Ansiedade e Depressão: rastreio entre profissionais da estratégia de saúde da família na Amazônia / Anxiety and Depression: screening among family health strategy professionals in the Amazon / Ansiedad y Depresión: tamizaje entre profesionales de estrategias de salud familiar en la Amazonía

Objetivo: realizar rastreamento de depressão e transtorno de ansiedade generalizada entre profissionais da Estratégia de Saúde da Família em um município no interior da Amazônia. Método:estudo transversal desenvolvido com 63 profissionais atuantes em 12 equipes de ESF na cidade de Santarém, Pará, Brasil. Foram utilizadas ferramentas validadas e adaptadas transculturalmente: o Patient ́s Health Questionaire ­9 e o Generalizes Anxiety Disorder ­7. Os dados foram analisados a partir de ferramentas da estatística descritiva (frequências absolutas e relativas) a partir do software Microsoft Excel 2018. Resultados:Houve predomínio de indivíduos do sexo feminino, na idade de 40 a 44 anos e raça/cor pardo. O estado civil predominante foi casado, a categoria profissional mais representada na amostra foram os agentes comunitários de saúde e o a maioria dos participantes possuía nível superior completo. 57.1% tiveram rastreamento positivo para depressão e 42.1% para ansiedade. Conclusão:Observou-se elevada frequência de ansiedade e depressão entre os profissionais incluídos na amostra. Nossos dados reforçam a necessidade de ações preventivas na área de saúde mental visando reduzir os impactos dos fatores de risco. Além disso, é fundamental a realização de grandes estudos voltados à investigação dos fatores associados à saúde mental dos trabalhadores da saúde no Brasil

Objective: To screen for depression and generalized anxiety disorder among Family Health Strategy professionals in a municipality in the interior of the Amazon. Method:A cross-sectional study was carried out with 63 professionals working in 12 FHS teams in the city of Santarém, Pará, Brazil. Cross-culturally adapted and validated tools were used: the Patient's Health Questionnaire -9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder -7. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics tools (absolute and relative frequencies)using Microsoft Excel 2018 software. Results:There was a predominance of females, aged between 40 and 44 and of brown race/color. The predominant marital status was married, the most represented professional category in the sample were community health agents and the majority of participants had completed higher education. 57.1% were screened positive for depression and 42.1% for anxiety. Conclusion:There was a high frequency of anxiety and depression among the professionals included in the sample. Our data reinforces the need for preventive action in the area of mental health in order to reduce the impact of risk factors. In addition, it is essential to carry out large-scale studies investigating the factors associated with the mental health of health workers in Brazil.

Objetivo: Detectar depresión y ansiedad generalizada en profesionales de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia de un municipio del interior de la Amazonia. Método:Se realizó un estudio transversal con 63 profesionales que trabajan en 12 equipos de la ESF en la ciudad de Santarém, Pará, Brasil. Se utilizaron instrumentos validados y adaptados transculturalmente: el Cuestionario de Salud del Paciente -9 y el Trastorno de Ansiedad Generalizada -7. Los datos se analizaron mediante herramientas de estadística descriptiva (frecuencias absolutas y relativas) utilizando el software Microsoft Excel 2018. Resultados:Hubo un predominio de mujeres, con edades comprendidas entre 40 y 44 años y de raza/color moreno. El estado civil predominante fue casado, la categoría profesional más representada en la muestra fue la de agentes de salud comunitarios y la mayoría de los participantes habían completado estudios superiores. El 57,1% dieron positivo en depresión y el 42,1% en ansiedad. Conclusión:Hubo una elevada frecuencia de ansiedad y depresión entre los profesionales incluidos en la muestra. Nuestros datos refuerzan la necesidad de acciones preventivas en el área de la salud mental para reducir el impacto de los factores de riesgo. Además, es fundamental la realización de grandes estudios dirigidos a investigar los factores asociados a la salud mental de los trabajadores de la salud en Brasil

Gravidade da depressão, resposta ao tratamento e PRO (incapacidade e QoL) em pacientes com DRT em um ano de acompanhamento com tratamento padrão: análise do subgrupo brasileiro do estudo observacional multinacional TRAL / Depression severity, treatment response and PRO (disability and QoL) in TRD patients over a 1-year follow-up with standard of care: Analysis of the Brazilian subset of the multicenter, observational TRAL study

Objetivo: A depressão resistente ao tratamento (DRT) é uma preocupação primária no Brasil devido à sua natureza onerosa e complexa, enquanto o diagnóstico e o tratamento geralmente são desafiadores. O presente manuscrito apresenta os resultados clínicos de um ano de acompanhamento em pacientes com DRT em tratamento padrão (SOC) no subgrupo brasileiro do estudo de Depressão Resistente ao Tratamento na América Latina (TRAL). Métodos: Essa fase longitudinal do estudo TRAL tinha como meta caracterizar alterações nos resultados clínicos e outras variáveis de interesse (p. ex., qualidade de vida, incapacidade) em um ano de acompanhamento em pacientes com DRT em 10 centros no Brasil. Os pacientes incluídos tinham diagnóstico clínico de DRT com base nos critérios DSM-5 e confirmado por MINI. A Escala de Depressão de Montgomery-Asberg (MADRS) era usada para avaliar a gravidade da doença e os resultados clínicos. Outras escalas de depressão e instrumentos classificados pelo paciente eram usadas para medir resultados correlacionados. Resultados: Cento e cinquenta e oito pacientes com DRT, na maioria mulheres (84,4%) com idade média de 48,55 anos, foram incluídos na análise. Apenas 31,4% dos pacientes apresentaram uma resposta clinicamente significativa, 10,3% tiveram recidiva e 26,7% alcançaram remissão, conforme medido pela MADRS no final do estudo (EOS). Aproximadamente 55% dos pacientes apresentavam depressão grave/moderadamente grave no EOS. Problemas de mobilidade, cuidados pessoais, problemas nas atividades usuais e dor e desconforto foram relatados pela maioria dos pacientes no EOS, assim como comprometimento marcado/extremo das atividades no trabalho/escola e da vida social/das atividades de lazer no EOS. Conclusões: Os resultados clínicos alcançados atualmente ainda são notavelmente insatisfatórios para DRT. Portanto, o envolvimento de todas as partes interessadas é essencial para implementar protocolos de tratamento mais eficazes no Brasil.

Objective: Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a primary concern in Brazil due to its burdensome and complex nature, while diagnosis and treatment is often challenging. The current manuscript presents the clinical outcomes in a one-year follow-up of TRD patients under Standard-of-care (SOC) in the Brazilian subset of the Treatment-Resistant Depression in America Latina (TRAL) study. Methods: This longitudinal phase of TRAL aimed to characterize changes in the clinical outcomes and other variables of interest (e.g. quality of life, disability) in a one-year follow-up of TRD patients in 10 centers in Brazil. Included patients were clinically diagnosed with TRD based on DSM-5 criteria and confirmed by MINI. Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) was used to assess disease severity and clinical outcomes. Other depression scales and patient rated instruments were used to measure correlated outcomes. Results: One hundred fifty-eight TRD patients, mostly female (84.4%), averaging 48.55 years, were included in the analysis. Only 31.4% of the patients showed a clinically significant response, 10.3% had a relapse and 26.7% achieved remission, as measured through MADRS at end-of-study (EOS). Almost 55% of the patients showed moderately severe/severe depression at EOS. Mobility issues, self-care, problems with usual activities and pain and discomfort were reported by the majority of the patients at EOS, as well as marked/extreme disruption of school/work and social life/leisure activities at EOS. Conclusions: Currently achieved clinical outcomes are still remarkably unsatisfactory for TRD. Therefore, the involvement of all relevant stakeholders is essential to implement more effective treatment protocols in Brazil.

Recent research on the association between depressive disorder and gene polymorphisms in adolescents / 中国当代儿科杂志

Biogenetics plays an important role in the pathogenesis of depressive disorder in adolescents. Various genetic polymorphism studies have updated the understanding of adolescent depressive disorder. However, due to the influence of gene-environment interaction and age of puberty, the influence of gene polymorphisms on adolescent depressive disorder is complicated to clarify. Investigating and clarifying the relationship between gene polymorphisms and adolescent depressive disorder will promote the research on the pathogenesis of this disorder and provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of this disorder. This article reviews the genetic polymorphisms related to adolescent depressive disorder.

The Emotion-Regulation Benefits of Implicit Reappraisal in Clinical Depression: Behavioral and Electrophysiological Evidence / 神经科学通报·英文版

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by emotion dysregulation. Whether implicit emotion regulation can compensate for this deficit remains unknown. In this study, we recruited 159 subjects who were healthy controls, had subclinical depression, or had MDD, and examined them under baseline, implicit, and explicit reappraisal conditions. Explicit reappraisal led to the most negative feelings and the largest parietal late positive potential (parietal LPP, an index of emotion intensity) in the MDD group compared to the other two groups; the group difference was absent under the other two conditions. MDD patients showed larger regulatory effects in the LPP during implicit than explicit reappraisal, whereas healthy controls showed a reversed pattern. Furthermore, the frontal P3, an index of voluntary cognitive control, showed larger amplitudes in explicit reappraisal compared to baseline in the healthy and subclinical groups, but not in the MDD group, while implicit reappraisal did not increase P3 across groups. These findings suggest that implicit reappraisal is beneficial for clinical depression.

Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Innervation Induces Depression-Like Behaviors Through Ventral Subiculum Hyperactivation / 神经科学通报·英文版

Malfunction of the ventral subiculum (vSub), the main subregion controlling the output connections from the hippocampus, is associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). Although the vSub receives cholinergic innervation from the medial septum and diagonal band of Broca (MSDB), whether and how the MSDB-to-vSub cholinergic circuit is involved in MDD is elusive. Here, we found that chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced depression-like behaviors with hyperactivation of vSub neurons, measured by c-fos staining and whole-cell patch-clamp recording. By retrograde and anterograde tracing, we confirmed the dense MSDB cholinergic innervation of the vSub. In addition, transient restraint stress in CUMS increased the level of ACh in the vSub. Furthermore, chemogenetic stimulation of this MSDB-vSub innervation in ChAT-Cre mice induced hyperactivation of vSub pyramidal neurons along with depression-like behaviors; and local infusion of atropine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist, into the vSub attenuated the depression-like behaviors induced by chemogenetic stimulation of this pathway and CUMS. Together, these findings suggest that activating the MSDB-vSub cholinergic pathway induces hyperactivation of vSub pyramidal neurons and depression-like behaviors, revealing a novel circuit underlying vSub pyramidal neuronal hyperactivation and its associated depression.

Effect of electroconvulsive therapy on brain functional network in major depressive disorder / 生物医学工程学杂志

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an interventional technique capable of highly effective neuromodulation in major depressive disorder (MDD), but its antidepressant mechanism remains unclear. By recording the resting-state electroencephalogram (RS-EEG) of 19 MDD patients before and after ECT, we analyzed the modulation effect of ECT on the resting-state brain functional network of MDD patients from multiple perspectives: estimating spontaneous EEG activity power spectral density (PSD) using Welch algorithm; constructing brain functional network based on imaginary part coherence (iCoh) and calculate functional connectivity; using minimum spanning tree theory to explore the topological characteristics of brain functional network. The results show that PSD, functional connectivity, and topology in multiple frequency bands were significantly changed after ECT in MDD patients. The results of this study reveal that ECT changes the brain activity of MDD patients, which provides an important reference in the clinical treatment and mechanism analysis of MDD.

Influência das variantes genéticas do gene IL6 no transtorno depressivo maior: uma revisão / nfluence of IL6 gene genetic variants on major depressive disorder: a review / Influencia de las variantes genéticas del gen IL6 en el trastorno depresivo mayor: una revisión

Objetivo:Elucidar o quadro clínico do transtorno depressivo maior (TDM) e verificar a associação dessa condição com polimorfismos do gene IL6. Método:Tratou-se de uma revisão sistemática com a busca de artigos originais nas bases de dados Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed e BVS, os quais trouxeram informações sobre variantes genéticas que tinham relação com polimorfismos do gene IL6. Estudos que não apresentaram dados completos, inclusive dados estatísticos, revisões, meta-análises e resumos, foram excluídos. Resultados:Foram encontrados 54 artigos nas bases de dados. Utilizou-se a plataforma Rayyan para retirar as duplicatas e ler os resumos para seleçãoinicial. Restaram 12 artigos, onde os que eram de acesso livre foram encaminhados para leitura completa, totalizando 5 artigos para essa revisão. Conclusão:Evidências sugerem uma condição sistêmica no TDM e dados demonstram alterações inflamatórias. Dadoque na maior parte dos estudos pacientes com TDM tiveram estados inflamatórios mais elevados, parece haver relação entre a IL-6 e o transtorno. A IL-6 induz alterações no cérebro, ativação de microglia e controla a saúde dos neurônios, podendo tornar tangível uma relação dos polimorfismos com a doença, mas ainda não existem muitos estudos na área

Objective:To elucidate the clinical picture of major depressive disorder (MDD) and to verify the association of this condition with polymorphisms of the IL6 gene. Method:This was a systematic review with the search of original articles in the databases Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and VHL, which brought information about genetic variants that were related to polymorphisms of the IL6 gene. Studies that did not present complete data, including statistical data, reviews, meta-analyses and abstracts, were excluded. Results:A total of 54 articles were found in the databases. The Rayyan platform was used to remove the duplicates and read the abstracts for initial selection. There were 12 articles, where those that were freely accessible were sent for full reading, totaling 5 articles for this review. Conclusion:Evidence suggests a systemic condition in MDD and data demonstrate inflammatory changes. Given that in most studies patients with MDD had higher inflammatory states, there seems to be a relationship between IL-6 and the disorder. IL-6 induces changes in the brain, activation of microglia and controls the health of neurons, and may make tangible a relationship between polymorphisms and the disease, but there are not many studies in the area.

Objetivo: Dilucidar el cuadro clínico del trastorno depresivo mayor (TDM) y verificar la asociación de esta condición con polimorfismos del gen IL6. Método: Se trata de una revisión sistemática con búsqueda de artículos originales en las bases de datos Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed y BVS, que aportaron información sobre variantes genéticas relacionadas con polimorfismos del gen IL6. Se excluyeron los estudios que no presentaron datos completos, incluidos datos estadísticos, revisiones, metanálisis y resúmenes. Resultados:Se encontraron un total de 54 artículos en las bases de datos. La plataforma Rayyan se utilizó para eliminar los duplicados y leer los resúmenes para la selección inicial. Hubo 12 artículos, donde aquellos que eran de libre acceso fueron enviados para lectura completa, totalizando 5 artículos para esta revisión. Conclusión:La evidencia sugiere una condición sistémica en el TDM y los datos demuestran cambios inflamatorios. Dado que en la mayoría de los estudios los pacientes con TDM tenían estados inflamatorios más altos, parece haber una relación entre la IL-6 y el trastorno. La IL-6 induce cambios en el cerebro, la activación de la microglía y controla la salud de las neuronas, y puede hacer tangible una relación entre los polimorfismos y la enfermedad, pero no hay muchos estudios en el área.

Combinación de datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud con notificaciones GES de depresión para mejorar la estimación de la prevalencia de depresión en Chile / Combining the national health survey with GES notifications to improve the depression prevalence estimation in Chile

BACKGROUND: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a public health problem of increasing severity in Chile. However, prevalence studies of MDD yield discordant results. Reconciling these discordances, at least in part, requires improving the estimate of MDD prevalence in Chile. AIM: To improve the estimate of MDD prevalence in Chile, by combining data from the 2016/17 Chilean National Health Survey (ENS) with data from the mandatory notifications of users of the Explicit health guaranties (GES acronym in Spanish) program of the Ministry of Health for MDD treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The 2016/17 ENS, applied a Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) module (n = 3,403), to diagnose individuals with MDD. This article presents an approach that combines the CIDI/ENS diagnoses with GES depression notifications for this period. This dataset combination was applied first to individual macro-zones, then at a national level. RESULTS: The analysis with ENS 2016/17 data only, yields a prevalence of MDD in subjects 18 years or older of 6.19% (95% CI: 4.51-8.43). However, the analysis of the combined data sources yields a prevalence that increases to 6.65% (95% CI: 4.63-8.67). In terms of number of cases, this prevalence increase translates into 63,474 additional MDD cases per year. CONCLUSIONS: The MDD prevalence that results from combining ENS 2016/17 and GES data is greater than the prevalence reported by the ENS 2016/17 alone. This increase in cases allows policymakers to improve budgeting and implementation of public policies concerning the prevention and treatment of MDD.

Avaliação do comportamento suicida em estudantes de Medicina / Assessment of suicidal behavior in medical students

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de comportamento suicida (ideação, plano e tentativa) nos últimos 12 meses e ao longo da vida e fatores associados entre alunos de Medicina da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). MÉTODOS: Um estudo seccional foi desenvolvido em uma amostra representativa e aleatória (n = 324) de 1.217 estudantes de Medicina da UFRJ entre abril e novembro de 2019. Os dados foram coletados por cinco pesquisadores em uma entrevista presencial com 296 alunos (taxa de participação de 91,4%), usando um questionário do Estudo Multicêntrico de Intervenção no Comportamento Suicida para avaliar o comportamento suicida, o PHQ-9 (Questionário de Saúde do Paciente-9) para avaliar o episódio depressivo maior e o ASSIST (Teste de Triagem do Envolvimento com Substâncias) para aferir o uso e abuso de substâncias. Para a avaliação das associações, utilizou-se o modelo de regressão logística. RESULTADOS: As prevalências nos últimos 12 meses foram de 18,9% (IC de 95%: 14,9-23,8) para ideação, 6,1% (IC de 95%: 3,9-9,4) para plano e 1,7% (IC de 95%: 0,7- 4,1) para tentativa de suicídio. As prevalências ao longo da vida foram de 27,7% (IC de 95%: 22,9-33,0) para ideação, 12,5% (IC de 95%: 9,2-16,7) para plano e 5,7% (IC de 95%: 3,6-9,0) para tentativa de suicídio. Os resultados encontrados foram maiores que os achados dos estudos nacionais. O episódio depressivo maior e o tratamento psicológico atual foram associados ao comportamento suicida na análise final. CONCLUSÕES: A associação com tratamento em saúde mental e episódio depressivo maior sugere que as universidades deveriam implementar programas para a prevenção do comportamento suicida.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to analyze the lifetime and past 12-month prevalence rates of suicidal behavior (suicidal ideation, suicide plans and suicidal attempt) and associated factors among medical students at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: Sectional study was applied to a representative and random set (n = 324) of 1,217 medical students between April and November of 2019. The data were collected by five researchers through in-person interviews with 296 of 324 volunteers (participation rate of 91.4%), using the Multisite Intervention Study on Suicidal Behavior interview to assess suicidal behavior, the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) to assess major depressive episode, and ASSIST (Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test) to assess substance use and abuse. A logistic regression model was used to calculate associations. RESULTS: The rates of past-12 month were found to be 18.9% (CI 95%: 14.9-23.8) for ideation, 6.1% (CI 95%: 3.9-9.4) for suicide plans and 1.7% (CI 95%: 0.7-4.1) for suicidal attempts. The lifetime prevalence rates were 27.7% (CI 95%: 22,9-33,0) for suicidal ideation, 12.5% (CI 95%: 9.2-16.7) for plans and 5.7% (CI 95%: 3.6-9.0) for suicidal attempts. These rates are higher than the measured results among medical students in Brazil. The factors associated in the final analysis were the major depressive episode and current psychological treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The association between mental health treatment and major depressive episode suggest that the universities should implement suicidal behavior prevention programs.

Prevalence of clinical manifestations suggestive of depression in patients with sickle cell disease: a review / Prevalência de manifestações clínicas sugestivas de depressão em pacientes portadores de doença falciforme: uma revisão

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of clinical manifestations suggestive of depression in patients with sickle cell disease. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed® , LILACS and SciELO, with the following inclusion criteria: cross-sectional studies that assessed the prevalence of depression in patients with sickle cell disease, published in English or Portuguese in the last 10 years. The selection of the articles was performed in two stages by two independent researchers following the PRISMA (Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) recommendations. The first stage consisted on screening the titles and abstracts, and in the second stage the full text was appraised, both following the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: From the 42 articles available, nine were included in this review. Seven instruments were used to screen for depression with different cutoff points, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was the most used instrument. The worldwide prevalence of clinical manifestations suggestive of depression ranged from 11 to 40%, according to several variables. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of clinical manifestations suggestive of depression in patients with sickle cell disease is higher compared to the prevalence of depression in the general population. Thus, the multidisciplinary follow-up for these people, with a focus on mental health, is of great importance.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência mundial de manifestações clínicas sugestivas de depressão em portadores de doença falciforme. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se uma busca sistemática nas bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed® , LILACS e SciELO, para identificação dos estudos transversais, publicados em inglês ou português nos últimos 10 anos, que avaliaram a prevalência de depressão em portadores de doença falciforme. A seleção dos artigos foi realizada em duas etapas e por dois pesquisadores independentes seguindo a recomendação PRISMA (Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses). A primeira etapa consistiu na triagem dos títulos e resumos e na segunda etapa foi realizada a análise completa do artigo, ambas seguindo os critérios de inclusão e exclusão predefinidos. RESULTADOS: Dos 42 artigos disponíveis, nove foram incluídos na revisão. Foram utilizados sete instrumentos diferentes para rastreio de depressão com diferentes pontos de corte, sendo The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) o instrumento mais utilizado. A prevalência mundial de manifestações clínicas sugestivas de depressão variou de 11% a 40%, conforme diversas variáveis verificadas. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de manifestações clínicas sugestivas de depressão encontrada para os portadores de doença falciforme é superior à prevalência de depressão descrita na população geral. Desse modo, é de suma importância o acompanhamento multidisciplinar para essas pessoas, com enfoque na saúde mental.

Depresión mayor en ancianos de 85 y más años. Su asociación con demencia / Major depression in the elderly aged 85 and over. Its association with dementia

Depression is considered the most frequent mental illness; it is a cause of disability and constitutes a modifiable risk factor for the future development of dementia. The objective of tis study was to determine the frequency of major depression in elderly aged 85 and over and its possible association with dementia and with sociodemographic and clinical aspects. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 202 elderly who were treated in the protocolized consultation ¨The care of cognitive disorders in the elderly ¨, of the Hermanos Ameijeiras hospital, during the period between February 2016 and May 2016. 2020. 55.9% of the elderly were women and 64.9% were between 85 and 89 years old. A significant association was found between major depression and having comorbidity (p = 0.001), being a smoker (p = 0.003) and being a drinker (p <0.001). Major depression and dementia were diagnosed in 12.9% of the elderly, with no significant relationship (p = 0.731). The frequency of major depression in elderly aged 85 and over who were treated in a care consultation for cognitive disorders in the elderly is considered high. An association was identified between factors that deteriorated health and the presence of major depression, but not between it and dementia.

La depresión es considerada la enfermedad mental más frecuente, es causa de discapacidad y constituye un factor de riesgo modificable para el futuro desarrollo de demencia. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la frecuencia de depresión mayor en ancianos de 85 y más años de edad y su posible asociación con demencia, con aspectos sociodemográficos y clínicos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal, en 202 ancianos que fueron atendidos en la consulta protocolizada para la atención de los trastornos cognitivos en el anciano, del hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras, durante el periodo comprendido entre febrero de 2016 y mayo de 2020. El 26% de los ancianos estudiados presentaba depresión mayor. Se encontró asociación significativa entre la depresión mayor y tener comorbilidad (p = 0,001), ser fumador (p = 0,003) y ser bebedor (p < 0,001). En el 12,9% de los ancianos se diagnosticó depresión mayor y demencia, sin relación significativa (p = 0,731). La frecuencia de depresión mayor en ancianos de 85 y más años que fueron atendidos en consulta de atención a los trastornos cognitivos en el anciano se considera alta. Se identificó asociación entre factores que deterioraron la salud y presencia de depresión mayor, no así entre esta y demencia.

Major depressive episode in mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based study in the Southern Brazil / Episódio depressivo maior entre mães durante a pandemia da COVID-19: um estudo populacional no Sul do Brasil / Episodio depresivo mayor en madres durante la pandemia de COVID-19: un estudio de base poblacional en el sur de Brasil

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed individuals and families, causing adverse psychological effects, especially in young adults, women, and parents. This study aimed to verify the prevalence of current major depressive episode (CMDE) in mothers of preschoolers (up to five years old) and its associated stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic in a municipality in the Southern Brazil. This is a cross-sectional, population-based study with mothers. All mothers were interviewed by telephone call during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I. Plus) to assess the presence of CMDE. Statistical analysis was conducted using the chi-square test and a multivariate logistic regression. We evaluated 666 mothers. The prevalence of CMDE was 12.3%. Mothers with financial losses had 2.1 (95%CI: 1.3-3.4) more odds of presenting CMDE than those financially stable. We observed that financial losses were determinant for the higher prevalence of depression in mothers.

A pandemia da COVID-19 tem levado a mudanças em indivíduos e famílias, com efeitos psicológicos adversos, principalmente em adultos jovens, mulheres e pais e mães. O estudo buscou averiguar a prevalência de episódio depressivo maior atual (EDMA) em mães de pré-escolares (até 5 anos de idade) e estressores associados durante a pandemia da COVID-19 em uma cidade no Sul do Brasil. Este é um estudo transversal aninhado em um estudo de base populacional com mães. Todas as mães foram entrevistadas através de contato telefônico durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Os autores usaram a Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I. Plus) para avaliar a presença de EDMA. A análise estatística foi realizada, calculando o qui-quadrado e a regressão logística multivariada. Foram avaliadas 666 mães. A prevalência de EDMA foi de 12,3%. Mães com perdas financeiras apresentaram probabilidade 2,1 vezes maior (IC95%: 1,3-3,4) de apresentar EDMA, comparadas com aquelas que mantiveram a situação financeira. Com base nos resultados, os autores observaram que perdas financeiras foram determinantes para a prevalência maior de depressão materna.

La pandemia de COVID-19 ha provocado cambios en los individuos y las familias, causando efectos psicológicos adversos, especialmente en los adultos jóvenes, las mujeres y los padres y madres. El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la prevalencia del episodio depresivo mayor actual (EDMA) en madres de preescolares (hasta 5 años) y sus estresores asociados durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en una ciudad del sur de Brasil. Se trata de un estudio transversal anidado en un estudio poblacional con madres. Todas las madres fueron entrevistadas mediante contacto telefónico durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Se utilizó la Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I. Plus) para evaluar la presencia de EDMA. El análisis estadístico se realizó calculando la prueba de chi-cuadrado y una regresión logística multivariante. Se evaluaron 666 madres. La prevalencia de EDMA fue del 12,3%. Las madres con pérdidas económicas tenían un 2,1 (IC95%: 1,3-3,4) más probabilidades de presentar EDMA que las que mantuvieron su situación económica. Teniendo en cuenta los resultados, observamos que las pérdidas económicas fueron determinantes para la mayor prevalencia de depresión materna.

Qualidade de vida, sintomas de depressão e adesão ao tratamento em pacientes com trantorno depressivo maior / Quality of life, depression symptoms and adherence to treatment in patients with major depressive disorder / Calidad de vida, síntomas depresión y adhesión al tratamiento en pacientes con trastorno depresivo mayor

Introdução:Pacientes com depressão maior geralmente respondem ao tratamento com medicamentos antidepressivos, no entanto em 10% a 30% dos casos há apenas uma resposta parcial ou nenhuma resposta, entre os fatores que podem influenciar encontra-se o perfil das enzimas hepáticas metabolizadoras dos antidepressivos, tal como a CYP2C19.Objetivo:Caracterizar os indivíduos quanto ao perfil genético dospolimorfismos CYP2C19*2 ou CYP2C19*17 em pacientes com transtorno depressivo maior (TDM) tratados com citalopram ou escitalopram e compará-los em relação a adesão ao tratamento, sintomas de depressão e qualidade de vida.Metodologia:Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com 29 pacientes com TDM. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para genotipagem de CYP2C19 por discriminação alélica TaqMan®. Após caracterização do perfil genético, os indivíduos foram comparados quanto aos dados demográfico e socioeconômico, adesão ao tratamento (TestedeMorisky-Green),sintomas de depressão (escala de Hamilton) e qualidade de vida (WHOQoL-BREF).Resultados:Quatro pacientes (13.8%) apresentaram polimorfismo para CYP2C19*2 e 10 pacientes (34.4%) para CYP2C19*17, com maior prevalência de CYP2C19*17 (p>0.05). Nenhuma associação significativa de características socioeconômicas, demográficas e clínicas entre os genótipos do CYP2C19.No TestedeMorisky-Green, aadesão moderada ao tratamento foi predominante nos pacientes CYP2C19*2 e CYP2C19*17 (p>0.05). Não foi observada associação entre sintomas de depressão e polimorfismos genéticos (p>0.05). Uma associação significativa entre o genótipo polimórfico CC do CYP2C19*17 com a satisfação com a saúde, enquanto o genótipo CT foi associado ao estado "nem satisfeito/nem insatisfeito" (p<0.05). A maioria dos indivíduos CYP2C19*2 e CYP2C19*17 relatou "necessidade de melhorar" em relação aos domínios de qualidade de vida físico, psicológico, social e ambiental (p>0.05).Conclusões:Os pacientes apresentaram maior prevalência do polimorfismo CYP2C19*17, com moderada adesão ao tratamento. Alguns pacientes, mesmo sob efeito da medicação, apresentaram sintomas de depressão moderado a intenso e relataram uma indefinição na satisfação da sua qualidade de vida (AU).

Introduction:Patients with major depression usually respond to treatment with antidepressant drugs, however in 10% to 30% of cases there is only a partial response or no response, among the factors that can influence is the profile of liver enzymes metabolizing antidepressants, such as CYP2C19.Objective:To characterize the individuals regarding the genetic profile ofCYP2C19*2or CYP2C19*17 polymorphisms in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) treated with citalopram or escitalopram, and to compare themaccording to treatment adherence, symptoms of depression and quality of life.Methodology:This is cross-sectionalstudy carried out with 29 patients with MDD. Blood samples were collected for CYP2C19 genotyping by TaqMan® allelic discrimination. After characterization of the genetic profile, the individuals were compared regarding the demographic and socioeconomic data, treatment adherence (Morisky-GreenTest), symptoms of depression (Hamilton scale) and quality of life (WHOQoL-BREF).Results:Four patients showed (13.8%) CYP219*2 and 10 patients (34.4%) CYP219*17 polymorphisms.,withhigher prevalence of CYP219*17 (p>0.05). No association between socioeconomic, demographic, and clinical features with CYP2C19 genotypes was observed. In Morisky-GreenTest, moderate adherence to treatment was predominant for CYP2C19*2 and CYP219*17 patients (p>0.05). No statistically significant association was observed between symptoms of depression and genetic polymorphisms (p>0.05). A significant association between polymorphic CC genotype of CYP219*17 with health satisfaction, while the CT genotype was associated with "neither satisfied/nor dissatisfied" status (p<0.05). Most of the CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*17 subjects reported "need to improve" or "regular" regarding physical, psychological, social, and environmental domainsof quality of life(p>0.05).Conclusions:The patients showed a higher prevalence of CYP219*17 polymorphism, with moderate treatment adherence. Some subjects, even under the effect of the medication, presented moderate to intense symptoms of depression, and reported a lack of definition in the satisfaction of their quality of life (AU).

Introducción:Los pacientes con depresión mayor responder al tratamiento con antidepresivos, en 10% al 30% de los casos existe una respuesta parcial o nula, entre los factores que pueden influir se encuentra el perfil de enzimas hepáticas metabolizadoras de antidepresivos, como CYP2C19.Objetivo: Caracterizar a los individuos en cuanto al perfil genético depolimorfismos CYP2C19 *2 o CYP2C19 * 17 en pacientes con trastorno depresivo mayor (TDM) tratados con citalopram o escitalopram y compararlos en relaciónpara la adherencia al tratamiento, síntomas de depresión y la calidad de vida.Metodología: Estudio transversalcon 29 pacientes con TDM. Se recogieron muestras de sangre para la determinación del genotipo CYP2C19 mediante discriminación alélica TaqMan®, los individuos fueron comparados en cuanto a los datosdemográficosy socioeconómicos, adherencia (Prueba de Morisky-Green), síntomas de depresión (escala de Hamilton) y calidad de vida (WHOQoL-BREF).Resultados: Cuatro pacientes (13,8%) con polimorfismo CYP2C19*2 y 10 (34,4%) con CYP2C19 * 17,(p> 0,05). No existe una asociación significativa de las características socioeconómicas, demográficas y clínicas con los genotipos CYP2C19. La adherencia moderada al tratamiento fue predominante en los pacientes con CYP2C19*2 y CYP2C19*17 (p> 0,05). No hubo asociación entre síntomas de depresión y polimorfismos genéticos (p> 0.05). Una asociación significativa entre el genotipo polimórfico CYP2C19 * 17 CC con la satisfacción con la salud, mientras que el genotipo CT se asoció con el estado "ni satisfecho / no insatisfecho" (p <0.05). La mayoría de CYP2C19 * 2 y CYP2C19 * 17 individuos informaron "necesidad de mejorar" en relación con los dominios físico, psicológico, social y ambientalde calidad de vida(p> 0,05).Conclusiones: Los pacients mostraron una mayor prevalencia del CYP2C19 * 17, con adherencia moderada al tratamiento, síntomas de depresión moderada a intensay informaron una falta de definición en la satisfacción de su calidad de vida (AU).

Mental health of nursing professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To identify the prevalence of and factors associated with: (1) major depressive episodes; (2) minor psychiatric disorders (MPDs); and (3) suicidal ideation among nursing professionals from a municipality in southern Brazil. METHODS Using a cross-sectional design, we recruited 890 nursing professionals linked to 50 Primary Care units, 2 walk-in clinics, 2 hospital services, 1 emergency room service, 1 mobile emergency care service, and 1 teleconsultation service, in addition to the municipal epidemiological surveillance service and the vacancy regulation center between June and July 2020. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Self-Reporting Questionnaire to evaluate the studied outcomes. Associations between the outcomes and variables related to sociodemographic profile, work, health conditions, and daily life were explored using Poisson regression models with robust variance estimators. RESULTS The observed prevalence of depression, MPDs, and suicidal ideation were 36.6%, 44%, and 7.4%, respectively. MPDs were associated with the assessment of support received by the service as 'regular' (PR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.19-1.85) or 'poor' (PR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.23-1.94), with a reported moderate (PR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.29-2.07), or heavy (PR: 2.54; 95% CI: 2.05-3.15) workload, and with suspected COVID-19 infection (PR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.25-1.66). Major depressive episodes were associated with a reported lack of personal protective equipment (PR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.01-1.42), whereas suicidal ideation was inversely related to per capita income > 3 minimum monthly wages (PR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.11-0.68), and positively related to the use of psychotropic drugs (PR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.87-5.26). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that nursing professionals' working conditions are associated with their mental health status. The need to improve working conditions through adequate dimensioning, support and proper biosafety measures is only heightened in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Association of SCN2A, ABCB1 and CYP2C19*3 with genetic susceptibility to major depressive disorder / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: Due to genetic factors might increase the risk of depression, this study investigated the genetic risk factors of depression in Chinese Han population by analyzing the association between 13 candidate genes and depression. Methods: 439 depression patients and 464 healthy controls were included in this case-control study. Case group consisted of 158 males and 281 females, aged (29.84±14.91) years old, who were hospitalized in three departments of the affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University including Affective Disorders Department, Adult Psychiatry Department and Geriatrics Department, from February 2020 to September 2021. The control group consisted of 196 males and 268 females, aged (30.65±12.63) years old. 20 loci of 13 candidate genes in all subjects were detected by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Age difference was compared using the student's t-test, the distributions of gender and genotype were analyzed with Pearson's Chi-square test. The analyses of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, allele frequency and the genetic association of depression were conducted using the corresponding programs in PLINK software. Results: PLINK analysis showed that SCN2A rs17183814, ABCB1 rs1045642, CYP2C19*3 rs4986893 and NAT2*5A rs1799929 were associated with depression before Bonferroni correction (χ2=10.340, P=0.001; χ2=11.010, P=0.001; χ2=9.781, P=0.002; χ2=4.481, P=0.034). The frequencies of minor alleles of above loci in the control group were 12.07%, 43.64%, 2.59% and 3.88%, respectively. The frequencies of minor alleles of loci mentioned above in the case group were 17.43%, 35.99%, 5.47% and 6.04%, respectively. OR values were 1.538, 0.726, 2.178 and 1.592, respectively. After 1 000 000 permutation tests using Max(T) permutation procedure, the four loci were still statistically significant, the empirical P-value were 0.002, 0.001, 0.003 and 0.042, respectively. However, only three loci including SCN2A rs17183814, ABCB1 rs1045642 and CYP2C19 rs4986893 had statistical significance after Bonferroni correction, the adjusted P-value were 0.026, 0.018 and 0.035, respectively. Conclusion: SCN2A rs17183814, ABCB1 rs1045642 and CYP2C19*3 rs4986893 were associated with depression's susceptibility in Chinese Han population. The A allele of SCN2A rs17183814 and CYP2C19*3 rs4986893 were risk factors for depression, while the T allele of ABCB1 rs1045642 was a protective factor for depression.

Eficácia e segurança de Duloxetina comparado a outros antidepressivos disponíveis no SUS para o tratamento de depressão maior: revisão rápida de evidências / Effectiveness and safety of Duloxetine compared to other antidepressant agents available in Brazilian Public Health for treatment of major depression: rapid response review of evidence

Tecnologia: Duloxetina e outros antidepressivos disponíveis no Sistema Único de Saúde (amitriptilina, nortriptilina, clomipramina, fluoxetina e bupropiona). Indicação: Tratamento do primeiro episódio depressivo no transtorno de depressão maior em adultos. Pergunta: A duloxetina é mais eficaz e tolerável que a amitriptilina, nortriptilina, clomipramina, fluoxetina e bupropiona para o tratamento do primeiro episódio de depressão maior em adultos? Métodos: Revisão rápida de evidências (overview) de revisões sistemáticas, com levantamento bibliográfico realizado na base de dados PUBMED, utilizando estratégia estruturada de busca. A qualidade metodológica das revisões sistemáticas foi avaliada com AMSTAR-2 (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews). Resultados: Foi selecionada 1 revisão sistemática, que atendia aos critérios de inclusão. Conclusão: Os antidepressivos, comparados ao placebo, tinham maior taxa de resposta, taxa de remissão e taxa de descontinuação devido a efeitos colaterais, no tratamento de curto prazo. Duloxetina tinha taxa de resposta similar a amitriptilina, clomipramina, fluoxetina e bupropiona. Duloxetina e amitriptilina tinham maior taxa de remissão que fluoxetina. Comparando-se as taxas de abandono de tratamento devido a efeitos colaterais, clomipramina era menos seguro, amitriptilina, bupropiona e duloxetina eram parecidos entre si, e fluoxetina era o antidepressivo mais seguro

Technology: Duloxetine and other antidepressants available in the Brazilian Public Health System (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, fluoxetine and bupropion). Indication: Treatment of the first depressive episode in adult major depressive disorder. Question: Is duloxetine more effective and tolerable than amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, fluoxetine and bupropion for the treatment of first episode of major depression in adults? Methods: Rapid response review of evidence (overview) from systematic reviews, with a bibliographic search in the PUBMED database, using a structured strategy. The methodological quality of systematic reviews was assessed with AMSTAR-2 (Methodological Quality Assessment of Systematic Reviews). Results: One systematic review was selected, which met the inclusion criteria. Conclusion: In short-term treatment, antidepressants, compared to placebo, had a higher rate of response, rate of remission and rate drop-out due to side effects. Duloxetine had a similar response rate to amitriptyline, clomipramine, fluoxetine and bupropion. Duloxetine and amitriptyline had higher remission rates than fluoxetine. Comparing rates of dropout due to side effects, clomipramine had the worst rates, amitriptyline, bupropion, and duloxetine were similar to each other, and fluoxetine had the better rates

Upon that which binds me

@#The patient is a 36-year-old- male who was bullied by peers and was emotionally abused by his father for being effeminate and preferring to play with dolls. These adverse childhood experiences made him vulnerable to depression. He told himself that he could no longer rely on anyone else but himself and took pride in his independence. He gave his best with his endeavors and did not settle for mediocrity, frequently reviewing his work. During the pandemic, he experienced several hardships such as disruption of activities, inability to meet the financial needs of his family and unemployment. He found himself struggling but surviving. While in a work-from-home arrangement, he was so frustrated about his internet connection that he complained on social media. The internet company then threatened him of possible legal charges and felt stuck in a hopeless situation. This affected his day-to-day activities until he felt so overwhelmed that he attempted suicide by ingesting multiple medications. He was then brought to the emergency room and was admitted. He was diagnosed to have Major Depressive Disorder and was started on antidepressants. Psychotherapy focused on identifying stressors and strengthening adaptive coping mechanisms while he was admitted at an isolation facility. He then followed up at the outpatient department of a tertiary government hospital in Mindanao with noted improvement in mood and functionality overtime. During admission, he was also diagnosed to have Diabetes Mellitus and COVID-19, which added to his burden as these were the biologic factors that were correlated to his depression. The case highlighted the interplay between the effects of multiple traumatic experiences in a vulnerable individual and thus necessitating a holistic management.

Roles of m6A modification in neurological diseases / 中南大学学报(医学版)

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification is one of the most common epigenetic modifications for eukaryotic mRNA. Under the catalytic regulation of relevant enzymes, m6A participates in the body's pathophysiological processes via mediating RNA transcription, splicing, translation, and decay. In the past, we mainly focused on the regulation of m6A in tumors such as hematological tumors, cervical cancer, breast cancer. In recent years, it has been found that m6A is enriched in mRNAs of neurogenesis, cell cycle, and neuron differentiation. Its regulation in the nervous system is gradually being recognized. When the level of m6A modification and the expression levels of relevant enzyme proteins are changed, it will cause neurological dysfunction and participate in the occurrence and conversion of neurological diseases. Recent studies have found that the m6A modification and its associated enzymes were involved in major depressive disorder, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Fragile X syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury, and they also play a key role in the development of neurological diseases and many other neurological diseases. This paper mainly reviewed the recent progress of m6A modification-related enzymes, focusing on the impact of m6A modification and related enzyme-mediated regulation of gene expression on the central nervous system diseases, so as to provide potential targets for the prevention of neurological diseases.

High efficiency of left superior frontal gyrus and the symptom features of major depressive disorder / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Major depressive disorder (MDD) patients with anhedonia tend to have a poor prognosis. The underlying imaging basis for anhedonia in MDD remains largely unknown. The relationship between nodal properties and anhedonia in MDD patients need to be further investigated. Herein, this study aims to explore differences of cerebral functional node characteristics in MDD patients with severe anhedonia (MDD-SA) and MDD patients with mild anhedonia (MDD-MA) before and after the antidepressant treatment.@*METHODS@#Ninety participants with current MDD were recruited in this study. 24-Item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24) and Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) were used to assess the severity of depression and anhedonia at baseline and the end of 6-months treatment. The MDD patients who scored above the 25th percentile on the SHAPS were assigned to an MDD-SA group (n=19), while those who scored below the 25th percentile were assigned to an MDD-MA group (n=18). All patients in the 2 groups received antidepressant treatment. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) images of all the patients were collected at baseline and the end of 6-months treatment. Graph theory was applied to analyze the patients' cerebral functional nodal characteristics, which were measured by efficiency (ei) and degree (ki).@*RESULTS@#Repeated measures 2-factor ANCOVA showed significant main effects on group on the ei and ki values of left superior frontal gyrus (LSFG) (P=0.003 and P=0.008, respectively), and on the ei and ki values of left medial orbital-frontal gyrus (LMOFG) (P=0.004 and P=0.008, respectively). Compared with the MDD-MA group, the significantly higher ei and ki values of the LSFG (P=0.015 and P=0.021, respectively), and the significantly higher ei and ki values of the LMOFG (P=0.015 and P=0.037, respectively) were observed in the MDD-SA group at baseline. Meanwhile, higher SHAPS scores could result in higher ei and ki values of LSFG (P=0.019 and P=0.026, respectively), and higher ei value of LMOFG (P=0.040) at baseline; higher SHAPS scores could result in higher ei values of LSFG (P=0.049) at the end of 6-months treatment. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that sex were negatively correlated with the ei and ki values of LSFG (r= -0.014, P=0.004; r=-1.153, P=0.001, respectively). The onset age of MDD was negatively correlated with the ki value of LSFG (r=-0.420, P=0.034) at the end of 6-months treatment. We also found that SHAPS scores at baseline were positively correlated with the HAMD-24 scores (r=0.387, P=0.022) at the end of 6-months treatment.@*CONCLUSIONS@#There are obvious differences in nodal properties between the MDD-SA and the MDD-MA patients, such as the high ei of LSFG in the MDD-SA patients, which may be associated with the severity of anhedonia. These nodal properties could be potential biomarkers for the prognosis of MDD. The increased ei and ki values in the LSFG of MDD-SA patients may underlie a compensatory mechanism or protective mechanism. The mechanism may be an important component of the pathological mechanism of MDD-SA. The poor prognosis in the MDD-SA patients suggests that anhedonia may predict a worse prognosis in MDD patients. Sex and onset age of MDD may affect the nodal properties of LSFG at baseline and the end of 6-months treatment.

Major depressive disorder prediction using data science

Background@#Major depressive disorder is a mood disorder that has affected many people worldwide. It is characterized by persistently low or depressed mood, anhedonia or decreased interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, lack of energy, poor concentration, appetite changes, psychomotor retardation or agitation, sleep disturbances, or suicidal thoughts. @*Objective@#The objective of the study was to predict the presence of major depressive disorder using a variety of machine learning classification algorithms (logistic regression, Naive Bayes, support vector machine, random forest, adaptive boosting, and extreme gradient boosting) on a publicly available depression dataset. @*Methodology@#After data pre-processing, several experiments were performed to assess the recursive feature elimination with cross validation as a feature selection method and synthetic minority over-sampling technique to address dataset imbalance. Several machine learning algorithms were applied on an anonymized publicly available depression dataset. Feature importance of the top performing models were also generated. All simulation experiments were implemented via Python 3.8 and its machine learning libraries (Scikit-learn, Keras, Tensorflow, Pandas, Matplotlib, Seaborn, NumPy). @*Results@#The top performing model was obtained by logistic regression with excellent performance metrics (91% accuracy, 93% sensitivity, 85% specificity, 93% recall, 93% F1-score, and 0.78 Matthews correlation coefficient). Feature importance scores of the most relevant attribute were also generated for the best model. @*Conclusion@#The findings suggest the utility of data science techniques powered by machine learning models to make a diagnosis of major depressive disorders with acceptable results. The potential deployment of these machine learning models in clinical practice can further enhance the diagnostic acumen of health professionals. Using data analytics and machine learning, data scientists can have a better understanding of mental health illness contributing to prompt and improved diagnosis thereby leading to the institution of early intervention and medical treatments ensuring the best quality of care for our patients.