Alcoholism and Depression: Recent Results on the Mutual Interaction between Alcohol use, Stress-axis Dysfunction, and Affective Disorders

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
F. Kiefer ◽  
K. Mann
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Dependence ◽  
Alcohol Intake ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Stress Axis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Drinking Behaviour ◽  
Suppression Test ◽  
Coherent Body ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Alcohol intake is known to modulate plasma concentrations of neuroendocrine peptides. However, recent results suggest that the endocrine system may not only respond passively to alcohol intake, but that -vice versa- it also actively modulates alcohol intake behaviour. The most coherent body of data concerns the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, with low corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) being associated with more intense craving and increased probability of relapse after acute detoxification. It is important to bear in mind that dysregulation of the HPA system, as observed in alcohol dependence, is also a feature of anxiety and depression, two conditions which are frequently linked with alcohol dependence and have been reported to be associated with a poor prognosis. In depression, increased secretion of CRH seems to be one crucial mechanism. It has been found as a marker of depressive symptoms, which normalises when depression is successfully treated. Hypersecretion of CRH is associated with a general hyperactivity of the HPA system, notably elevated plasma levels of ACTH and cortisol, a blunted cortisol stress response and a blunted dexamethasone suppression test. In any case, HPA dysregulation, alcohol dependence, and depression are closely interrelated. Exactly which component of this triad is the driving force behind the various neuroendocrine correlates of drinking behaviour is currently unclear, and will need to be elucidated by future research. This will allow for an enlightened choice of potentially therapeutic agents for the treatment of co-morbid anxiety, depression, and alcohol dependence, acting primarily on the HPA system.

Symptoms of Alcohol Dependence Predict Suicide Ideation Among Alaskan Undergraduates

Crisis ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 232-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher R. DeCou ◽  
Monica C. Skewes
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Dependence ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Alcohol Problems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Causal Mechanism ◽  
Students At Risk ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Alcohol Related Problems

Abstract. Background: Previous research has demonstrated an association between alcohol-related problems and suicidal ideation (SI). Aims: The present study evaluated, simultaneously, alcohol consequences and symptoms of alcohol dependence as predictors of SI after adjusting for depressive symptoms and alcohol consumption. Method: A sample of 298 Alaskan undergraduates completed survey measures, including the Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire, the Short Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire, and the Beck Depression Inventory – II. The association between alcohol problems and SI status was evaluated using sequential logistic regression. Results: Symptoms of alcohol dependence (OR = 1.88, p < .05), but not alcohol-related consequences (OR = 1.01, p = .95), emerged as an independent predictor of SI status above and beyond depressive symptoms (OR = 2.39, p < .001) and alcohol consumption (OR = 1.08, p = .39). Conclusion: Alcohol dependence symptoms represented a unique risk for SI relative to alcohol-related consequences and alcohol consumption. Future research should examine the causal mechanism behind the relationship between alcohol dependence and suicidality among university students. Assessing the presence of dependence symptoms may improve the accuracy of identifying students at risk of SI.

scholarly journals Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: Current Understanding, New Testing Strategies and Future Research Needs

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 933
Author(s):  
Maria E. Street ◽  
Karine Audouze ◽  
Juliette Legler ◽  
Hideko Sone ◽  
Paola Palanza
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Current Understanding ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Developmental Origins ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Important Class ◽  
Testing Strategies ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Health And Disease

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous chemicals which can disrupt any action of the endocrine system, and are an important class of substances which play a role in the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) [...]

scholarly journals Adverse health behaviours are associated with depression and anxiety in multiple sclerosis: A prospective multisite study

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 685-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyla A. McKay ◽  
Helen Tremlett ◽  
John D. Fisk ◽  
Scott B. Patten ◽  
Kirsten Fiest ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Alcohol Dependence ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Adverse Health ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Background: Depression and anxiety are common among people with multiple sclerosis (MS), as are adverse health behaviours, but the associations between these factors are unclear. Objective: To evaluate the associations between cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and depression and anxiety in MS in a cross-Canada prospective study. Methods: From July 2010 to March 2011 we recruited consecutive MS patients from four MS clinics. At three visits over two years, clinical and demographic information was collected, and participants completed questionnaires regarding health behaviours and mental health. Results: Of 949 participants, 75.2% were women, with a mean age of 48.6 years; most had a relapsing−remitting course (72.4%). Alcohol dependence was associated with increased odds of anxiety (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.32–2.58) and depression (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.05–2.23) adjusting for age, sex, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and smoking status. Smoking was associated with increased odds of anxiety (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.02–1.63) and depression (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.04–1.78) adjusting for age, sex, EDSS, and alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependence was associated with an increased incidence of depression but not anxiety. Depression was associated with an increased incidence of alcohol dependence. Conclusion: Alcohol dependence and smoking were associated with anxiety and depression. Awareness of the effects of adverse health behaviours on mental health in MS might help target counselling and support for those ‘at risk’.

1896 – Executive functions and impulsivity in alcohol dependence: focus on drinking behaviour

2013 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Tedeschi ◽  
G. Martinotti ◽  
M. Di Nicola ◽  
O. De Vita ◽  
D.S. Hatzigiakoumis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Alcohol Dependence ◽  
Drinking Behaviour

scholarly journals Understanding and Describing PTSD in Kosovo: A Systematic Evidence-Based Review

SAGE Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 215824401773458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naim Fanaj ◽  
Erika Melonashi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Psychological Constructs ◽  
Methodological Problems ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
Exposure To Trauma

Mental health problems related to the psychological trauma of war still represent a public health concern in postwar Kosovo. Despite the universal character of exposure to trauma, there are suggestions that the manifestation posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or related psychosocial factors might vary across cultures. The aim of the present article was to provide a critical overview of research on PTSD in the specific sociocultural context of Kosovo by examining prevalence rates, as well as related demographic and psychosocial variables. For this purpose, 51 studies were evaluated. Results showed that, even 10 years postwar prevalence rates for PTSD are still high among civilians exposed to trauma, refugees, and veterans. As regards psychiatric and psychological constructs correlating with PTSD, studies suggested the following: anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, anger, and revenge thoughts. Moreover, socioeconomic factors and social support were identified as highly influential on quality of life of individuals with PTSD. Nonetheless the studies considered for review had numerous methodological problems such as sample size, self-selection, nonrandomized process, and lack of control groups, findings of existing studies still need to be carefully considered and future research is necessary.

scholarly journals Comparison of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis susceptibility upon single-dose i.m. depot versus long-acting i.v. triamcinolone acetonide therapy: a direct pharmacokinetic correlation

2006 ◽  
Vol 191 (2) ◽  
pp. 491-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Getu Abraham ◽  
Fioralba Demiraj ◽  
Fritz Rupert Ungemach
Keyword(s):  
Triamcinolone Acetonide ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Stress Axis ◽  
Dihydrogen Phosphate ◽  
Maximum Plasma ◽  
Acth Challenge ◽  
Cortisol Responses ◽  
Baseline Values ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Long Acting

The effects of single injections of glucocorticoid (GC) depot suspension and of long-acting GC were studied in conscious dogs. Both the depot suspension GC triamcinolone-16,17-α-acetonide (TAA) and the long-acting triamcinolone acetonide-21-dihydrogen phosphate (TAA-DHP) decreased basal and ACTH-stimulated cortisol levels and in a specific time-dependent way. Before treatment, all dogs had normal basal and peak cortisol responses to ACTH challenge (13–15 and > 120 nmol/l at 1 h respectively). Intravenous TAA-DHP reduced cortisol levels for 12 h, i.m. TAA reduced cortisol levels as of 1.5 h and the effect lasted for at least 4 weeks. Both treatments blunted the peak response to ACTH. ACTH elevated cortisol levels to or above baseline values within 10 days following TAA-DHP treatment, but the TAA treatment suppressed an ACTH response for at least 4 weeks. Kinetic analysis of both the preparations demonstrated rapid absorption (tmax, 0.6–1.5 h) and low maximum plasma concentrations (peak Cmax, 2.99–5.51 nmol/l) of the steroids; indeed, the terminal half-life of TAA-DHP (13.9 ± 1.3 h) was very much shorter than that of TAA (125.9 ± 15.8 h). In addition, the mean residence time differed very much (11 vs 160 h for TAA-DHP and TAA respectively), in line with a delayed elimination of the depot compared with the long-acting formulation. Application of these TAA formulations needs careful evaluation for their surprisingly different effects on endocrine stress axis activity.

scholarly journals Mindfulness in Motion for People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Feasibility Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 225-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel M. Gilbertson ◽  
Maryanna D. Klatt
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Background: Mindfulness in Motion is an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention that uses yoga movement, mindfulness meditation, and relaxing music. This study examined the feasibility of using Mindfulness in Motion in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the effect of this program on stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and quality of life in people with MS. Methods: Twenty-two people with MS completed the 8-week mindfulness program as well as assessments 1 week before and after the intervention. Results: Pre/post comparison of four self-reported questionnaires—the Mental Health Inventory, 36-item Short Form Health Status Survey, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire—showed significant improvement in physical functioning, vitality, and mental health. Specifically, improvements were seen in anxiety, depression, and positive affect; cognitive, psychosocial, and overall functioning regarding fatigue; and mindfulness in the areas of observing, acting with awareness, nonjudgment, and nonreactivity. Conclusions: Due to the uncertainty in disease progression associated with MS, and the multiplicity of mental and physical symptoms associated with it, programming that addresses anxiety, depression, and fatigue is a key area of future research in MS disease management. Mindfulness in Motion proved to be a feasible program yielding positive results, supporting the need for research to determine the extent to which the program can improve quality-of-life outcomes for people with MS.

scholarly journals Unveiling sex-based differences in the effects of alcohol abuse: a comprehensive functional meta-analysis of transcriptomic studies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franc Casanova Ferrer ◽  
María Pascual ◽  
Marta R. Hidalgo ◽  
Pablo Malmierca-Merlo ◽  
Consuelo Guerri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Dependence ◽  
Intracellular Transport ◽  
Alcohol Intake ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Subsequent Development ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
Biological Mechanisms ◽  
Physiological Mechanisms ◽  
Transcriptomic Studies

AbstractThe abuse of alcohol, one of the most popular psychoactive substances, can cause several pathological and psychological consequences, including alcohol use disorder (AUD). An impaired ability to stop or control alcohol intake despite adverse health or social consequences characterize AUD. While AUDs predominantly occur in men, growing evidence suggests the existence of distinct cognitive and biological consequences of alcohol dependence in women. The molecular and physiological mechanisms participating in these differential effects remain unknown. Transcriptomic technology permits the detection of the biological mechanisms responsible for such sex-based differences, which supports the subsequent development of novel personalized therapeutics to treat AUD. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of transcriptomics studies regarding alcohol dependence in humans with representation from both sexes. For each study, we processed and analyzed transcriptomic data to obtain a functional profile of pathways and biological functions and then integrated the resulting data by meta-analysis to characterize any sex-based transcriptomic differences associated with AUD. Global results of the transcriptomic analysis revealed the association of decreased tissue regeneration, embryo malformations, altered intracellular transport, and increased rate of RNA and protein replacement with female AUD patients. Meanwhile, our analysis indicated that increased inflammatory response and blood pressure and a reduction in DNA repair capabilities associated with male AUD patients. In summary, our functional meta-analysis of transcriptomic studies provides evidence for differential biological mechanisms that AUD patients of differing sex.Abstract Figure

scholarly journals Association of Problematic Alcohol Use and Food Insecurity among Homeless Men and Women

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 3631 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorraine R. Reitzel ◽  
Surya Chinamuthevi ◽  
Sajeevika S. Daundasekara ◽  
Daphne C. Hernandez ◽  
Tzu-An Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Alcohol Dependence ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Alcohol Problems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Homeless Adults ◽  
Problematic Alcohol ◽  
Problematic Alcohol Use

Food insecurity results from unreliable access to affordable and nutritious food. Homeless adults are particularly vulnerable to both food insecurity and problematic alcohol use. The current study examined the link between problematic alcohol use and food insecurity among homeless adults. Participants (N = 528; 62.7% men; Mage = 43.6 ± 12.2) were recruited from homeless-serving agencies in Oklahoma City. Problematic alcohol use was measured using the Alcohol Quantity and Frequency Questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire. The latter used DSM-IV diagnostic criteria to assess probable alcohol use dependence/abuse. Heavy drinking was considered >7 drinks (women) and >14 drinks (men) per week. Food insecurity was measured with the USDA Food Security Scale-Short Form. The link between alcohol problems and food insecurity was examined with logistic regression analyses controlling for sex, age, education, income, and months homeless. Overall, 28.4% of the sample had probable alcohol dependence, 25% were heavy drinkers, and 78.4% were food insecure. Probable alcohol dependence and heavy drinking were correlated at 0.53 (p < 0.001). Results indicated that heavy drinking (OR = 2.12, CI.95 = 1.21, 3.73) and probable alcohol dependence/abuse (OR = 2.72, CI.95 = 1.55, 4.77) were each associated with increased odds of food insecurity. Food insecurity and problematic alcohol use are major issues among homeless populations; this study suggests they are associated. Future research is needed to shed light on potential causal mechanisms and on whether alcohol may take precedence over eating or food purchases.

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