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Depressive Disorders-New Challenges

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A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (22 February 2022) | Viewed by 40943

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Prof. Dr. Monika Talarowska

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Institute of Psychology, University of Lodz, 91-433 Lodz, Smugowa 10/12, Poland
Interests: neurodevelopmental theory of depression; personality; personality disorders; depressive disorders; schema therapy; psychotherapy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Dominik Strzelecki

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Department of Affective and Psychotic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
Interests: schizophrenia; affective disorders; anxiety disorders; personality disorders; psychopharmacology
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Prof. Dr. Napoleon Waszkiewicz

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Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland
Interests: alcohol; saliva; schizophrenia; depression; bipolar; psychoactive substances; marker

Prof. Dr. Jan Chodkiewicz

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Guest Editor

Institute of Psychology, University of Lodz, 91-433 Lodz, Smugowa 10/12, Poland
Interests: depressive disorders; male depression; addiction; substance abuse
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

“The disproportion between the scientific and technical achievements of our civilization and the level of satisfaction with our own lives is striking. It is a kind of sadness of a fulfilled fairy tale. Humanity's boldest dreams have come true, and yet man is not happy; what is more – he is dissatisfied with what he has created, with the times in which he lives (...) he cannot enjoy life (...). Despite the comforts and all the conveniences that modern civilization brings, he is sad, bored, dissatisfied with himself and the world around him; he sees no room for improvement.”

Antoni Kępiński (1918–1972)

Polish doctor, psychiatrist, scientist, humanist and philosopher

The latest Special Issue of the journal Life is devoted to depressive disorders. Its title, “Depressive Disorders—New Challenges”, best reflects the range of information we would like to provide you with.

We live in the era of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic, which has revealed many human weaknesses (also in the mental sphere) and posed new challenges.

This Special Issue presents the most recent reports on the biological understanding of the causes of depression, gender differences in the course of depression, as well as psychological factors that may be relevant to the etiology of the disease.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Psych.

Prof. Dr. Monika Talarowska
Prof. Dr. Dominik Strzelecki
Prof. Dr. Napoleon Waszkiewicz
Prof. Dr. Jan Chodkiewicz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Depressive disorder
Male depression
Inflammation
Pharmacotherapy

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 8778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Serotonin Type 3 Receptor Is Potentially Involved in Cellular Stress Induced by Hydrogen Peroxide

by Ana Salomé Correia, Isabel Silva, José Carlos Oliveira, Henrique Reguengo and Nuno Vale

Life 2022, 12(10), 1645; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12101645 - 19 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1638

Abstract

Depression is a disease with several molecular mechanisms involved, such as problems in the serotonergic pathway. This disease is very complex and prevalent, and thus important to deeply study and aim to overcome high rates of relapse and therapeutic failure. In this study, two cellular lines were used (HT-22 and SH-SY5Y cells) to gain insight about the role of the serotonin type 3 (5-HT3) receptor in cellular stress induced by hydrogen peroxide and/or corticosterone. In research, these compounds are known to mimic the high levels of oxidative stress and dysfunction of the hypothalamus–hypophysis–adrenal axis by the action of glucocorticoids, usually present in depressed individuals. The receptor 5-HT3 is also known to be involved in depression, previously demonstrated in studies that highlight the role of these receptors as promising targets for antidepressant therapy. Indeed, the drugs used in this work (mirtazapine, scopolamine, and lamotrigine) interact with this serotonergic receptor. Thus, by using cell morphology, cell viability (neutral red and MTT), and HPLC assays, this work aimed to understand the role of these drugs in the stress induced by H₂O₂/corticosterone to HT-22 and SH-SY5Y cell lines. We concluded that the antagonism of the 5-HT3 receptor by these drugs may be important in the attenuation of H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress to the cells, but not in the corticosterone-induced stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Depressive Disorders-New Challenges)

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10 pages, 567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Antidepressant, Benzodiazepine Anxiolytic, and Hypnotic Use When Treating Depression, Anxiety, and Aggression in Pain Clinic Patients Treated for Neuropathic Pain

by Marcin Kolacz, Dariusz Kosson, Ewa Puchalska-Kowalczyk, Malgorzata Mikaszewska-Sokolewicz, Barbara Lisowska and Malgorzata Malec-Milewska

Life 2022, 12(3), 433; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12030433 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1884

Abstract

Depression, anxiety, and aggression accompany neuropathic pain. Effective treatment of these comorbidities enhances the outcomes of pain management. Therefore, the study was designed to analyze the relationship between the intensity of depression, anxiety, and aggression and the pharmacotherapy applied in the daily practice of treating neuropathic pain. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of using antidepressants (ADs), benzodiazepine anxiolytics (BDAs), and hypnotics, and the influence of administering these on the intensity of depression, anxiety, and aggression in patients diagnosed with neuropathic pain. A multi-center survey was conducted among 421 patients. An evaluation of the severity of depression, anxiety, and aggression was made using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale—Modified Version (HADS-M). Among the patients treated due to neuropathic pain, ADs are used much more often than BDAs and hypnotics. Depression was well controlled, while anxiety was identified as a possible uncontrolled therapeutic problem in these patients, despite the correlation between the frequency of AD and hypnotics usage and the severity of anxiety. We also found that women show a higher level of intensity in both anxiety and depression, but this does not influence the frequency of their being administered ADs, BDAs, and hypnotics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Depressive Disorders-New Challenges)

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14 pages, 2312 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Depression on Biased Diagnosis of Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder by the PSST Inventory

by Andrzej Śliwerski and Karolina Koszałkowska

Life 2021, 11(11), 1278; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11111278 - 22 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2472

Abstract

The diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) poses a challenge for clinicians due to the overdiagnosis of retrospective methods and overlapping symptoms with depression. The present study utilized an Item Response Theory analysis to examine the predictive utility of the Premenstrual Symptom Screening Tool (PSST) in women with and without depression. Two hundred and fifteen women aged 20–35 completed the PSST, a daily symptom calendar, SCID-I, and CES-D for two consecutive menstrual cycles. PSST items: fatigue, depressed mood, feeling overwhelmed, anxiety/tension, and decreased interest in everyday activities were the best predictors of PMS. Unlike the daily symptom ratings, the PSST over-diagnosed PMS/PMDD in the depressed group but not in the group of women without PMS/PMDD. While diagnosing premenstrual disorders, clinicians should be aware that a retrospective diagnosis with PSST can be more sensitive to mood disorders and cycle phases than a prospective diagnosis with a daily symptoms calendar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Depressive Disorders-New Challenges)

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17 pages, 4005 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes That Aggravate Metabolic Diseases in Depression

by Sukanta Bhadra, Siyu Chen and Chang Liu

Life 2021, 11(11), 1203; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11111203 - 07 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2176

Abstract

Depression is considered the second leading cause of the global health burden after cancer. It is recognized as the most common physiological disorder. It affects about 350 million people worldwide to a serious degree. The onset of depression, inadequate food intake, abnormal glycemic control and cognitive impairment have strong associations with various metabolic disorders which are mediated through alterations in diet and physical activities. The regulatory key factors among metabolic diseases and depression are poorly understood. To understand the molecular mechanisms of the dysregulation of genes affected in depressive disorder, we employed an analytical, quantitative framework for depression and related metabolic diseases. In this study, we examined datasets containing patients with depression, obesity, diabetes and NASH. After normalizing batch effects to minimize the heterogeneity of all the datasets, we found differentially expressed genes (DEGs) common to all the datasets. We identified significantly associated enrichment pathways, ontology pathways, protein–protein cluster networks and gene–disease associations among the co-expressed genes co-expressed in depression and the metabolic disorders. Our study suggested potentially active signaling pathways and co-expressed gene sets which may play key roles in crosstalk between metabolic diseases and depression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Depressive Disorders-New Challenges)

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12 pages, 691 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Epigallocatechin Gallate and Coconut Oil Treatment on Cortisol Activity and Depression in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

by Jose Luis Platero, María Cuerda-Ballester, David Sancho-Cantus, María Benlloch, Jose Joaquin Ceron, Camila Peres Rubio, María Pilar García-Pardo, María Mar López-Rodríguez and Jose Enrique de la Rubia Ortí

Life 2021, 11(4), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11040353 - 17 Apr 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3917

Abstract

(1) Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is pathogenically characterized by high oxidative stress and symptomatically by progressive muscle loss and increased body fat associated with the presence of depression. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (particularly present in green tea) and ketone bodies (in particular beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)), whose main source is coconut oil, have shown emotional benefits and body fat loss. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of EGCG and coconut oil on cortisol activity related to fat loss and depression in MS patients. (2) Methods: The study involved 51 MS patients who were randomly divided into an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received 800 mg of EGCG and 60 mL of coconut oil, which were included in their daily diet for four months. The control group received placebo and all patients followed an isocaloric diet. A blood sample was collected before and after the four-month period, and levels of cortisol, albumin and BHB were measured in serum. In addition, immediately before and after the intervention, anthropometric variables were measured: waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat mass percentage, fat weight, total weight, and muscle mass percentage. Depression was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). (3) Results: No significant changes were obtained in cortisol levels in any of the groups, and there was a significant increase in albumin in the blood of the intervention group only that could lead to a decrease in serum free cortisol. In addition, it was observed a significant decrease in levels of depression and abdominal fat. (4) Conclusions: EGCG combined with coconut oil increase the concentration of albumin in blood and produce less depression in MS patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Depressive Disorders-New Challenges)

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Review

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12 pages, 961 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cellular Response to Unfolded Proteins in Depression

by Mateusz Kowalczyk, Edward Kowalczyk, Paweł Kwiatkowski, Łukasz Łopusiewicz, Monika Talarowska and Monika Sienkiewicz

Life 2021, 11(12), 1376; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11121376 - 10 Dec 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2610

Abstract

Despite many scientific studies on depression, there is no clear conception explaining the causes and mechanisms of depression development. Research conducted in recent years has shown that there is a strong relationship between depression and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In order to restore ER homeostasis, the adaptive unfolded protein response (UPR) mechanism is activated. Research suggests that ER stress response pathways are continuously activated in patients with major depressive disorders (MDD). Therefore, it seems that the recommended drugs should reduce ER stress. A search is currently underway for drugs that will be both effective in reducing ER stress and relieving symptoms of depression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Depressive Disorders-New Challenges)

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13 pages, 554 KiB

Open AccessReview

Increased Depression and Anxiety Disorders during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Children and Adolescents: A Literature Review

by Justyna Śniadach, Sylwia Szymkowiak, Przemysław Osip and Napoleon Waszkiewicz

Life 2021, 11(11), 1188; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11111188 - 05 Nov 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 8784

Abstract

Depression and anxiety disorders are a serious and increasingly commonly diagnosed problem at present. The problem applies not only to adults but also, increasingly often, to children and adolescents as well. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has further compounded the issue. There are still relatively few publications that show that quarantine and social isolation have a negative effect on the psychological well-being of children and adolescents. Above all, the situation applies to children and adolescents with pre-existing predispositions and to individuals suffering from mental disorders. The key factor in this situation seems to be putting the needs of young people first so that they can safely return to school. It is also important to provide them with effective treatment strategies and methods with which to deal with this stressful and potentially traumatic situation. Most of the mental health research during the COVID-19 pandemic has been conducted in Asia and Europe, where the disease first spread. This article presents an overview of the results of the latest Polish and international studies on the increase in depression and anxiety disorders among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. It concludes with recommendations regarding mental health support for young people, and further directions for treatment are suggested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Depressive Disorders-New Challenges)

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11 pages, 1060 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ketamine—New Possibilities in the Treatment of Depression: A Narrative Review

by Mateusz Kowalczyk, Edward Kowalczyk, Paweł Kwiatkowski, Łukasz Łopusiewicz, Monika Sienkiewicz and Monika Talarowska

Life 2021, 11(11), 1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11111186 - 05 Nov 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5769

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus epidemic has led to an increase in the number of people with depression. Symptoms related to the mental sphere (mainly depression and anxiety) may be experienced by one third of the worldwide population. This entails the need for the effective and rapid treatment of depressive episodes. An effective drug seems to be s-ketamine, which was accepted in March 2019 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of drug-resistant depression. This drug provides a quick antidepressant effect with maximum effectiveness achieved after 24 h. It also appears to reduce the occurrence of suicidal thoughts. However, research into undesirable effects, especially in groups of people susceptible to psychotic episodes or those who use alcohol or psychoactive substances, is necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Depressive Disorders-New Challenges)

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25 pages, 8146 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Depressive and Neurocognitive Disorders in the Context of the Inflammatory Background of COVID-19

by Eliza Dąbrowska, Beata Galińska-Skok and Napoleon Waszkiewicz

Life 2021, 11(10), 1056; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11101056 - 08 Oct 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3592

Abstract

The dysfunctional effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection on the nervous system are established. The manifestation of neuropsychiatric symptoms during and after infection is influenced by the neuroinvasive and neurotrophic properties of SARS-CoV-2 as well as strong inflammation characterised by a specific “cytokine storm”. Research suggests that a strong immune response to a SARS-CoV-2 infection and psychological stressors related to the pandemic may cause chronic inflammatory processes in the body with elevated levels of inflammatory markers contributing to the intensification of neurodegenerative processes. It is suggested that neuroinflammation and associated central nervous system changes may significantly contribute to the etiopathogenesis of depressive disorders. In addition, symptoms after a COVID-19 infection may persist for up to several weeks after an acute infection as a post-COVID-19 syndrome. Moreover, previous knowledge indicates that among SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) group antidepressants, fluoxetine is a promising drug against COVID-19. In conclusion, further research, observation and broadening of the knowledge of the pathomechanism of a SARS-CoV-2 infection and the impact on potential complications are necessary. It is essential to continue research in order to assess the long-term neuropsychiatric effects in COVID-19 patients and to find new therapeutic strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Depressive Disorders-New Challenges)

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11 pages, 706 KiB

Open AccessReview

Adiposity in Depression or Depression in Adiposity? The Role of Immune-Inflammatory-Microbial Overlap

by Oliwia Gawlik-Kotelnicka and Dominik Strzelecki

Life 2021, 11(2), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11020117 - 04 Feb 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3101

Abstract

Some of the most common and debilitating conditions are metabolic disorders (metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) and depression. These conditions are also exacerbated by the fact that they often co-occur. Although the exact mechanisms underlying such relationships are poorly known, antipsychotic medication and antidepressant use, diet and physical activity, and lifestyle factors are believed to play a role; however, their high co-occurrence rate suggests a possible pathophysiological overlap. This paper reviews several possible bases for this overlap, including hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation, immune alterations with chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress. While it is entirely possible that changes in the microbiota may play a role in each of them, interventions based on the implementation of dietary and other lifestyle changes, supplementation with prebiotics or probiotics and faecal microbiota transplantation have failed to achieve conclusive results. A better characterization of the above associations may allow a more targeted approach to the treatment of both depressive and metabolic disorders. The paper also presents several practical applications for future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Depressive Disorders-New Challenges)

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12 pages, 272 KiB

Open AccessHypothesis

J. Young’s Early Maladaptive Schemas and Symptoms of Male Depression

by Jan Chodkiewicz, Mateusz Wydrzyński and Monika Talarowska

Life 2022, 12(2), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12020167 - 24 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2767

Abstract

Aim: There are more non-specific, hence harder to diagnose, symptoms in the picture of male depression. These symptoms are strongly linked to social norms and roles traditionally assigned to men. The aim of this study was to assess the interrelationship of early maladaptive schemas that affect the formation of self-image as a man with indicators of male depression. Materials and methods: The Gender-Sensitive Depression Screening (GSDS-26) by A.M. Möller-Leimkühler and the Early Maladaptive Schema Questionnaire by J. Young (YSQ-S3-PL) were used. A group of 75 men (aged 18 to 50) were qualified to take part in the research. Results: The total score of the GSDS-26 scale and individual indicators of male depression are strongly positively correlated with the severity of all five domains of the YSQ-S3-PL questionnaire. The highest correlation coefficient value was obtained in the following areas: “Disconnection and rejection” (0.741), “Other-directedness” (0.711), and “Overvigilance and inhibition” (0.711). In case of the GSDS-26 total score and the following indicators—Elevated stress, Aggressiveness, Emotional control, Risky behavior, and Classic symptoms of depression—positive statistically significant associations were confirmed with each of the 18 schemas from the YSQ-S3-PL questionnaire. Multiple regression results revealed that the following domains were significant for symptoms typical of male depression: “Disconnection and rejection” and “Impaired autonomy and performance”. The “Impaired limits” area was found to be statistically significant only for symptoms of classic depression. Conclusions: (1) The GSDS-26 scale scores show positive associations with each domain of the YSQ-S3-PL questionnaire. (2) The following areas seem to be more important for atypical depressive symptoms in men: “Disconnection and rejection” and “Impaired autonomy and performance”, while for classic depression: “Impaired limits” was more important. (3) In therapeutic work with male depressive symptoms, it is useful to focus on dominant maladaptive schemas alongside beliefs about stereotypical male roles. Full article

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