SERUM APELIN-13 LEVELS ARE DECREASED AMONG ADOLESCENTS DIAGNOSED WITH MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Background: Apelin-13 have potential effect on mood because of high expression in the hypothalamus. In this study, we aimed to investigate the serum apelin-13 levels among adolescents with major depressive disorder. Subject and methods: A total of 42 patients between the ages of 12 and 18 with a primary diagnosis of major depressive disorder have been included. Depression scores of both groups were measured by the Children’s Depression Inventory. Serum apelin-13 concentrations were measured by a commercially available kit based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results: The mean serum apelin-13 levels in the patients with MDD was 173.08±106.33 pg/ml, whereas it was 251.75±167.82 pg/ml in healthy controls. The difference between groups in terms of mean serum apelin-13 levels was statistically significant (p=0.018, Cohen’s d=-0.571). Conclusion: This is the first study to examine the serum apelin-13 levels in adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Lower serum apelin-13 levels were found in depressed adolescents

functional outcome in late adolescence/early adulthood of patients with autism spectrum disorder and its relationships with parental burnout and depression: A preliminary multi-center, cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study is to determine the functioning of adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) diagnosed in childhood and depression and burnout levels among their parents. A total of 261 adults with ASDs and their parents were recruited for the study. Both parents completed the Beck Depression and Maslach Burnout Inventories and reported the functioning of their adult offspring with ASDs. Only 5.4 % of our sample reported “good” or “very good” outcomes. The most common psychiatric comorbidities were intellectual disabilities and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Maternal burnout and depression scores were significantly elevated compared to those of fathers. There is an undeniable urgent need for more research to identify the needs of adults and families suffering from ASD. Modifications for those with ASD may have to be made for support in workplaces, achieving driving licenses, using public transportation and attendance at tertiary education