Self-Administered Interventions Based on Natural Language Processing Models for Reducing Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of natural language processing (NLP) technologies has significantly enhanced the potential of self-administered interventions for treating anxiety and depression by improving human-computer interactions. Although these advances, particularly in complex models such as generative artificial intelligence (AI), are highly promising, robust evidence validating the effectiveness of the interventions remains sparse. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether self-administered interventions based on NLP models can reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, IEEE Xplore, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to November 3, 2023. We included studies with participants of any age diagnosed with depression or anxiety through professional consultation or validated psychometric instruments. Interventions had to be self-administered and based on NLP models, with passive or active comparators. Outcomes measured included depressive and anxiety symptom scores. We included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies but excluded narrative, systematic, and scoping reviews. Data extraction was performed independently by pairs of authors using a predefined form. Meta-analysis was conducted using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and random effects models to account for heterogeneity. RESULTS: In all, 21 articles were selected for review, of which 76% (16/21) were included in the meta-analysis for each outcome. Most of the studies (16/21, 76%) were recent (2020-2023), with interventions being mostly AI-based NLP models (11/21, 52%); most (19/21, 90%) delivered some form of therapy (primarily cognitive behavioral therapy: 16/19, 84%). The overall meta-analysis showed that self-administered interventions based on NLP models were significantly more effective in reducing both depressive (SMD 0.819, 95% CI 0.389-1.250; P<.001) and anxiety (SMD 0.272, 95% CI 0.116-0.428; P=.001) symptoms compared to various control conditions. Subgroup analysis indicated that AI-based NLP models were effective in reducing depressive symptoms (SMD 0.821, 95% CI 0.207-1.436; P<.001) compared to pooled control conditions. Rule-based NLP models showed effectiveness in reducing both depressive (SMD 0.854, 95% CI 0.172-1.537; P=.01) and anxiety (SMD 0.347, 95% CI 0.116-0.578; P=.003) symptoms. The meta-regression showed no significant association between participants' mean age and treatment outcomes (all P>.05). Although the findings were positive, the overall certainty of evidence was very low, mainly due to a high risk of bias, heterogeneity, and potential publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the effectiveness of self-administered NLP-based interventions in alleviating depressive and anxiety symptoms, highlighting their potential to increase accessibility to, and reduce costs in, mental health care. Although the results were encouraging, the certainty of evidence was low, underscoring the need for further high-quality randomized controlled trials and studies examining implementation and usability. These interventions could become valuable components of public health strategies to address mental health issues. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42023472120; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023472120.

Effects of high-intensity interval training on depressive and anxiety symptoms in healthy individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Although evidence regarding the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on mental health has increased in recent years, there is still no consensus regarding the effects of HIIT on the symptoms of depression and anxiety in a healthy population. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to investigate the effects of HIIT on depressive and/or anxiety symptoms in healthy individuals. The following four databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and PsycINFO. Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis based on standardized mean difference (SMD). The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2.0 tool, and the certainty of the evidence was evaluated based on recommendations GRADE. Eight RCTs evaluating 471 participants (81% female) were considered eligible for inclusion. The results of the meta-analysis showed that HIIT-based interventions had no significant effect on reducing anxiety (SMD = -0.17; 95% CI: -0.53, 0.19; p = 0.27) and depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.38; 95% CI: -1.06, 0.30; p = 0.17) compared with the passive control group. In conclusion, HIIT does not improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in healthy individuals. This finding is based on evidence of very low certainty. Therefore, the evidence is still not consistent enough to support HIIT as a viable strategy to reduce both outcomes because of the limited number of included studies and the overall quality of evidence.

Exchanging screen for non-screen sitting time or physical activity might attenuate depression and anxiety: A cross-sectional isotemporal analysis during early pandemics in South America.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the theoretical substitutions of screen exposure, non-screen sitting time, moderate and vigorous physical activity with depressive and anxiety symptoms in South American adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic with data from 1981 adults from Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. METHODS: Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories. Participants also reported physical activity, sitting time, screen exposure, sociodemographic, and tobacco use data. Isotemporal substitution models were created using multivariable linear regression methods. RESULTS: Vigorous physical activity, moderate physical activity, and screen exposure were independently associated with depression and anxiety symptoms. In adjusted isotemporal substitution models, replacing 10 min/day of either screen exposure or non-screen sitting time with any intensity of physical activity was associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. Improvements in anxiety symptoms were found when reallocating either screen exposure or non-screen sitting time to moderate physical activity. Furthermore, replacing 10 min/day of screen exposure with non-screen sitting time was beneficially associated with anxiety (B = -0.033; 95 % CI = -0.059, -0.006) and depression (B = -0.026; 95 % CI = -0.050, -0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Replacement of screen exposure with any intensity of physical activity or non-screen sitting time could improve mental health symptoms. Strategies aiming to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms highlight physical activity promotion. However, future interventions should explore specific sedentary behaviors as some will relate positively while others negatively.

Quality of Life and Depression Conditions of Women with Gestational Diabetes during Pregnancy and Postpartum Period / Qualidade de vida e condições de depressão em mulheres com diabetes gestacional durante a gravidez e o período pós-parto

Abstract Objective The study was conducted to determine the quality of life and depression of women with gestational diabetes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Methods 100 pregnant women with gestational diabetes and 100 healthy pregnant women were included in the present study. Data were obtained from pregnant women in their third trimester who agreed to take part in the study. The data was collected during the third trimester and six to eight weeks after the baby was born. The data were obtained by socio-demographic characteristics form, postpartum data collection form, the MOS 36 Item Short Form Health Survey and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). Results The mean age of pregnant women with gestational diabetes in the study was the same as the average age of healthy pregnant women. The CESD score of pregnant women with gestational diabetes was 26,77 ± 4,85 while the corresponding score was 25,19 ± 4,43 for healthy women. Additionally, the score in the postpartum period was 32.47 ± 5.94 for pregnant women with gestational diabetes and 35.47 ± 8.33 for healthy pregnant women. CESD scores were found to be higher than the cut-off score of 16 in both groups, and the mean scores increased during the postpartum period. Conclusion During the postpartum period, the quality of life of pregnant women with gestational diabetes was affected more negatively than healthy pregnant women. Depressive symptoms of women with both gestational diabetes and healthy pregnancy were found to be high in pregnancy and postpartum periods.

Resumo Objetivo O estudo foi realizado para determinar a qualidade de vida e depressão de mulheres com diabetes gestacional durante a gravidez e período pós-parto. Métodos 100 gestantes com diabetes gestacional e 100 gestantes saudáveis incluídas no presente estudo. Os dados foram obtidos de mulheres grávidas no terceiro trimestre que concordaram em participar do estudo. Os dados foram coletados durante o terceiro trimestre e seis a oito semanas após o nascimento do bebê. Os dados foram obtidos por meio do formulário de características sociodemográficas formulário de coleta de dados pós-parto MOS 36 Item Short Form Health Survey e Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). Resultados A idade média das gestantes com diabetes gestacional no estudo foi igual à idade média das gestantes saudáveis. O escore CESD de gestantes com diabetes gestacional foi de 26 77 ± 4 85 enquanto o escore correspondente foi de 25 19 ± 4 43 para mulheres saudáveis. Além disso o escore no pós-parto foi de 32 47 ± 5 94 para gestantes com diabetes gestacional e 35 47 ± 8 33 para gestantes saudáveis. Os escores do CESD foram maiores do que o ponto de corte de 16 em ambos os grupos e os escores médios aumentaram durante o período pós-parto. Conclusão Durante o período pós-parto a qualidade de vida de gestantes com diabetes gestacional foi mais afetada negativamente do que gestantes saudáveis. Os sintomas depressivos de mulheres com diabetes gestacional e gravidez saudável foram elevados na gravidez e nos períodos pós-parto.

Resistance Training Modulates Hippocampal Neuroinflammation and Protects Anxiety-Depression-like Dyad Induced by an Emotional Single Prolonged Stress Model.

Stress is a triggering factor for anxious and depressive phenotypes. Exercise is known for its action on the central nervous system. This study aimed to evaluate the role of resistance exercise in an anxiety-depression-like dyad in a model of stress. Male Swiss mice (35-day-old) were exercised, three times a week for 4 weeks on nonconsecutive days. The resistance exercise consisted of climbing a 1-m-high ladder 15 times. After mice were subjected to an emotional single prolonged stress (Esps) protocol. Seven days later, they were subjected to anxiety and depression predictive behavioral tests. The results showed that exercised mice gain less weight than sedentary from weeks 3 to 5. Resistance exercise was effective against an increase in immobility time in the forced swim test and tail suspension test and a decrease in grooming time of mice subjected to Esps. Resistance exercise protected against the decrease in the percentage of open arms time and open arm entries, and the increase in the anxiety index in Esps mice. Four-week resistance exercise did not elicit an antidepressant/anxiolytic phenotype in non-stressed mice. Esps did not alter plasma corticosterone levels but increased the hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor content in mice. Resistance exercise protected against the decrease in hippocampal levels of tropomyosin kinase B (TRκB), the p-Akt/Akt, and the p-mTOR/mTOR ratios of Esps mice. Resistance exercise proved to be effective in decreasing hippocampal neuroinflammation in Esps mice. Resistance exercise protected against the increase in the hippocampal Akt/mTOR pathway and neuroinflammation, and anxiety/depression-like dyad in Esps exposed mice.

Effect of antenatal omega-3 supplementation on maternal depressive symptoms from pregnancy to 6 months postpartum: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted with sixty pregnant women to evaluate the effect of antenatal omega-3 supplementation on maternal depressive symptoms from pregnancy to 6 months postpartum. METHODS: Participants with gestational age between 22 and 24 weeks were randomized in placebo (olive oil; n = 30) or omega-3 (fish oil; n = 30) groups and supplemented until childbirth. Fish oil capsules provided 1440 mg/day of docosahexaenoic acid. Depressive symptoms were evaluated during the gestational period: (G1) 22-24 weeks; (G2) 26-28 weeks; (G3) 30-32 weeks; (G4) 34-36 weeks; and postpartum: (P1) second week; (P2) first month; (P3) fourth month; and (P4) sixth month, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were performed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE). RESULTS: Comparison between groups showed no differences in the EPDS score at any time during pregnancy or postpartum, in both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis (p > 0.05). Both groups presented a reduction in the EPDS score over time. According to intention-to-treat analysis, when comparing to the baseline, the placebo group showed a reduction in the EPDS score at P1 and P4, while the omega-3 group showed a reduction at all times from G4 to P4. In per-protocol analysis, the placebo group showed a reduction in the EPDS score at P3, while the omega-3 group showed a reduction at all times from G2 to P4. CONCLUSIONS: The supplementation with omega-3 did not promote significant differences between groups. However, an earlier reduction in the EPDS score was observed in the omega-3 group, which may indicate a benefit of antenatal omega-3 supplementation.

Análise do nível de atividade física, depressão, ansiedade e estresse segundo o sexo em adolescentes escolares: estudo transversal / Analysis of the physical activity level, depression, anxiety and stress according to sex in adolescent students: cross-sectional study / Análisis del nivel de actividad física, depresión, ansiedad y estrés según sexo en estudiantes adolescentes: estudio transversal

Objetivo: comparar o nível de atividade física e sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse segundo o sexo em adolescentes escolares. Métodos: estudo transversal com estudantes do ensino médio de escolas públicas. Utilizou-se na coleta de dados: Questionário sociodemográfico e de estilo de vida, Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ) e Escala de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse para Adolescentes (EDAE-A). Testes qui-quadrado de Pearson ou exato de Fisher e o Modelo Linear Generalizado Univariado foram utilizados na análise. Resultados: participaram 516 adolescentes, 214 do sexo masculino e 302 do feminino. Ambos os sexos apresentam prática de atividades físicas menor que o recomendado para adolescentes. Participantes do sexo masculino apresentam maior prática de atividade física fora da escola em comparação aos do sexo feminino, predominando o futebol (33,0%). Participantes do sexo feminino apresentaram maior gravidade dos níveis de depressão (p = 0,002), ansiedade (p = 0,013) e estresse (p = 0,004) em comparação aos do sexo masculino (d de Cohen fraco). Conclusão: não há diferença do nível de atividade física em adolescentes escolares segundo o sexo.Adolescentes do sexo masculino apresentam maior prática de atividades físicas fora da escola, e adolescentes do sexo feminino apresentam maior gravidade dos níveis de depressão, ansiedade e estresse.

Objective: to compare the level of physical activity and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress according to sex in school adolescents. Methods: cross-sectional study with students from public high schools. For data collection were used: Sociodemographic and lifestyle questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale for Youth (DASS-Y). Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's exact tests and the univariate General Linear Model were used in the analysis. Results:participation of 516 adolescents, 214 male and 302 female adolescents. Both sexes present less physical activity practice than that recommended for adolescents. Male participants have a greater practice of physical activity outside of school compared to female adolescents, predominantly soccer (33.0%). Female participants had more severe levels of depression (p = 0.002), anxiety (p = 0.013) and stress (p = 0.004) compared to male adolescents (weak Cohen's d). Conclusion: there is no difference in the level of physical activity in school adolescents according to sex. Male adolescents present greater practice of physical activities outside of school. Female adolescents present higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress.

Objetivo: comparar el nivel de actividad física y síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés según sexo en adolescentes escolares. Métodos: estudio transversal con estudiantes de escuelas secundarias públicas. Para la recolección de datos se utilizaron: Cuestionario Sociodemográfico y de Estilo de Vida, Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física (IPAQ) y Escala de Depresión, Ansiedad y Estrés para Adolescentes (EDAE-A). En el análisis se utilizaron las pruebas chi-cuadrado de Pearson o exacta de Fisher y el Modelo Lineal General Univariado. Resultados: participación de 516 adolescentes, 214 hombres y 302 mujeres. Ambos sexos presentan una menor práctica de actividad física que la recomendada para los adolescentes. Los participantes del sexo masculino tienen una mayor práctica de actividad física extraescolar en comparación con las adolescentes del sexo femenino, predominando el fútbol (33,0%). Las mujeres participantes tenían niveles más severos de depresión (p = 0,002), ansiedad (p = 0,013) y estrés (p = 0,004) en comparación con los hombres (d de Cohen pequeña). Conclusión: no existe diferencia en el nivel de actividad física en adolescentes escolares según el sexo. Los adolescentes hombres presentan mayor práctica de actividades físicas fuera de la escuela. Las adolescentes mujeres presentan mayores niveles de depresión, ansiedad y estrés.

PrÚ-natal psicol?gico na prevenšNo de depressNo perinatal e ansiedade / Psychological prenatal in the prevention of perinatal depression and anxiety / PsicologÝa prenatal en la prevenci?n de la depresi?n y la ansiedad perinatales

Este estudo objetivou investigar os efeitos da implementašNo de um programa de prÚ-natal psicol?gico (PROM+E) na prevenšNo de sintomatologia depressiva e ansiosa, com base na terapia cognitivo-comportamental, em 60 gestantes atendidas em servišos obstÚtricos p?blicos ou privados, com idades entre 18 e 44 anos (M = 28,77; DP = 7,18 ), alocadas em dois grupos: intervenšNo (n = 27) e controle (n = 33). O primeiro participou de nove encontros semanais, em grupo, alÚm de uma visita domiciliar no inÝcio do puerpÚrio. Na comparašNo intergrupo, as participantes do PROM+E apresentaram redušNo significativa dos sintomas ansiosos e depressivos quando comparadas ao grupo controle, aos 30 dias do puerpÚrio. Na comparašNo intragrupo, no PROM+E esses sintomas diminuÝram com o tempo, com significÔncia aos 30 e 90 dias p?s-parto.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the implementation of a psychological prenatal program (PROM+E) on the prevention of depressive and anxious symptoms in 60 pregnant women who attended public or private obstetric services, aged between 18 and 44 years old (M = 28,77; DP = 7,18), allocated in two groups: intervention (n = 27) and control (n = 33). The first group participated in nine weekly group meetings, as well as a home visit at the beginning of the postpartum period. In the intergroup comparison, the PROM+E participants had a significant reduction in anxious and depressive symptoms compared to the control group at 30 days of puerperium. In the intragroup comparison, in the PROM+E these symptoms decreased with time, with significance at 30 and 90 days postpartum.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar los efectos de la implementaci?n de un programa prenatal psicol?gico en terapia cognitivo-comportamental (PROM+E) en la prevenci?n de sÝntomas depresivos y ansiosos en 60 mujeres embarazadas atendidas en servicios obstÚtricos p?blicos o privados, con edades entre los 18 y 44 a?os (M = 28,77; DP = 7,18 ), asignadas en dos grupos: intervenci?n (n = 27) y control (n = 33). El primer grupo particip? en nueve reuniones de grupo semanales, asÝ como en una visita a domicilio al principio del periodo posparto. En la comparaci?n intergrupal, las participantes del PROM+E tuvieron una reducci?n significativa de los sÝntomas ansiosos y depresivos en comparaci?n con el grupo de control a los 30 dÝas del puerperio. En la comparaci?n intragrupo, en el PROM+E estos sÝntomas disminuyeron con el tiempo, con significaci?n a los 30 y 90 dÝas del puerperio.

Protective factors against depressive symptoms among Brazilian healthcare workers during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms among healthcare workers and possible factors associated with this outcome (resilience, spirituality, social support, quality of life, among other individual variables). Our hypothesis is that some of these factors can have a protective effect on depressive symptoms. DESIGN: Web-based cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Participants were recruited online from 16 April to 23 April 2020. PARTICIPANTS: 1043 healthcare workers, predominantly Brazilians, aged 18 years or older. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Depression was the primary outcome, measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Possible protective factors were measured in the following ways: social support was assessed by the modified Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (mMOS-SS); spirituality, religiousness and personal beliefs (SRPB) were evaluated using the 9-item SRPB module of the brief WHO Quality of Life instrument (WHOQoL-SRPB-bref); quality of life was assessed using the brief EUROHIS instrument for Quality of Life (EUROHIS-QoL 8-item); resilience was assessed using the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC 10). RESULTS: 23% met the criteria for depression according to the PHQ-9 scale. Quality of life (B=-3.87 (-4.30 to -3.43), ß=-0.37, p<0.001), social support (B=-0.32 (-0.59 to -0.05), ß=-0.04, p=0.022), resilience (B=-0.19 (-0.23 to -0.15), ß=-0.20, p<0.001), SRPB (B=-0.03 (-0.05 to -0.02), ß=-0.01, p<0.001) and physical exercise (B=-0.95 (-1.40 to -0.51), ß=-0.08, p<0.001) demonstrated protective effects against depression. CONCLUSION: Healthcare workers have a high risk of developing depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those working in the front line. However, there are factors that seem to work as protective mechanisms against depression, notably perceived quality of life.

Risk of depression in pregnancy among pregnant women undergoing high-risk prenatal care.

OBJECTIVE: to identify the risk of depression in pregnancy among pregnant women undergoing follow-up in high-risk prenatal care, to assess the factors associated with higher risk of depression in pregnancy and to compare the risk of depression in each gestational trimester. METHOD: this is a descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study, conducted with 151 pregnant women in prenatal care in a high-risk pregnancy outpatient clinic at a university hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected through an online form. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were performed. After the bivariate analysis, the variables were included in the logistic regression model. In the final model, the Odds Ratio was calculated. RESULTS: 118 (78.1%) pregnant women had a higher risk of depression during pregnancy, which was higher in the first trimester, but without statistical significance. The number of pregnancies (OR = 0.32) and marital status (OR = 0.07) remained significantly associated with higher risk of depression during pregnancy as protective factors. CONCLUSION: the results elucidate the importance of screening for depression risk and the significant need to improve access to effective interventions for preventing prenatal depression and promoting mental health.

[Confinement and social distancing: stress, anxiety, depression in children and adolescents]. / Confinamiento y distanciamiento social: estrés, ansiedad, depresión en niños y adolescentes.

Among the strategies to avoid COVID-19 disease that affects the world population it is keeping away from contagion through confinement and social distancing, which can cause in children and adolescents a change in the psychosocial environment with a high prevalence of psychological and psychiatric disorders, such as stress, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, risk of suicide and eating disorders. During confinement, were made school closures, shutdowns of recreational and sports spaces, cancellation of outdoor activities, which can have consequences in social habits, sleep, modifications in the eating pattern that entails alterations in anthropometric variables, neurophysiological alterations with behaviors that affect mental health, in addition to the frustration of not executing plans, fear, boredom and the uncertainty of the duration of the pandemic could lead to further stress. Social distancing favors a reduction in interaction, is related to anxiety, stress and depression, in addition to the concern of infecting the family. These scenarios can generate stress for parents, domestic violence and uncontrolled use of the internet. Children and adolescents are vulnerable populations that adapt to the environment in crisis. The objective of this work was to review the influence of confinement and social distancing on stress, anxiety and depression in children and adolescents.

Entre las estrategias para evitar la enfermedad por COVID-19 que afecta a la población mundial está evitar el contagio a partir del confinamiento y el distanciamiento social, lo que puede ocasionar en niños y adolescentes un cambio en el entorno psicosocial con alta prevalencia de alteraciones psicológicas y psiquiátricas, como estrés, transtornos de ansiedad, transtornos depresivos, riesgo de suicidio y trastornos de la conducta alimentaria. Durante el confinamiento se realizaron cierres de escuelas, de espacios recreativos y deportivos, cancelación de actividades fuera de casa, lo cual puede tener consecuencias en los hábitos sociales, del sueño, modificaciones en el patrón de alimentación que conllevan alteraciones en las variables antropométricas, alteraciones neurofisiológicas conductuales que afectan la salud mental, además de la frustración de la no ejecución de planes, miedo, aburrimiento y la incertidumbre de la duración, los cuales podrían generar mayor estrés. El distanciamiento social propicia una reducción de la interacción y se relaciona con ansiedad, estrés y depresión, además de la preocupación de contagiar a la familia. Estos escenarios pueden generar estrés en los padres, violencia intrafamiliar y uso descontrolado de internet. Los niños y adolescentes son población vulnerable que se adapta al entorno en crisis generadas por el confinamiento y distanciamiento social. El objetivo de este trabajo fue revisar la influencia del confinamiento y el distanciamiento social en el estrés, la ansiedad y la depresión de niños y adolescentes.

[Effect of the VOLANTIN resilience promotion program on children with an alternative residential system]. / Efectos de la implementación del programa de promoción de la resiliencia "VOLANTÍN" en niños(as) con sistema de cuidados alternativo residencial.

INTRODUCTION: Internationally, there are resilience promotion programs applied to children in residential alterna tive care with favorable results. The application of the resilience promotion program "VOLANTÍN" has shown to be effective in different groups of school-age children, favoring the development of resilience. OBJECTIVE: To describe the results of the implementation of the "VOLANTÍN' program on the level of resilience, self-concept, and emotional symptoms in children aged 7-12 years in resi dential alternative care (foster care). SUBJECTS AND METHOD: descriptive, longitudinal study. The "VO LANTÍN" program was implemented in a sample of 15 foster children between 7-12 years old. The variables measured were the "Escala de Resiliencia Escolar" (ERE), the Piers-Harris Children's Self Concept Scale, the Anxiety Self-report for Children and Adolescents (AANA), and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) at the beginning, at the end, and 3 months after the end of the program, and then were analyzed statistically by nonparametric test. RESULTS: At the beginning, the end, and three months after the program implementation, there was a significant increase in the total sco res of ERE (p0.045), subscales "networks-models" (p0.002) and "external resources" (p0.018); and Self-concept (p0.005), subscales "behavior" (p0.045) and "popularity" (p0.03). AANA total scores decreased significantly (p0.004) as well as the subscales "panic/somatic" (p0.025) and "generalized anxiety" (p0.009). CDI scores decreased, but not significantly. CONCLUSION: The application of the resilience promotion program "VOLANTÍN' increased resilience and self-concept scores and decrea sed anxious symptoms in children aged 7-12 years.

Effective recommendations towards healthy routines to preserve mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the adherence to a set of evidence-based recommendations to support mental health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its association with depressive and anxiety symptoms. METHODS: A team of health workers and researchers prepared the recommendations, formatted into three volumes (1: COVID-19 prevention; 2: Healthy habits; 3: Biological clock and sleep). Participants were randomized to receive only Volume 1 (control), Volumes 1 and 2, Volumes 1 and 3, or all volumes. We used a convenience sample of Portuguese-speaking participants over age 18 years. An online survey consisting of sociodemographic and behavioral questionnaires and mental health instruments (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9] and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]) was administered. At 14 and 28 days later, participants were invited to complete follow-up surveys, which also included questions regarding adherence to the recommendations. A total of 409 participants completed the study - mostly young adult women holding university degrees. RESULTS: The set of recommendations contained in Volumes 2 and 3 was effective in protecting mental health, as suggested by significant associations of adherence with PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores (reflecting anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively). CONCLUSION: The recommendations developed in this study could be useful to prevent negative mental health effects in the context of the pandemic and beyond.

Blueberry extract as a potential pharmacological tool for preventing depressive-like behavior and neurochemical dysfunctions in mice exposed to lipopolysaccharide.

OBJECTIVE: Major depressive disorder is a debilitating and recurrent psychiatric disorder. Blueberries have several biological properties, including neuroprotective effects, through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of blueberry extract on depressive-like behavior and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neurochemical changes. METHODS: Mice were pretreated with vehicle, fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) or blueberry extract (100 or 200 mg/kg) intragastrically for seven days before intraperitoneal LPS (0.83 mg/kg) injection. Twenty-four hours after LPS administration, mice were submitted to behavioral tests. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory parameters were evaluated in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. RESULTS: Our data showed that blueberry extract or fluoxetine treatment protected against LPS-induced depressive-like behavior in tail suspension and splash tests (P < 0.05), without changes in locomotor activity (P > 0.05). LPS induced an increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (P < 0.001), nitrite (P < 0.05) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (P < 0.01), as well as a reduction in total sulfhydryl content (P < 0.05) and catalase activity (P < 0.05) in brain structures; blueberry extract restored these alterations (P < 0.05). In addition, blueberry extract attenuated the increase in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels induced by LPS administration (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that blueberry extract exerted antidepressant-like effects, protected the brain against oxidative damage, and modulated TNF-α levels induced by LPS.

Bone marrow mononuclear cell transplant prevents rat depression and modulates inflammatory and neurogenic molecules.

INTRODUCTION: Major depressive disorder is associated with chronic inflammation and deficient production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMC) transplantation has an anti-inflammatory effect and has been proven effective in restoring non-depressive behavior. This study investigated whether BMMC transplantation can prevent the development of depression or anxiety in chronic mild stress (CMS), as well as its effect on inflammatory and neurogenic molecules. METHOD: Three groups of animals were compared: BMMC-transplanted animals subjected to CMS for 45 days, CMS non-transplanted rats, and control animals. After the CMS period, the three groups underwent the following behavioral tests: sucrose preference test (SPT), eating-related depression test (ERDT), social avoidance test (SAT), social interaction test (SIT), and elevated plus maze test (EPMT). Transplanted cell tracking and measurement of the expression of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), and BDNF were performed on brain and spleen tissues. RESULTS: BMMC transplantation prevented the effects of CMS in the SPT, ERDT, SAT, and SIT, while prevention was less pronounced in the EPMT. It was found to prevent increased HMGB-1 expression induced by CMS in the hippocampus and spleen, increase BDNF expression in both tissues, and prevent increased IL-1ß expression in the hippocampus alone, while no effect of the transplant was observed in the TNFα expression. In addition, no transplanted cells were found in either the brain or spleen. CONCLUSIONS: BMMC transplantation prevents the development of depression and anxiety-like behavior triggered by CMS. It could prevent increased HMGB-1 and IL-1ß expression in the hippocampus and increased BDNF expression in the same tissue. Cell treatment represents a further perspective in the research and treatment of depression and possible mood disorders.

Effects of vaccination against COVID-19 on the emotional health of older adults.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mental and emotional health of the elderly, especially those from low to middle-income countries. However, COVID-19 vaccination may reduce this influence. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the effect of vaccination against COVID-19 on the emotional health of older adults. Methods: We selected a national, random, and stratified sample of non-hospitalized adults aged 60 to 79 years from Peru who intended to receive or had already received the COVID-19 vaccine during recruitment. During June and July 2021, the assessed outcomes were the fear, anxiety, and worry about COVID-19, general anxiety, and depression at baseline and after a month. We estimated the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for each altered emotional health outcomes in those who had one and two doses, compared with those who were not vaccinated using multilevel logistic regression with mixed effects. Results: We recruited 861 older adults with 20.8% of loss to follow-up. At baseline, 43.9% had received only one dose of the vaccine, and 49.1% had two doses. In the analysis during follow-up, those who had two doses had less fear (aOR: 0.19; CI 95%: 0.07 to 0.51) and anxiety to COVID-19 (aOR: 0.45; CI 95%: 0.22 to 0.89), compared to unvaccinated. We observed no effects in those with only one dose. Conclusions: Two doses of COVID-19 vaccination in older adults improves their perception of COVID-19 infection consequences. This information could be integrated into the vaccination campaign as an additional beneficial effect.

Prática de lazer em adolescentes e fatores associados: implicações para o cuidado / Práctica de actividades recreativas en adolescentes y factores asociados: consecuencias para el cuidado / Leisure practice in adolescents and associated factors: implications for care

Resumo Objetivo Relacionar a realização de práticas de atividades de lazer com qualidade de vida, bem-estar subjetivo, ansiedade e depressão em adolescentes. Métodos Estudo quantitativo, transversal analítico, desenvolvido com 272 adolescentes do ensino médio de três escolas públicas estaduais de uma capital da região centro-oeste. A coleta de dados ocorreu no mês de maio de 2019, mediante autoaplicação de quatro instrumentos: escala de bem-estar subjetivo, escala hospitalar de ansiedade e depressão, questionário de qualidade de vida kidscren-52 e questionário sociodemográfico. A associação entre as variáveis independentes foi verificada por meio do teste t-student e qui-quadrado de fischer. Resultados Quase a metade dos adolescentes (49,6%) realizava alguma atividade de lazer, e nestes foi verificado escores mais baixo para depressão (p=0,008), mais alto nos afetos positivos do bem-estar subjetivo (p=<0,001), e para algumas dimensões da qualidade de vida, tais como saúde e atividade física (p=<0,001), sentimentos (p=0,0046), estado emocional (p=0,033), autonomia e tempo livre (p=0,007), aspecto financeiro (p=0,001) e amigos e apoio social (p=0,002). Não houve associação significante entre a prática de atividade de lazer com os escores de ansiedade, afetos negativos e satisfação com a vida. Conclusão A prática de atividades de lazer por adolescentes é baixa e associa-se a menores escores para depressão e escores mais altos para algumas dimensões da qualidade de vida e bem-estar subjetivo.

Resumen Objetivo Relacionar la práctica de actividades recreativas con calidad de vida, bienestar subjetivo, ansiedad y depresión en adolescentes. Métodos Estudio cuantitativo, transversal analítico, llevado a cabo con 272 adolescentes de tres escuelas secundarias públicas regionales de una capital de la región centro-oeste. La recopilación de datos se realizó en el mes de mayo de 2019, mediante la autoaplicación de cuatro instrumentos: escala de bienestar subjetivo, escala hospitalaria de ansiedad y depresión, cuestionario de calidad de vida KIDSCREEN-52 y cuestionario sociodemográfico. La asociación entre las variables independientes se verificó a través del test-T student y ji cuadrado de Fischer. Resultados Casi la mitad de los adolescentes (49,6 %) realizaba alguna actividad recreativa, en los que se verificó puntuación más baja de depresión (p=0,008), más alta en los afectos positivos de bienestar social subjetivo (p=<0,001), y en algunas dimensiones de calidad de vida, tales como salud y actividad física (p=<0,001), sentimientos (p=0,0046), estado emocional (p=0,033), autonomía y tiempo libre (p=0,007), aspecto financiero (p=0,001) y amigos y apoyo social (p=0,002). No hubo relación significativa entre la práctica de actividades recreativas y la puntuación de ansiedad, afectos negativos y satisfacción con la vida. Conclusión La práctica de actividades recreativas de adolescentes es baja y se relaciona con una menor puntuación de depresión y una mayor puntuación en algunas dimensiones de la calidad de vida y el bienestar subjetivo.

Abstract Objective To relate the performance of leisure activity practices with quality of life, subjective well-being, anxiety, and depression in adolescents. Methods This is a quantitative, cross-sectional, analytical study, developed with 272 high school adolescents from three public schools in a center-western capital. Data collection occurred in May 2019 through self-application of four instruments: subjective well-being scale, hospital anxiety and depression scale, kidscren-52 quality of life questionnaire and sociodemographic questionnaire. The association among the independent variables was verified by Student's t-test and Fischer's chi-square test. Results Almost half of adolescents (49.6%) performed some leisure activity and it was verified lower scores for depression (p=0.008), higher in the positive affects of subjective well-being (p=<0.001), and for some dimensions of quality of life, such as health and physical activity (p=<0.001), feelings (p=0.0046), emotional status (p=0.033), autonomy and free time (p=0.007), financial aspect (p=0.001) and friends and social support (p=0.002). There was no significant association between leisure activity and anxiety scores, negative affects and life satisfaction. Conclusion The practice of leisure activities by adolescents is low and is associated with lower scores for depression and higher scores for some dimensions of quality of life and subjective well-being.