The sunshine induced placebo effect in major depressive disorder patients exhibits gender differences

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S411-S412
Author(s):  
J. Gailledreau ◽  
B. Gailledreau ◽  
P. Desbonnet ◽  
P. Khalifa Soussan ◽  
N. Desbonnet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Major Depressive Disorder ◽  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
Placebo Effect ◽  
Microsoft Excel ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Sunny Weather ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Variable Weather

RationaleSunshine increases placebo effect in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients (Gailledreau et al., 2015). Kokras et al. (2014) showed that sunshine induces different responses in female than male mice in preclinical models of depression.ObjectiveTo determine whetehr the sunshine induced placebo effect exhibits gender differences in human.Materiel and methodsData from 9 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies of antidepressants conducted by the French GICIPI network were reviewed. MADRS (5) or HAM-D 17 (4) were used as the main efficacy tool. For each patient, variation of scores (Delta MADRS/Delta HAM-D) between two consecutive visits were correlated with the average sunshine index observed at noon between these visits. Sunshine indexes were provided by Météo-France. Correlations were computed with Microsoft Excel.ResultsAnalysis of both genders (n = 52) showed no statistically significant (NS) correlation (r2 = 0.0064) between sunshine and score variations. Analysis of males (n = 8) failed to demonstrate any significant correlation in cloudy (< 1000 Joules/cm2), variable (1000–2000 Joules/cm2) or sunny (> 2000 Joules/cm2) weather. Analysis of females (n = 44) showed NS correlation as well for cloudy or variable weather (r2 = 0.0016), but a strong correlation was observed for females exposed to sunny weather: r2 = 0, 315, n = 20, P < 0.01. This correlation was even stronger in the subpopulation of females aged less than 50 years: r2 = 0.6398, n = 12, P < 0.001.DiscussionThe hypothesis underlying this correlation between sunshine index and variations of MADRS/HAMD scales will be discussed.ConclusionSunshine increases placebo effect in female patients aged less than 50. This insufficiently known effect may be responsible for failure of a number of double-blind, randomized, studies of antidepressant compounds.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The use of vitamin D3 sublingual tablets versus oral drops in the treatment of patients with COMT Val/Val genotype and major depressive disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S730-S730
Author(s):  
A.W. Mech
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Major Depressive Disorder ◽  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
Vitamin D3 ◽  
Dopamine Synthesis ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
Comt Genotype ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionVitamin D has been shown to be crucial in the regulation of dopamine and its relationship to major depressive disorder.A five-year pre-interventional study of 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels in patients with major depressive disorder found values ranging from 17 to 32 ng/mL.COMT Val/Val genotype has been associated with a 20–40% more rapid breakdown of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex as compared to individuals with a Val/Met genotype.MethodsThis retrospective study gathered data concerning outcome measurements in patients who displayed a baseline 25-OH level < 30 mg/mL and initially treated with sublingual tablet form of 10,000 IU vitamin D3. These data were compared to post interventional depression outcome scores for patients switched to oral vitamin D3 drops at a dose of 10,000 IUs.ResultsScores on the MADRS 1–3 weeks following the vitamin D3 switch showed an improvement in mood with the lowering of scores on the MADRS.ConclusionsPatients with a COMT genotype of Val/Val showed clinical improvement with a switch from oral D3 sublingual tablets to oral D3 drops. Further studies are needed to draw from conclusions. Pre- and post-25-OH vitamin D levels and other dopamine synthesis variables including serum ferritin would be useful as well as prospective double-blind placebo controlled trials. The future use of genotype-specific and supportive approaches deserves serious investigation.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

Gender differences in major depressive disorder: Results from the Netherlands study of depression and anxiety

2014 ◽  
Vol 156 ◽  
pp. 156-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jérôme J.J. Schuch ◽  
Annelieke M. Roest ◽  
Willem A. Nolen ◽  
Brenda W.J.H. Penninx ◽  
Peter de Jonge
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Major Depressive Disorder ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Major Depressive

scholarly journals Impact of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on Theory of Mind and Executive Function in Major Depressive Disorder and Its Correlation with Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 765
Author(s):  
Jie Tong ◽  
Jie Zhang ◽  
Ying Jin ◽  
Weiqing Liu ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Major Depressive Disorder ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Perseverative Errors

Background: Studies have implicated hypofrontality in the pathogenesis of impaired theory of mind (ToM) and executive function (EF) in major depressive disorder (MDD). These symptoms are usually resistant to treatment. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been shown to reverse hypofrontality. Moreover, BDNF is an effective biomarker of antidepressant effects, but there have been very few studies on the correlation between BDNF and rTMS. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 20 sessions of a 10 Hz unilateral rTMS intervention over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in improving ToM and EF in patients with MDD and its correlation with BDNF. Methods: A total of 120 MDD patients were enrolled in this randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind trial. Each participant received 20 sessions of rTMS at 10 Hz frequency through the active or the sham coil over 4 weeks. ToM was assessed with the facial emotion identification test (FEIT) and hinting task (HT). EF was assessed with the Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST). BDNF assessments were carried out at baseline and 2-, 4-, 12-, and 24-week follow-ups. Results: The improvement in the ToM (FEIT, HT) in the active rTMS group was significantly different from that in the sham rTMS group (F = 18.09, p < 0.001; F = 5.02, p = 0.026). There were significant differences in the WCST (categories completed, response errors, response perseverative errors, non-response perseverative errors) after logarithmic transformation at different time points in the active rTMS group (F = 14.71, p < 0.001; F = 5.99, p = 0.046; F = 8.90, p = 0.031; F = 2.31, p = 0.048). However, there was no significant difference in log transformed BDNF concentration between the two groups (t = 0.07 to t = 1.29, p > 0.05). BDNF was negatively correlated with WCST categories completed at the 24th week (r = −0.258, p = 0.046). Conclusions: The results show that rTMS may improve the ToM and EF of patients with MDD and there was no significant correlation with serum BDNF concentration. RTMS can not only be used for treatment of patients with MDD but also has a positive effect on ToM and EF.

Propofol Anaesthesia in Electroconvulsive Therapy

1994 ◽  
Vol 165 (4) ◽  
pp. 506-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher F. Fear ◽  
Carl S. Littlejohns ◽  
Eryl Rouse ◽  
Paul McQuail
Keyword(s):  
Major Depressive Disorder ◽  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
Electroconvulsive Therapy ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Induction Agent ◽  
Double Blind Study ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
Seizure Duration ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Induction Agents

BackgroundThe induction agent propofol is known to reduce electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) seizure duration. It is assumed that outcome from depression is adversely affected by this agent. This study compares propofol and methohexitone as induction agents for ECT.MethodIn a prospective, randomised, double-blind study 20 subjects with major depressive disorder (DSM-III-R criteria) received propofol or methohexitone anaesthesia. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Beck Depression Inventory were used to assess depression before therapy, at every third treatment, and at the end of therapy. Seizure duration was measured using the cuff technique.ResultsMean seizure durations (P < 0.01) and mean total seizure duration (P < 0.01) were shorter in the propofol group. There was no difference in outcome.ConclusionsUse of propofol may not adversely affect outcome from depression and it is not necessarily contraindicated as an induction agent for ECT. Our results should be interpreted cautiously, and larger studies are needed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document