Clinical Research on Mood Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neuropsychiatry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2024) | Viewed by 16158

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Psychiatry & Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
Interests: mood disorders; neurocognition; biomarkers; novel treatments for mood disorders; evidence-based mental health; psychiatric epidemiology

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Guest Editor
Department of Psychiatry, Dayton Children’s Hospital, Dayton, OH, USA
Interests: mood disorders; bipolar; measurement-based care; neurodevelopmental disorders; biomarkers

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the incredible opportunities and challenges in research on mood disorders. Recent research has highlighted the role of glutamatergic and GABAergic pathways in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. Novel therapies such as ketamine and GABA-A receptor-positive allosteric modulators as rapid-acting treatment options for depression have shown remarkable promise. With renewed interest in psychedelics for mood disorders, there is cautious optimism in the field. In addition, with a better understanding of brain circuits, novel neuromodulation techniques such as accelerated TMS and DBS are revolutionizing the field. While there have been notable advancements, the neurobiology of mood disorders remains an unsolved challenge. Although various biomarkers and neuroimaging studies have shown promise, inconsistent findings across studies limit the utilization of these advancements in routine clinical practice, highlighting the challenges.

To accomplish the main objectives of this Special Issue, we welcome studies including, but not limited to, original research articles (clinical and pre-clinical), systematic reviews, meta-analyses, case series, perspectives, and case reports on these topics. Additionally, we would like to welcome articles on specific challenges related to the diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders in both adolescent and adult populations.

Dr. Balwinder Singh
Dr. Nihit Gupta
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • treatment-resistant depression
  • mood disorders
  • bipolar disorders
  • biomarkers
  • neuroimaging
  • challenges
  • opportunities

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 241 KiB  
Article
Depression Is Associated with a Higher Risk of Mortality among Breast Cancer Survivors: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey–National Death Index Linked Study
by Jagdish Khubchandani, Srikanta Banerjee, Kavita Batra and May A. Beydoun
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(7), 732; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14070732 - 21 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4690
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) and depression are globally prevalent problems. Numerous reviews have indicated the high prevalence of depression among BC survivors. However, the long-term impact of depression on survival among BC survivors has not been well explored. For this investigation, we aimed to [...] Read more.
Breast cancer (BC) and depression are globally prevalent problems. Numerous reviews have indicated the high prevalence of depression among BC survivors. However, the long-term impact of depression on survival among BC survivors has not been well explored. For this investigation, we aimed to explore the relationship between BC, depression, and mortality from a national random sample of adult American women. Data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (years 2005–2010) were linked with mortality data from the National Death Index up to December 31st, 2019. A total of 4719 adult women (ages 45 years and older) were included in the study sample with 5.1% having breast cancer and more than a tenth (12.7%) having depression. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality risk among those with BC was 1.50 (95% CI = 1.05–2.13) compared to those without BC. In the adjusted analysis, the risk of all-cause mortality was highest among women with both depression and BC (HR = 3.04; 95% CI = 1.15–8.05) compared to those without BC or depression. The relationship between BC and mortality was moderated by cardiovascular diseases, anemia, smoking, age, PIR, and marital status. Our analysis provides vital information on factors that could be helpful for interventions to reduce mortality risk among those with BC and depression. In addition, given the higher risk of mortality with co-occurring BC and depression, collaborative healthcare practices should help with widespread screening for and treatment of depression among BC survivors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Research on Mood Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges)
15 pages, 992 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Association between Elevated Anxiety Symptoms and Low Skeletal Muscle Mass among Asymptomatic Adults: A Population-Based Study in Republic of Korea
by Eunsoo Kim, Sra Jung, Mi Yeon Lee, Chul-Hyun Park and Sung Joon Cho
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(5), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14050438 - 28 Apr 2024
Viewed by 2100
Abstract
Individuals with mental health problems are at higher risk of musculoskeletal diseases. However, the association between low muscle mass (LMM) and anxiety symptoms remains uninvestigated. This cross-sectional study enrolled 174,262 adults (73,833 women, 100,429 men), aged 18 to 89, who completed the anxiety [...] Read more.
Individuals with mental health problems are at higher risk of musculoskeletal diseases. However, the association between low muscle mass (LMM) and anxiety symptoms remains uninvestigated. This cross-sectional study enrolled 174,262 adults (73,833 women, 100,429 men), aged 18 to 89, who completed the anxiety scale and body composition analyses. Using bio-electrical impedance analysis, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was calculated based on appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) (kg)/height (m2). LMM was defined as SMI < 7.0 kg/m2 in men and <5.4 kg/m2 in women. Anxiety symptoms were screened using the Clinical Useful Anxiety Outcome Scale (CUXOS) with cut-off scores of 20, 30, and 40. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. LMM prevalence was 20.17% in women, 3.86% in men (p < 0.001). The prevalence of anxiety symptoms in LMM group decreased from mild (CUXOS > 20: women, 32.74%, men, 21.17%) to moderate (CUXOS > 30: 13.34%, 7.32%), to severe anxiety symptoms (CUXOS > 40: 4.00%, 1.73%). In multivariable-adjusted models, LMM was associated with mild (aOR (95% confidence interval)), women, 1.13 (1.08–1.17); men, 1.17 (1.08–1.27)), moderate (1.17 (1.11–1.24); 1.35 (1.19–1.53) and severe anxiety symptoms (1.18 (1.07–1.3), 1.36 (1.06–1.74)), demonstrating an increased risk of ORs with escalating anxiety severity. LMM was independently associated with a higher prevalence of anxiety symptoms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Research on Mood Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges)
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13 pages, 468 KiB  
Article
Suicidal Ideations in Major Depressed Subjects: Role of the Temporal Dynamics of Anhedonia
by Gil Darquennes, Benjamin Wacquier, Gwenolé Loas and Matthieu Hein
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(7), 1065; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13071065 - 13 Jul 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1624
Abstract
Given the limited data available in the literature, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential role played by the temporal dynamics of anhedonia (lifelong anhedonia and recent changes in anhedonia) in the occurrence of suicidal ideations in major depressed subjects. [...] Read more.
Given the limited data available in the literature, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential role played by the temporal dynamics of anhedonia (lifelong anhedonia and recent changes in anhedonia) in the occurrence of suicidal ideations in major depressed subjects. The clinical data of 285 major depressed subjects recruited from the database of the Erasme Hospital Sleep Laboratory were analyzed. A score on item nine of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) ≥1 and/or an identification during the systematic psychiatric assessment were used to determine the presence of suicidal ideations. The association between anhedonia complaints (lifelong anhedonia and recent change in anhedonia) and suicidal ideations in major depressed subjects was assessed by logistic regression analyzes. The prevalence of suicidal ideations was 39.3% in our sample of major depressed subjects. After adjusting for the main confounding factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that unlike lifelong anhedonia, only recent changes in anhedonia were a risk factor for suicidal ideations in major depressed subjects. Given this potential involvement of the recent change in anhedonia in the occurrence of suicidal ideations in major depressed subjects, it seems essential to better identify and adequately manage this specific form of anhedonia in order to open new perspectives for the prevention of suicide in this particular sub-population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Research on Mood Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges)
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11 pages, 279 KiB  
Perspective
The Absence of Items Addressing Increased Appetite or Weight in Depressive-Symptom Questionnaires: Implications for Understanding the Link between Major Depressive Disorder, Antidepressants, and Obesity
by Andrés M. Treviño-Alvarez, Marci E. Gluck, Susan L. McElroy and Alfredo B. Cuellar-Barboza
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(8), 841; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14080841 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2142
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and obesity have a complex bidirectional relationship. However, most studies do not assess increased appetite or weight as a depressive symptom due to limitations in rating scales. Here we aimed to analyze frequently employed depressive-symptom scales and discuss the [...] Read more.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and obesity have a complex bidirectional relationship. However, most studies do not assess increased appetite or weight as a depressive symptom due to limitations in rating scales. Here we aimed to analyze frequently employed depressive-symptom scales and discuss the relevance of weight and appetite assessment items. To elaborate this perspective, we searched for validated questionnaires and scales evaluating depressive symptoms in English. We analyzed appetite and weight items from 20 depressive-symptoms rating scales. Only 8 of 20 rating scales assessed for increased weight or appetite. The scales reported in the literature as the most employed in antidepressants efficacy trials do not assess increased appetite or weight. The current use of rating scales limits our understanding of the relationship between MDD, antidepressants, and obesity. It is necessary to improve our weight and appetite measurements in MDD to clarify the respective impact of depressive symptoms and antidepressants on weight change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Research on Mood Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges)
14 pages, 1600 KiB  
Systematic Review
An Update on the Efficacy of Single and Serial Intravenous Ketamine Infusions and Esketamine for Bipolar Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Nicolas A. Nunez, Boney Joseph, Rakesh Kumar, Ioanna Douka, Alessandro Miola, Larry J. Prokop, Brian J. Mickey and Balwinder Singh
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(12), 1672; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13121672 - 2 Dec 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4572
Abstract
Ketamine has shown rapid antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) with single and serial intravenous (IV) infusions, but the effectiveness for depressive episodes of bipolar disorder is less clear. We conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to appraise the current [...] Read more.
Ketamine has shown rapid antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) with single and serial intravenous (IV) infusions, but the effectiveness for depressive episodes of bipolar disorder is less clear. We conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to appraise the current evidence on the efficacy and tolerability of ketamine/esketamine in bipolar depression. A search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies examining single or multiple infusions of ketamine or esketamine treatments. A total of 2657 articles were screened; 11 studies were included in the systematic review of which 7 studies were included in the meta-analysis (five non-randomized, N = 159; two RCTs, N = 33) with a mean age of 42.58 ± 13.1 years and 54.5% females. Pooled analysis from two RCTs showed a significant improvement in depression symptoms measured with MADRS after receiving a single infusion of ketamine (1-day WMD = −11.07; and 2 days WMD = −12.03). Non-randomized studies showed significant response (53%, p < 0.001) and remission rates (38%, p < 0.001) at the study endpoint. The response (54% vs. 55%) and remission (30% vs. 40%) rates for single versus serial ketamine infusion studies were similar. The affective switch rate in the included studies approximated 2.4%. Esketamine data for bipolar depression are limited, based on non-randomized, small sample-sized studies. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to strengthen the evidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Research on Mood Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges)
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