Applying a Dynamical Systems Model and Network Theory to Major Depressive Disorder

Mental disorders like major depressive disorder can be seen as complex dynamical systems. In this study we investigate the dynamic behaviour of individuals to see whether or not we can expect a transition to another mood state. We introduce a mean field model to a binomial process, where we reduce a dynamic multidimensional system (stochastic cellular automaton) to a one-dimensional system to analyse the dynamics. Using maximum likelihood estimation, we can estimate the parameter of interest which, in combination with a bifurcation diagram, reflects the expectancy that someone has to transition to another mood state. After validating the proposed method with simulated data, we apply this method to two empirical examples, where we show its use in a clinical sample consisting of patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder, and a general population sample. Results showed that the majority of the clinical sample was categorized as having an expectancy for a transition, while the majority of the general population sample did not have this expectancy. We conclude that the mean field model has great potential in assessing the expectancy for a transition between mood states. With some extensions it could, in the future, aid clinical therapists in the treatment of depressed patients.Comment: arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1610.0504

Seasonal affective disorder, winter type:current insights and treatment options

Ybe Meesters,1 Marijke CM Gordijn,2,3 1University Center for Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, 2Department of Chronobiology, GeLifes, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; 3Chrono@Work B.V., Groningen, the Netherlands Abstract: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), winter type, is a seasonal pattern of recurrent major depressive episodes most commonly occurring in autumn or winter and remitting in spring/summer. The syndrome has been well-known for more than three decades, with light treatment being the treatment of first choice. In this paper, an overview is presented of the present insights in SAD. Description of the syndrome, etiology, and treatment options are mentioned. Apart from light treatment, medication and psychotherapy are other treatment options. The predictable, repetitive nature of the syndrome makes it possible to discuss preventive treatment options. Furthermore, critical views on the concept of SAD as a distinct diagnosis are discussed. Keywords: seasonal affective disorder, review, light treatment, medication, psychotherapy, preventio

Service Orientation and the Smart Grid state and trends

The energy market is undergoing major changes, the most notable of which is the transition from a hierarchical closed system toward a more open one highly based on a “smart” information-rich infrastructure. This transition calls for new information and communication technologies infrastructures and standards to support it. In this paper, we review the current state of affairs and the actual technologies with respect to such transition. Additionally, we highlight the contact points between the needs of the future grid and the advantages brought by service-oriented architectures.

A Core Outcome Set and minimum reporting set for intervention studies in growth restriction in the NEwbOrN: the COSNEON study.

BACKGROUND: Different interventions and treatments are available for growth-restricted newborns to improve neonatal and long-term outcomes. Lack of outcome standardization across trials of feeding interventions limits pooled analysis of intervention effects. This study aimed to develop a core outcome set (COS) and minimum reporting set (MRS) for this research field. METHODS: A scoping search identified relevant outcomes and baseline characteristics. These outcomes were presented to two stakeholder groups (lay experience and professional experts) in three rounds of online Delphi surveys. The professional experts were involved in the development of the MRS. All items were rated for their importance on a 5-point Likert scale and re-rated in subsequent rounds after presentation of the results at the group level. During a face-to-face consensus, meeting the final COS and MRS were determined. FINDINGS: Forty-seven of 53 experts (89%) who completed the first round completed all three survey rounds. After the consensus meeting, consensus was reached on 19 outcomes and 17 baseline characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: A COS and MRS for feeding interventions in the newborn after growth restriction were developed. Use of these sets will promote uniform reporting of study characteristics and improve data synthesis and meta-analysis of multiple studies. IMPACT: Both a COS and MRS for growth restriction in the newborn were developed.This study provides the first international combined health-care professional and patient consensus on outcomes and baseline characteristics for intervention and treatment studies in growth-restricted newborns.The use of COS and MRS results in the development of more uniform study protocols, thereby facilitating data synthesis/meta-analysis of multiple studies aiming to optimize treatment and interventions in growth restriction in the newborn

Chronotherapy Network Netherlands (CNN)

Information is provided about the Chronotherapy Network Netherlands (CNN)