety-related behaviors and heart rate in prairie voles. This rodent species has translational value for investigating interactions of social stress, behavior, cardiac responses, and oxytocin function. Adult female prairie voles were socially isolated or co-housed with a sibling for 4 weeks. A subset of animals in each housing condition was subjected to 4 sessions of acute L-368,899 (20 mg/kg, ip) or saline administration followed by a depression- or anxiety-related behavioral assessment. A subset of co-housed animals was evaluated for cardiac function following acute administration of L-368,899 (20 mg/kg, ip) and during behavioral assessments. Social isolation (vs. co-housing) increased depression- and anxiety-related behaviors. In isolated animals, L-368,899 (vs. vehicle) did not influence anxiety-related behaviors but exacerbated depression-related behaviors. In co-housed animals, L-368,899 exacerbated depression-related behaviors and increased heart rate at baseline and during behavioral tests. Social isolation produces emotion-related behaviors in prairie voles; central and/or peripheral oxytocin antagonism exacerbates these behavioral signs. Oxytocin antagonism induces depression-relevant behaviors and increases basal and stressor-reactive heart rate in co-housed prairie voles, similar to the consequences of social isolation demonstrated in this model. These results provide translational value for humans who experience behavioral and cardiac consequences of loneliness or social stress

Antenatal Depression and Related Behaviours in Indonesia

Nowadays people are starting to realize depression during pregnancy. Depressive symptoms can be reflected in behaviors shown daily. The aim of the study is to identify antenatal depression in Riau and behaviors related to it. In this quantitative study, the Edinburgh postpartum/perinatal depression scale (EPDS) was used to screen for depression, and a questionnaire was developed based on a literature review to identify the behaviors of 97 pregnant women from two health centers in Riau, Indonesia. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. This study revealed the presence of depression in pregnant women at mild (38.1%) and moderate (5.2%) levels. Antenatal depression can be shown by physical behaviors, psychological behaviors, and social behaviors. Depression can occur during pregnancy, and nursing further action is needed to prevent more severe depression during perinatal. Keywords: antenatal depression, depression behavio

Health-related behaviors and symptoms of anxiety and depression in Spanish nursing students: an observational study

Background: Symptoms of anxiety and depression are prevalent among young adults and are a significant public health issue. College students are at a higher risk of experiencing poor mental health than other young people due to several factors, including moving away from home, financial pressures, heavy workload, poor time management skills, competitivity, new processes of socialization and insufficient coping mechanisms, among others. In addition, nursing students’ mental and physical health may also be affected by unhealthy lifestyle habits and health-related behaviors. Aim: To determine the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety, and the association between these symptoms and health-related behaviors, in a population of Spanish student nurses. Methods: Cross-sectional study on a sample of 339 nursing students. We used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short form, the Spanish Healthy Eating Index and an “ad hoc” questionnaire for sociodemographic variables. The association between psychological symptoms and health-related behaviors was analyzed through binary logistic regression models. Results: The prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety was 3.8% and 24.5%, respectively. Negative health-related behaviors were frequent, namely tobacco and alcohol consumption, suboptimal physical activity and diet. Moderate physical activity was associated with a lower probability of experiencing depressive symptoms. Symptoms of anxiety were related to a low level of physical activity, an unhealthy diet and alcohol consumption ≥2 times a week. Conclusion: Student nurses could benefit from the implementation of both physical and mental health promotion initiatives

Health-Seeking Behaviors of Filipino Migrants in Australia: The Influence of Persisting Acculturative Stress and Depression

© 2015, Springer Science+Business Media New York. This study examined the relationships among the constructs of acculturative stress, depression, English language use, health literacy, and social support and the influence of these factors on health-seeking behaviors of Filipino Australians. Using a self-administered questionnaire, 552 respondents were recruited from November 2010 to June 2011. Structural equation modelling was used to examine relationships. A direct and negative relationship between health-seeking behaviors and depression, and an indirect relationship with acculturative stress, was observed mediated through depression. Social support had an important moderating influence on these effects. Although there was an inverse relationship between age and English language usage and depression, age was positively related to health-seeking behavior. Despite their long duration of stay, Filipino Australian migrants continue to experience acculturative stress and depression leading to lower health-seeking behaviors. This study highlights the importance of screening for acculturative stress and depression in migrants and fostering social support

An Overview of Depression among Transgender Women

Rates of depression are higher in transgender women than in the general population, warranting an understanding of the variables related to depression in this group. Results of the literature review of depression in transgender women reveal several variables influencing depression, including social support, violence, sex work, and gender identity. The theoretical constructs of minority stress, coping, and identity control theory are explored in terms of how they may predict depression in transgender women. Depression and depressive symptoms have been used to predict high-risk sexual behaviors with mixed results. The implications of the findings on treating depression in transgender women include taking into account the stress of transition and the importance of supportive peers and family. Future studies should explore a model of depression and high-risk behaviors in transgender women

Fluoxetine Prevents the Development of Depressive-like Behavior in a Mouse Model of Cancer Related Fatigue

Cancer patients frequently suffer from fatigue, a complex syndrome associated with tiredness and depressed mood. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) can be present at the time of diagnosis, escalates during treatment, and can persist for years after treatment. CRF negatively influences quality of life, limits functional independence, and is associated with decreased survival in patients with incurable disease. We have previously shown that increased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in the brain contributes to depressive- and fatigue-like behaviors in a mouse model of CRF. Inflammatory cytokines increase the activity of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), which competitively reduce serotonin synthesis. Reduced serotonin availability in the brain and increased production of alternative neuroactive metabolites of tryptophan are thought to contribute to the development of depression and fatigue. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), on brain cytokines and behavioral measures of fatigue and depression in tumor-bearing mice. Here we show that tumor growth increased brain expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and KMO. Treatment with fluoxetine had no effect on tumor growth, muscle wasting, fatigue behavior, or cytokine expression in the brain. Fluoxetine, however, reduced depressive-like behaviors in tumor bearing mice. In conclusion, our data confirm that increased brain expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines is associated with tumor-induced fatigue- and depressive-like behaviors. However, it is possible to separate the effects of tumor growth on mood and fatigue-like behaviors using SSRIs such as fluoxetine

Diet transition to a high-fat diet for 3 weeks reduces brain omega-3-fatty acid levels, alters BDNF signaling and induces anxiety & depression-like behavior in adult rats

Background: The consumption of diets high in calories and low in nutrient value is becoming increasingly common in modern society, which can lead to metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity, and potentially to psychiatric disorders. We have performed studies to assess how the shift from a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids to a diet rich in saturated fatty acid affects the substrates for brain plasticity and function, and anxiety and depression-like behavior. Methods: Pregnant rats were fed with omega-3 supplemented diet from their 2nd day of gestation period as well as their male pups for 12 weeks. Afterwards, the animals were randomly assigned to either a group fed on the same diet or a group fed on a high-fat diet (HFD) rich in saturated fats for 3 weeks. Anxiety and depression-like behaviors were assessed by using open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM). Molecular assessments were performed in the frontal cortex and hippocampus as dysfunctions in these brain regions are main contributors towards depression, anxiety-like behavior and stress. Results: We found that the HFD increased vulnerability for anxiety and depression-like behavior, and that these modifications harmonized with changes in the anxiety-related neuropeptide Y (NPY)-1 receptor. The HFD reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and the BDNF signaling receptor pTrkB, as well as the cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB), in these brain regions. Brain DHA contents were significantly associated with the levels of anxiety and depression-like behavior in these rats. Conclusions: These results suggest that the change in dietary lifestyle leading to alteration of dietary n3/n-6 fatty acids levels imposes a risk factor for anxiety-like behaviors. Dietary DHA might help for building cognitive reserve that can resist psychiatric disorders

Social support communication behavior, depression symptomatology, and marital satisfaction among distressed couples

The relationships between individual depression symptomatology, marital satisfaction, and social support communication behaviors were examined. Social support communication behaviors of partners as a moderator of the relationship between their own individual depression symptomatology and marital satisfaction was also examined. This study included 96 chronically and seriously distressed heterosexual married couples seeking couple therapy. This study found no relationship between marital satisfaction and depressive symptomatology and no relationship between depression symptomatology and positive and negative social support (p \u3e .05). A significant interaction between gender and marital satisfaction in predictive depressive symptomatology was found (p \u3c .05). Negative social support was significantly negatively related to marital satisfaction (p \u3c .01). Positive social support was significantly positively related to marital satisfaction (p \u3c .001). Social support did not moderate the relationship between depression symptoms and marital satisfaction (p \u3e .05)

Network Analysis of Behaviors in the Depression and Autism Realms:Inter-Relationships and Clinical Implications

Depression-, anxiety-, OCD- and autism-related behaviors were assessed in 118 high-functioning individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and in 2016 controls. The ASD group had a higher rate of clinical depression and markedly higher “insomnia” and “restlessness” scores. Network analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis in the ASD group revealed that depression and anxiety items clustered together, but separately from autism-related items. Compared to controls, “insomnia” and “restlessness” items in the ASD network of depression items were much more central (higher closeness, and betweenness centrality). Combined networks of depression-, anxiety-, and OCD-related items revealed that the control group depression item module was not preserved in ASD. The results indicate that depression is atypical in autism and suggest specific intervention targets.</p

Doctor of Philosophy

dissertationSome evidence supports the development of holistic interventions that address the overlap between obesity and depression, the both of which have increased burden among women in marginalized communities. Additional understanding about the interrelationships between obesity, health behaviors, and depression could improve the effectiveness of interventions and promote both obesity- and depression-related wellness. Objectives: 1) Evaluate the competency of wellness coaches in utilizing motivational interviewing and its impact on participant factors. 2) Assess how intensity of wellness coaching, fruit/vegetable consumption, and physical activity behaviors are associated with improved depression screen over 12 months. 3) Assess how fruit/vegetable consumption, physical activity behaviors, and depressive symptoms are associated with clinically significant improvements in adiposity over 12 months. Methods: The University of Utah, Utah Department of Health, and African American, African immigrant, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Pacific Islander communities partnered to develop and conduct a randomized trial of wellness coaching for women. Health behavior change was the primary target, but a comprehensive paradigm enabled evaluation of relationships between health behaviors and both obesity-related factors and depression. Wellness coaches from each community recruited women (n = 485) who were randomized to high- versus low-intensity coaching. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess interrelationships (odds ratios) between repeated measurements of health behaviors, depressive symptoms, and ≥5% reductions in baseline body weight and waist circumference. Results: Baseline coach empathy was associated with participant completion of 4-month session. Depression prevalence decreased from 21.7% to 9.5% over 12 months. Women consuming fruits/vegetables ≥5 times per day (versus <5) or any physical activity (vs. none) each had higher odds of improved depression screen, especially when women ≥55 years of age consumed more fruits/vegetables. Overweight/obese women who consumed fruits/vegetables ≥5 times/day (vs. <5) had higher odds of losing ≥5% body weight, while more physical activity (vs. <2.5 hours/week) had higher odds only among those with a positive depression screen. Furthermore, at-risk women with a negative depression screen (vs. positive) had higher odds of ≥5% decrease in waist circumference. Conclusion: Health behaviors/outcomes that are considered in a holistic, culturally relevant context could improve wellness and health equities