The relationship between subtypes of depression and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review of biological models

A compelling association has been observed between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and depression, suggesting individuals with depression to be at significantly higher risk for CVD and CVD-related mortality. Systemic immune activation, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity, arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction have been frequently implicated in this relationship. Although a differential epidemiological association between CVD and depression subtypes is evident, it has not been determined if this indicates subtype specific biological mechanisms. A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and PsycINFO databases yielding 147 articles for this review. A complex pattern of systemic immune activation, endothelial dysfunction and HPA axis hyperactivity is suggestive of the biological relationship between CVD and depression subtypes. The findings of this review suggest that diagnostic subtypes rather than a unifying model of depression should be considered when investigating the bidirectional biological relationship between CVD and depression. The suggested model of a subtype-specific biological relationship between depression and CVDs has implications for future research and possibly for diagnostic and therapeutic processes

Is valproate promising in cardiac fatal arrhythmias? Comparison of P- and Q-wave dispersion in bipolar affective patients on valproate or lithium-valproate maintenance therapy with healthy controls

Autonomic nerve system is considered to be involved in bipolar affective disorder (BAD) or to be influenced by valproate monotherapy or valproate plus lithium combination. We planned to assess the effects of medication on atrial and ventricular conduction. The electrocardiography records were performed with eligible 15 patients with valproate, 20 patients with lithium-valproate combination use in euthymic phases of BAD and 20 healthy participants. The blood valproate and lithium concentrations in groups were in normal range. The difference in P maximum, P minimum, maximum QTc were statistically insignificant. Minimum QTc (F = 6.36; df = 2; P = 0.003) and QT dispersion (QTD) (F = 5.57; df = 2; P = 0.006) were statistically significant among the groups. There were no significant differences between patient groups among ECG parameters. Minimum QTc was significantly longer in combination group than healthy controls, whereas the QTD values in both patient groups were significantly lower than controls'. Valproate might have some preventive effects on ventricular electrical conduction because of lower QTD in both patient groups. Thus, valproate seems to have cardiac conduction stabilizing effect beside its mood stabilizing aspect. However, this finding needs replication and further corroboration in well-designed studies

level of anxiety: How much information should be given?

Purpose: To compare the effect of two different informed consent forms on patients' anxiety level prior to intravenous contrast material (IVCM) injection.Material and Methods: Two different informed consent forms were randomly given to 265 consecutive patients referred for either intravenous pyelography or computed tomography requiring IVCM injections. Form 1 had brief information, including only the common risks and risk factors associated with IVCM, while Form 2 had more comprehensive information. Before being presented with the two different informed consent forms, 191 of the 265 patients filled out two other forms evaluating: 1: How they felt in that particular situation/moment (STAI-T); and 2: How they felt independently of the situation or condition at that moment (STAI-S). After the patients were informed, the STAI-T (measuring how they felt in that particular situation) was filled out once more to see if the anxiety level had changed.Results: The anxiety level for 88 patients receiving Form 1 decreased after they were given the informed consent (P=0.033). However, among the 103 patients receiving Form 2, the anxiety level showed a significant increase (P=0.001) compared to the values obtained before Form 2 was given.Conclusion: These results indicate that informed consent, including brief information about the risk factors and potential adverse reactions of IVCM, reduces anxiety level, while detailed information before the procedure increases the anxiety level.C1 Afyon Kocatepe Univ, Sch Med, Dept Radiol, TR-03200 Afyon, Turkey.Afyon Kocatepe Univ, Sch Med, Dept Psychiat, TR-03200 Afyon, Turkey.Suleyman Demirel Univ, Sch Med, Dept Radiol, Isparta, Turkey.Adnan Menderes Univ, Sch Med, Dept Radiol, Denizli, Turkey

Effect of refractive error on temperament and character properties

AIM: To determine the effect of refractive error on temperament and character properties using Cloninger's psychobiological model of personality. METHODS: Using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), the temperament and character profiles of 41 participants with refractive errors (17 with myopia, 12 with hyperopia, and 12 with myopic astigmatism) were compared to those of 30 healthy control participants. Here, temperament comprised the traits of novelty seeking, harm-avoidance, and reward dependence, while character comprised traits of self-directedness, cooperativeness, and self-transcendence. RESULTS: Participants with refractive error showed significantly lower scores on purposefulness, cooperativeness, empathy, helpfulness, and compassion (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.05, and P<0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Refractive error might have a negative influence on some character traits, and different types of refractive error might have different temperament and character properties. These personality traits may be implicated in the onset and/or perpetuation of refractive errors and may be a productive focus for psychotherapy. © 2015, International Journal of Ophthalmology (c/o Editorial Office). All rights reserved

Effect of refractive error on temperament and character properties.

AIM: To determine the effect of refractive error on temperament and character properties using Cloninger's psychobiological model of personality. METHODS: Using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), the temperament and character profiles of 41 participants with refractive errors (17 with myopia, 12 with hyperopia, and 12 with myopic astigmatism) were compared to those of 30 healthy control participants. Here, temperament comprised the traits of novelty seeking, harm-avoidance, and reward dependence, while character comprised traits of self-directedness, cooperativeness, and self-transcendence. RESULTS: Participants with refractive error showed significantly lower scores on purposefulness, cooperativeness, empathy, helpfulness, and compassion (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.05, and P<0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Refractive error might have a negative influence on some character traits, and different types of refractive error might have different temperament and character properties. These personality traits may be implicated in the onset and/or perpetuation of refractive errors and may be a productive focus for psychotherapy

How culture shapes social cognition deficits in mental disorders: A review

Social cognitive skills are indispensable for successful communication with others. Substantial research has determined deficits in these abilities in patients with mental disorders. In neurobiological development and continuing into adulthood, cross-cultural differences in social cognition have been demonstrated. Moreover, symptomatic patterns in mental disorders may vary according to the cultural background of an individual. Cross-cultural studies can thus help in understanding underlying (biological) mechanisms and factors that influence behavior in health and disease. In addition, studies that apply novel paradigms assessing the impact of culture on cognition may benefit and advance neuroscience research. In this review, the authors give an overview of cross-cultural research in the field of social cognition in health and in mental disorders and provide an outlook on future research directions, taking a neuroscience perspective.Action Contro