Acceptance by patients of a web-based intervention for depressive symptoms

IntroductionAt present, 121 million worldwide suffer from a treatment-requiring depression. Treatment recommendations include pharmacotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic procedures. However, lacking resources in psychotherapy complicate the process of implementation. Therefore, researchers are increasingly working on computer-based psychotherapy programmes. But will these programmes be accepted by patients - and if yes, how would they use them?ObjectivesObtaining information on how patients assess and wish to use online psychotherapy programmes, using the example of the web-based programme “Deprexis”. The programme can be used to bridge waiting times, for phase-prophylactic purposes and to accompany the therapy. Based on elements of CBT, CBASP, IPT and ACT, clinical and scientific experts have developed this evidence-based intervention and positively evaluated it in an RCT (Meyer, B., Berger, T., Caspar, F., et al., 2009).AimsIn an online survey, the acceptance and desired use of the programme in the target group of patients were inquired.MethodsThe participants (N = 421) were interviewed regarding the application and acceptance of “Deprexis” as well as depressive symptoms and resulting functional restrictions (PHQ-9).ResultsThe participants had clinically relevant scores on the depression scale (average: 14.6 points). 93% wished to use an online programme. 42% assessed it as a low-threshold test for psychotherapy, 29% considered it a suitable tool for the bridging of waiting times. 17% even regarded it as a potential replacement for psychotherapy.ConclusionThe results indicate high acceptance within the target group and reveal fields of application as a complementary measure at various stages of the treatment process.

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Screening of Depressive Symptoms in a Russian General Population Sample: A Web-based Cross-sectional Study

Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health ◽

10.2174/1745017902117010205 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 205-211

Author(s):

Andrey Alexandrovich Kibitov ◽

Alexander Sergeevich Rakitko ◽

Evgeniy Dmitirevich Kasyanov ◽

Grigoriy Viktorovich Rukavishnikov ◽

Kira Alexandrovna Kozlova ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Online Survey ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Population Sample ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Older Age ◽

Clinical Population ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Male Sex

Background and Objective: Web-based screening of depressive symptoms in general non-clinical population can provide better insights into actual prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated risk factors. To study the current prevalence of depressive symptoms in Russian non-clinical population we conducted screening using an online survey based on Depression subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D). Methods: The online survey covered 2610 Russian-speaking respondents and included HADS-D, questions about sex, age and presence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) diagnoses or symptoms in respondents. Results: The proportion of respondents with depressive symptoms, estimated by online HADS-D, was 14.4% (11.5% - at subclinical level, 2.9% - at clinical level). The overall HADS-D score was higher in women (p=0.003), in young individuals under 30 y.o vs. participants over 42 y.o. (p=0.004) and in individuals with self-reported CVD symptoms (p=0.00002). Linear regression analysis showed that self-reported CVD symptoms increase HADS-D score (p<0.001), but male sex (p=0.002) and older age (p<0.001) decrease it. Logistic regression showed that CVD symptoms increase the risk of depressive symptoms by HADS-D (p=0.033, OR=1.29), but older age (p=0.015, OR=0.87) and male sex (as a trend, p=0.052, OR=0.80) decrease this risk. Conclusion: Online survey based on HADS-D showed new patterns of depressive symptoms prevalence in Russian non-clinical population. Depressive symptoms prevalence did not differ between men and women and was higher among young people. The reported association between depressive symptoms and CVD was confirmed.

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379 Do Depressive Symptoms Mediate the Association Between Insomnia and Physical Activity?

SLEEP ◽

10.1093/sleep/zsab072.378 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. A150-A151

Author(s):

Jamie Walker ◽

Rebecca Campbell ◽

Ivan Vargas

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Online Survey ◽

Longitudinal Design ◽

Energy Levels ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Severity Index ◽

Future Research ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Insomnia Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Insomnia and depression are highly comorbid and have been shown to be independently associated with lower levels of physical activity. It is not clear, however, if being less physically active is a risk factor for or consequence of depression and insomnia. The factors that explain the associations between insomnia, depression, and physical activity are likely complex and overlapping. For example, insomnia may predict inactivity by impacting one’s energy levels, leaving them too tired to exercise. Insomnia may also interfere with one’s motivation to exercise due to low mood, as insomnia is associated with the development of depressive symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to explore whether depression mediated the link between insomnia and low levels of physical activity. Methods A national online survey was conducted from April-June 2020. Participants completed surveys to assess demographics, mood, sleep, and physical activity. Depressive symptoms were estimated with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Insomnia symptoms were estimated with the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Physical activity levels were estimated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Analyses were conducted using multiple linear regression, with separate models for depression, insomnia, and the combination of the two, on levels of physical activity. Results 3,952 adults (Mage = 46.9 years) completed the survey. According to the unadjusted models, greater insomnia symptoms were associated with greater depressive symptoms (b = 0.4523, SE = 0.019593, p < .001), and lower levels of physical activity (b = -38.741, SE = 18.236, p = 0.0337). The relationship between insomnia and physical activity was no longer significant, however, when controlling for depression (b = -6.140, SE = 19.274, p = 0.75). According to the mediation analyses, there was an indirect effect of insomnia on physical activity that was explained by differences in depressive symptoms (Sobel Test = -4.895, SE = 6.518, p < .001). Conclusion Our findings support previous research indicating associations between symptoms of insomnia and depression and physical activity. Future research should examine if these same results hold using a longitudinal design. Support (if any) Vargas: K23HL141581

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660 Chronotype Associations with Insomnia, Depressive Symptoms, and Changes in Sleep and Health Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic

SLEEP ◽

10.1093/sleep/zsab072.658 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. A258-A258

Author(s):

Megan Petrov ◽

Matthew Buman ◽

Dana Epstein ◽

Shawn Youngstedt ◽

Nicole Hoffmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Health Behaviors ◽

Screen Time ◽

Online Survey ◽

Light Exposure ◽

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Time In Bed ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Introduction Evening chronotype (i.e., night owl preference) is associated with worse insomnia and depressive symptoms, and poorer health behaviors. The aim of this study was to examine the association between chronotype and these symptoms and health behaviors during COVID-19 pandemic quarantine. Methods An online survey, distributed internationally via social media from 5/21/2020–7/1/2020, asked adults to report sociodemographic/economic information, changes in sleep (midpoint, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, time-in-bed), and health behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sedentary screen time, and outdoor light exposure patterns) from prior to during the pandemic, chronotype preference (definitely morning [DM], rather more morning [RM], rather more evening [RE], or definitely evening [DE]), and complete the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D-10). Multinomial logistic regression and ANCOVA models, adjusting for age and sex, examined associations of chronotype with COVID-19 pandemic related impacts on sleep, depressive symptoms, and health behaviors. Results A subsample of 579 participants (M age: 39y, range: 18–80; 73.6% female), currently under quarantine and neither pregnant nor performing shift work, represented each chronotype evenly (~25%). Participants delayed their sleep midpoint by 72.0min (SD=111.5) during the pandemic. DE chronotypes had a greater delay than morning types (M±SD DE: 91.0±9.0 vs. RM: 55.9±9.2 & DM: 66.1±9.3; p=0.046) with no significant change in other sleep patterns relative to other chronotypes. However, DE and RE chronotypes had greater odds of reporting that their new sleep/wake schedule was still not consistent with their “body clock” preference relative to morning types (Χ2[15]=54.8, p<0.001), reported greater ISI (F[3,503]=5.3, p=.001) and CES-D-10 scores (F[3,492]=7.9, p<.001), and had greater odds for increased or consistently moderate-to-high sedentary screen time (Χ2[12]=22.7, p=0.03) and decreased physical activity (Χ2[12]=22.5, p=0.03) than DM chronotype. There was no significant difference in change in outdoor light exposure by chronotype (Χ2[12]=12.1, p=0.43). Conclusion In an international online sample of adults under COVID-19 pandemic quarantine, evening chronotypes, despite taking the opportunity to delay sleep to match biological clock preference, reported their sleep/wake schedules were still inconsistent with personal preference, and reported greater insomnia and depressive symptoms, and odds of engaging in poorer health behaviors than morning chronotypes. Support (if any):

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When altruists cannot help: The influence of altruism on mental health during COVID-19 pandemic

10.21203/rs.3.rs-25715/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yi Feng ◽

Dan Dong ◽

Min Zong ◽

Zhizun Yang ◽

Zhihong Qiao

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Negative Affect ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Valuable Insight

Abstract Background The positive predictive effect of altruism on physical and psychological well-being has been extensively demonstrated in previous studies, but few studies have examined the effect of altruism on negative mental health outcomes when altruists cannot perform altruistic behaviors. This study explored the influence of altruism on negative affect and mental health (anxiety and depression) during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when people self-isolated at home in China.Method: College students were recruited via a cross-sectional online survey during the outbreak of COVID-19 in China. Self-reported perceived risk, altruism, negative affect, anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured using the Self-Report Altruism Scale (SRA), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the 9-item PHQ depression scale (PHQ-9). A structural equation model was used to analyze the mediating and moderating effects on mental health.Results The final sample comprised 1346 Chinese participants (Mage = 19.76 ± 2.23 years, 73% female). Overall, the higher risk people perceived, the more negative affect they exhibited (β = 0.16, p < .001); thus, the more anxious and depressed they felt (β = 0.134, p < .001), but this relationship between risk perception and negative affect was moderated by altruism. Paradoxical to previous studies, the increase in negative affect associated with increased perceived risk was pronounced among individuals with high altruism ( t = 7.68, p < .001).Conclusions Individuals with high altruism exhibited more negative affect, indirectly increasing their anxiety and depressive symptoms. The findings enrich the theory of altruism and provide valuable insight into the influence of altruism on mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak.

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The Dark Triad of Personality’s Relationship with Compliance towards COVID-19 Pandemic Recommendations along with Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Polish Citizens

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105478 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5478

Author(s):

Anna M. Gogola ◽

Paweł Dębski ◽

Agnieszka Goryczka ◽

Piotr Gorczyca ◽

Magdalena Piegza

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Daily Basis ◽

Dark Triad ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Dirty Dozen ◽

Polish Version

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone to comply with rules of a sanitary regime and social distancing on a daily basis. The aim of our research was to assess the differences in the levels of Dark Triad traits between people who obeyed and disobeyed the pandemic restrictions. Additionally, we considered the possible correlation between the Dark Triad and the intensity of symptoms of depression and anxiety. A total of 604 Polish participants, whose average age was 28.95 ± 11.27 years, completed an online survey which measured Dark Triad traits using the Polish version of the Dirty Dozen test. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The results revealed a possible relationship between personality traits and compliance with pandemic restrictions. Individuals with higher levels of psychopathy tended to disobey newly introduced rules. On the other hand, a higher level of subclinical narcissism might have contributed to a better civil compliance. The results showed a significant positive correlation between the intensity of the Dark Triad and the occurrence of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, narcissism was linked to anxiety symptoms. These results can contribute to a better understanding of behavioural patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic within the group of individuals who exhibit the Dark Triad traits. Our conclusions might help to identify individuals who are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems.

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Feelings, Behavioral Actions and Depressive Symptoms Related to COVID-19 among Undergraduates in Hail, Saudi Arabia

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9101280 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 1280

Author(s):

Badr K. Aldhmadi ◽

Ramaiah Itumalla ◽

Rakesh Kumar ◽

Bilesha Perera

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Depressive Symptomatology ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Middle Income ◽

Precautionary Measures

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) outbreak has had a profound psychological impact on university undergraduates. Feelings, behavioral actions, and depressive symptoms related to COVID-19 in undergraduates in Hail, Saudi Arabia, were assessed using an online survey. Eighteen feelings and six behavioral acts were assessed. The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale was used to measure depressive symptomatology. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression techniques were used. The mean age of the participants (n = 418) was 20.2 years (standard deviation (SD) = 1.8 years), and 52.9% (n = 221) were males. Elevated levels of depressive symptoms were reported by 47.1% of male and 51.3% of female participants. Social isolation, loss of interest, obsessive monitoring of symptoms, concentration difficulties, recurrent negative thoughts, and worries about health services emerged as vital negative feelings related to COVID-19 that were expressed by the participants. Younger age (odds ratio (OR) = 0.636, confidence interval (CI) = 0.428–0.946) and coming from the middle-income category (OR = 0.388, CI = 0.151–0.994) were found to be protective factors against developing depressive symptoms. Frequent cleaning of hands, wearing masks when going out, and adherence to social distancing rules were practiced by 71.5% (95% CI = 67.2%–75.8%), 78.7% (95% CI = (74.4%–82.5%) and 66.0% (95% CI = (61.3%–70.5%) of the participants, respectively. These behavioral acts were not associated with the development of depressive symptoms. Although the practice of COVID-19 precautionary measures by the participants was satisfactory, nearly half of the participants reported depressive symptoms. Innovative educational strategies are needed to curb concentration difficulties and social isolation experienced by undergraduates during outbreaks such as COVID-19.

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When altruists cannot help: The influence of altruism on the mental health of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic

10.21203/rs.3.rs-25715/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yi Feng ◽

Min Zong ◽

Zhizun Yang ◽

Wen Gu ◽

Dan Dong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Negative Affect ◽

University Students ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Online Survey ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Valuable Insight

Abstract Background: The positive predictive effect of altruism on physical and psychological well-being has been extensively demonstrated in previous studies, but few studies have examined the effect of altruism on negative mental health outcomes when altruists cannot perform altruistic behaviours. This study explored the influence of altruism on negative affect and mental health (anxiety and depressive symptoms) during the COVID-19 pandemic while people self-isolated at home in China.Method: University students were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional online survey during the outbreak of COVID-19 in China. Self-reported perceived risk, altruism, negative affect, anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured using the Self-Report Altruism Scale (SRA scale), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-9). A structural equation model was used to analyse the mediating and moderating effects on mental health. Results: The final sample comprised 1346 Chinese participants (Mage = 19.76 ± 2.23 years, 73% female). Overall, the higher the risk the participants perceived, the more negative affect they exhibited (β = 0.16, p < .001), and thus, the more anxious and depressed they felt (β = 0.134, p < .001); however, this relationship between risk perception and negative affect was moderated by altruism. In contrast to previous studies, the increase in negative affect associated with the increased perceived risk was pronounced among individuals with high altruism (t = 7.68, p < .001). Conclusions: Individuals with high altruism exhibited more negative affect than those with low altruism, which indirectly increased their anxiety and depressive symptoms. These findings enrich theories of altruism and provide valuable insight into the influence of altruism on mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak.

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Acceptance and commitment therapy as a web-based intervention for depressive symptoms: Randomised controlled trial

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.bp.114.146068 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 208 (1) ◽

pp. 69-77 ◽

Cited By ~ 41

Author(s):

Wendy T. M. Pots ◽

Martine Fledderus ◽

Peter A. M. Meulenbeek ◽

Peter M. ten Klooster ◽

Karlein M. G. Schreurs ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽

Expressive Writing ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Waiting List ◽

Control Group ◽

Web Based ◽

Commitment Therapy ◽

Acceptance And Commitment

BackgroundDepression is a highly prevalent disorder, causing a large burden of disease and substantial economic costs. Web-based self-help interventions seem promising in promoting mental health.AimsTo compare the efficacy of a guided web-based intervention based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with an active control (expressive writing) and a waiting-list control condition (Netherlands Trial Register NTR1296).MethodAdults with depressive symptoms from the general population were randomised to ACT (n = 82), expressive writing (n = 67) or waiting-list control (n = 87). The main outcome was reduction in depressive symptoms assessed with the Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression scale.ResultsSignificant reductions in depressive symptoms were found following the ACT intervention, compared with the control group (Cohen's d = 0.56) and the expressive writing intervention (d = 0.36). The effects were sustained at 6-month and 12-month follow-up.ConclusionsAcceptance and commitment therapy as a web-based public mental health intervention for adults with depressive symptoms can be effective and applicable.

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Depressive symptoms in mothers with infants: The quantitative evidence of the association of COVID-19 crisis-related factors in Japan

10.21203/rs.3.rs-67579/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Midori Matsushima ◽

Hanna Horiguchi

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Online Survey ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Perinatal Period ◽

Postpartum Women ◽

Related Factors ◽

Quantitative Evidence ◽

Parenting Classes ◽

Financial Concern

Abstract Objective: This study explores the depressive symptoms in postpartum women during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis in Japan.Methods: An online survey conducted from 31 May to 6 June, 2020 resulted in 3,073 responses obtained from mothers with infants < 12 months. Results: The point prevalence of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score of ≥ 9 was 28.66% for primipara and 25.83% for multipara. Logistic regression analysis indicated a negative association between the COVID-19 crisis and EPDS ≥ 9; specifically, decreased social support and financial concern were identified as risk factors. The COVID-19 related experiences significantly increased the score of each factor of EPDS, i.e., anxiety, anhedonia, and depression.Conclusions: During the COVID-19 crisis, the number of mothers who faced depreciation in social support and income had increased. Moreover, spending their perinatal period during the crisis increased the propensity of facing unexpected changes, such as changes of hospitals for delivery, or cancellation of parenting classes. These multiple factors were associated with an elevated risk of depression in postpartum women. In a prolonged crisis, postpartum mental health should be treated carefully with the prevention of infection.

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Elite coaches have a similar prevalence of depressive symptoms to the general population and lower rates than elite athletes

BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine ◽

10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000719 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. e000719

Author(s):

Simon Sang Yeob Kim ◽

Bruce Hamiliton ◽

Sarah Beable ◽

Alana Cavadino ◽

Mark L Fulcher

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

General Population ◽

Life Stress ◽

Online Survey ◽

Strong Association ◽

National Level ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Daily Hassles ◽

Severity Scores

ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and life stress in elite coaches. The secondary aim was to explore the associations of depressive symptoms and life stress with demographic and lifestyle variables.MethodsNational-level coaches were invited to participate in an online survey. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-Revised (CESD-R). Life stress was measured using daily life hassle frequency and severity scores calculated from the Daily Hassles Questionnaire, with associations evaluated using linear regression.ResultsOf 110 potential participants, 69 completed and two partially completed surveys were received. The majority of respondents were male (77%), coaching individual sports (70%) and aged under 50 (71%). Overall, 14% of coaches reported at least moderate depressive symptoms according to the CESD-R. Those contemplating retirement were more likely to show depressive symptoms. Reported life stress was higher in females and in those contemplating retirement. There was a strong association between life stress and the odds of experiencing depressive symptoms (p=0.006).ConclusionsDepressive symptoms are as prevalent in elite coaches as in general population, with potential risk factors including high levels of life stress and impending retirement.

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