Phenotypic and aetiological architecture of depressive symptoms in a Japanese twin sample

AbstractBackgroundThe phenotypic and aetiological architecture of depression symptomatology has been mostly studied in Western samples. In this study, we conducted a genetically informed factor analysis to elucidate both the phenotypic and aetiological architectures of self-reported depression among a Japanese adult twin sample.MethodsDepressive symptoms assessed by Zung's Self-rating Depression Scale were self-rated by 425 twin pairs (301 monozygotic and 124 dizygotic twin pairs) in a community sample in Japan.ResultsAn exploratory factor analysis extracted three symptom domains representing cognitive, affective and somatic symptomatology. A confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that a bi-factor solution fitted better than the alternative solutions, implying that depression may be defined as a combination of a single general construct and three factors specific to each of the three symptom domains. A multivariate genetic analysis with the bi-factor solution showed that the general factor was substantially heritable (47%), and that only the affective symptom domain was significantly heritable (29%) among the three specific factors, their remaining variance being explained by non-shared environmental influences.ConclusionsDepression symptomatology appears to be adequately captured by a substantially heritable general factor. The heritability of this factor (47%) in a Japanese adult sample is in line with commonly reported heritability estimates for depression. The three specific factors – cognitive, affective and somatic – are mostly explained by non-shared environmental factors, which include measurement error. The extent to which these specific factors are uniquely associated with correlates of depression when the general factor is accounted for should be investigated in future studies.

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Aging as a Context for the Role of Inflammation in Depressive Symptoms

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2020.605347 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Kelci Straka ◽

Mai-Lan Tran ◽

Summer Millwood ◽

James Swanson ◽

Kate Ryan Kuhlman

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Depressive Symptom ◽

Inflammatory Markers ◽

Community Sample ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Interpersonal Problems ◽

Well Being ◽

Somatic Complaints ◽

Symptom Domains

Inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis and maintenance of depressive symptoms. The role of inflammation in depressive symptomatology may be complex, varying within endophenotypes and across the lifespan. Aging is associated with myriad changes in the structure and function of the brain. Yet, little attention has been given to the role of inflammation in depressive symptoms within a lifespan developmental framework. In this study, we examined whether the association between inflammation and depressive symptom domains varied by age. Participants were a community sample of individuals (N = 2,077, Range = 30–84) who participated in the Biomarker projects of the MIDUS2, MIDUS Refresher, or the MIDJA study. Inflammation was indexed by two inflammatory markers consistently implicated in depressed individuals, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), measured in blood. Depressive symptom domains, including depressed affect, anhedonia, somatic complaints, and interpersonal problems, were reported via the Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression Scale (CES-D). Inflammatory markers were associated with more somatic complaints, more interpersonal problems, and less anhedonia. Age moderated the relationship between inflammatory markers and two depressive symptom subscales. Specifically, the positive association between inflammation and somatic complaints and the negative association between inflammation and anhedonia increased with age. These observations offer preliminary evidence from a large community sample that aging may be an important context for the role of inflammatory signaling in different aspects of psychological and behavioral well-being.

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Validation of the Japanese Version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale—Revised: A Preliminary Analysis

Behavioral Sciences ◽

10.3390/bs11080107 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 107

Author(s):

Hirohito Tsuboi ◽

Yui Takakura ◽

Hiromasa Tsujiguchi ◽

Sakae Miyagi ◽

Keita Suzuki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Native Speakers ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Japanese Version ◽

Population Based ◽

Epidemiologic Studies ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Two Factors ◽

Study Population

To make the Japanese version of the CESD-R—a revised version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies depression scale (CES-D)—in the assessment of depressive symptoms in a general population. The English version of CESD-R was translated into Japanese, and back-translated into English by three native speakers of Japanese and English; then, we selected the version most completely consistent with the original items. The CESD-R was applied to 398 community-dwelling people (191 men: 48.0%, and 207 women: 52.0%) who were over 40 years old. The Japanese version of the CES-D was also carried out in the same population. Factor analysis was performed. Additionally, the correlations between the CESD-R and CES-D results were identified. The CESD-R scores showed a significantly positive correlation with CES-D scores (r = 0.74, p < 0.0005). Analysis of the CESD-R yielded a Cronbach’s alpha result of 0.90. Factor analysis revealed one principal factor in the CESD-R, whereas the original CES-D had two factors because of reversed items. The Japanese version of the CESD-R appears to have the reliability to be applicable for assessing depressive symptoms in population-based samples. However, because the Japanese expressions for some items might be unusual, our study population was also limited; further studies on other populations and on incorporating improved Japanese terminology will be needed.

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Riskier Tests of the Validity of Bifactor Models of Psychopathology

10.31234/osf.io/3f28h ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ashley L. Watts ◽

Holly Poore ◽

Irwin Waldman

Keyword(s):

Community Sample ◽

General Factor ◽

Symptom Dimensions ◽

Bifactor Models ◽

Specific Factors ◽

Psychopathology Symptom ◽

Using Data ◽

P Factor ◽

Correlated Factors ◽

Additional Variance

We advanced several “riskier tests” of the validity of bifactor models of psychopathology, which included that the general and specific factors should be reliable and well-represented by their indicators, and that including a general factor should improve the correlated factor model’s external validity. We compared bifactor and correlated factors models using data from a community sample of youth (N=2498) whose parents provided ratings on psychopathology and external criteria (i.e., temperament, aggression, antisociality). Bifactor models tended to yield either general or specific factors that were unstable and difficult to interpret. The general factor appeared to reflect a differentially-weighted amalgam of psychopathology rather than a liability for psychopathology broadly construed. With rare exceptions, bifactor models did not explain additional variance in psychopathology symptom dimensions or external criteria compared with correlated factors models. Together, our findings call into question the validity of bifactor models of psychopathology, and the p-factor more broadly.

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A New Factor Solution for the Domestic Violence–Related Financial Issues Scale (DV-FI)

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260519860888 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 088626051986088

Author(s):

Carolyn Copps Hartley ◽

Lynette M. Renner ◽

Caitlin Ward

Keyword(s):

Domestic Violence ◽

Factor Analysis ◽

African American Women ◽

Low Income ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Community Sample ◽

Factor Solution ◽

Economic Abuse ◽

Financial Issues

Economic abuse is a distinct form of intimate partner violence (IPV); yet, few measures of economic or financial factors exist. Weaver, Sanders, Campbell, and Schnabel’s Domestic Violence–Related Financial Issues Scale (DV-FI) was developed to assess the role of financial-related issues in an individual’s experiences of IPV as well as perceptions of financial self-efficacy and the future role that financial issues will play in one’s sense of financial security. Despite its relevance to research focused on IPV, only portions of the DV-FI have been used in a handful of studies. The original factor analysis of the DV-FI identified five subscales within a shelter-based sample of impoverished, predominantly African American women. The DV-FI demonstrated good psychometric properties at the time of development; yet, to our knowledge, the factor structure of this measure has not been evaluated with another sample. Given the importance of identifying economic abuse and financial self-efficacy among women who experience IPV, it is essential to have a reliable and valid measure of these constructs. In this article, we describe the results of a confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis of the DV-FI using a community sample of 150 predominantly White, low-income women seeking civil legal services. We identified a four-factor solution of the DV-FI. Our findings provide support for the Financial Self-Efficacy subscale as a domain-specific measure of financial self-efficacy among women who experience IPV, but further validation is needed to explain the divergent findings for the remaining factors.

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Can the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale be used to screen for anxiety in the perinatal period? A factor analysis of high-risk and community samples

10.31234/osf.io/dyvej ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Alexandra Lautarescu ◽

Suresh Victor ◽

Alex Lau-Zhu ◽

Serena J. Counsell ◽

Anthony David Edwards ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Factor Analysis ◽

Postnatal Depression ◽

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Community Sample ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Maternal History ◽

History Of ◽

The Relationship

Background: Timely and accurate detection of perinatal mental health problems is essential for the wellbeing of both mother and child. Growing evidence has suggested that the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is not a unidimensional measure of perinatal depression, but can be used to screen for anxiety disorders.Methods: We aimed to assess the factor structure of the EPDS in 3 different groups of women: n=266 pregnant women at high-risk of depression (“Perinatal Stress Study”), n=471 pregnant women from a community sample, and n=637 early postnatal women from a community sample (“developing Human Connectome Project”). Exploratory factor analysis (40% of each sample) and confirmatory factor analysis (60% of each sample) were performed. The relationship between EPDS scores and history of mental health was investigated. Results: Results suggested that a 3-factor model (depression, anxiety, and anhedonia) is the most appropriate across groups. The anxiety subscale (EPDS 3A) emerged consistently and was related to maternal history of anxiety disorders. Total EPDS score was related to history of mental health problems. Limitations: Although data were collected on maternal history of mental health, there was no standardized diagnostic interview administered to assess the relationship between EPDS 3A and a current diagnosis of anxiety disorder. Conclusions: A better understanding of the multi-factorial structure of the EPDS can inform diagnosis and management of women in the prenatal and postnatal period. The EPDS 3A could be used to provide initial screening information for anxiety in situations where a validated anxiety questionnaire is not administered.

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The tripartite model and dimensions of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents: Preliminary data from Serbia

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/s0924-9338(11)72066-1 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 26 (S2) ◽

pp. 355-355

Author(s):

D. Stevanovic ◽

A. Lakic

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Emotional Disorders ◽

Separation Anxiety ◽

Child Anxiety ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Anxiety Scale ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

General Factor ◽

Tripartite Model

Introduction and objectivesThe tripartite model of emotions (TME) specifies a general factor, negative affect (NA), which represents a shared influence on anxiety and depression, and two specific factors, physiological hyperarousal (PH) common to anxiety, and (low) positive affect (PA) common to depression (Clark & Watson, 1991).AimsTo examine the relationships between TME and anxiety and depressive symptoms in children and adolescents.MethodsIn the study participated 126 non-referred children and adolescents, aged 10–18 years. TME was assessed by the Affect and Arousal Scale (AFARS). Anxiety symptoms were identified using the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders questionnaire (SCARED). This questionnaire reports five types of anxiety disorders: panic/somatic, generalized, separation, social, and school phobia. Finally, depressive symptoms were identified using the Short Mood and Feeling Questionnaire (SMFQ). Zero-order correlations between all measures were presented.ResultsPA negatively correlated with the depression scale only, −0.2 (p = 0.012), while NA significantly correlated with the depression and all anxiety scale, except the separation anxiety scale (p < 0.05). PH significantly correlated with the depression, panic-somatic and separation anxiety and school avoidance scale. The highest correlations were between the depression (0.39) and panic scale (0.33).ConclusionsThe results indicate that the relationships between TME and symptoms of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents could be partially supported. However, they are consistent with the previous findings that reported that low PA correlate with depression and PH with panic disorder (Chorpita, 2000; Jacques & Mash, 2004; De Bolle, 2010).

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The factor structure of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale among perinatal high-risk and community samples in London

Archives of Women s Mental Health ◽

10.1007/s00737-021-01153-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Alexandra Lautarescu ◽

Suresh Victor ◽

Alex Lau-Zhu ◽

Serena J. Counsell ◽

A. David Edwards ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Factor Analysis ◽

High Risk ◽

Factor Structure ◽

Postnatal Depression ◽

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Community Sample ◽

Depression Scale ◽

History Of

AbstractTimely and accurate detection of perinatal mental health problems is essential for the wellbeing of both mother and child. Growing evidence has suggested that the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is not a unidimensional measure of perinatal depression, but can be used to screen for anxiety disorders. We aimed to assess the factor structure of the EPDS in 3 different groups of women: n = 266 pregnant women at high-risk of depression (“Perinatal Stress Study”), n = 471 pregnant women from a community sample, and n = 637 early postnatal women from a community sample (“developing Human Connectome Project”). Exploratory factor analysis (40% of each sample) and confirmatory factor analysis (60% of each sample) were performed. The relationship between EPDS scores and history of mental health concerns was investigated. Results suggested that a 3-factor model (depression, anxiety, and anhedonia) is the most appropriate across groups. The anxiety subscale (EPDS-3A) emerged consistently and was related to maternal history of anxiety disorders in the prenatal sample (W = 6861, p < 0.001). EPDS total score was related to history of mental health problems in both the prenatal (W = 12,185, p < 0.001) and postnatal samples (W = 30,044, p < 0.001). In both high-risk and community samples in the perinatal period, the EPDS appears to consist of depression, anxiety, and anhedonia subscales. A better understanding of the multifactorial structure of the EPDS can inform diagnosis and management of women in the prenatal and postnatal period. Further research is required to validate the EPDS-3A as a screening tool for anxiety.

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What is the quality of life in the oldest old?

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610210002462 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 23 (6) ◽

pp. 1003-1010 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Maria I. Lapid ◽

Teresa A. Rummans ◽

Bradley F. Boeve ◽

Joan K. McCormick ◽

V. Shane Pankratz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Cognitive Functioning ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Oldest Old ◽

Community Sample ◽

Geriatric Medicine ◽

Depression Scale

ABSTRACTBackground: Maintaining and improving quality of life has become a major focus in geriatric medicine, but the oldest old have received limited attention in clinical investigations. We aimed to investigate the relationship between self-perceived and caregiver-perceived quality of life (QOL), cognitive functioning, and depressive symptoms in the oldest old.Methods: This IRB-approved prospective study recruited community dwellers aged 90–99 years old. Collected data included neurological evaluation, DSM III-R criteria for dementia, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Dementia Rating Scale (DRS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Record of Independent Living (ROIL), and QOL assessment using the Linear Analogue Self Assessment (LASA).Results: Data on 144 subjects (56 cognitively normal (normal), 13 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 41 dementia (DEM), 34 dementia with stroke and parkinsonism (DEMSP)) over a three-year period were analyzed. Mean ages ranged from 93 to 94 years, and the majority were female with at least high school education. Overall functional ability was higher in groups without dementia (p < 0.0001). All subjects reported high overall QOL (range 6.76–8.3 out of 10), regardless of cognitive functioning. However, caregivers perceived the subjects’ overall QOL to be lower with increasing severity of cognitive impairment (p < 0.0001). Lower GDS scores correlate with higher self-perceived overall QOL (ρ = −0.38, p < 0.0001).Conclusions: In our community sample of the oldest old, there was a fairly high level of overall QOL, whether or not cognitive impairment exists. Individuals perceive their QOL better than caregivers do, and the difference in subjects’ and caregivers’ perception is more pronounced for the groups with dementia. QOL is more strongly correlated with depressive symptoms than with dementia severity.

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Screening for depression in Andean Latin America: Factor structure and reliability of the CES-D short form and the PHQ-8 among Bolivian public hospital patients

The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine ◽

10.1177/0091217417738934 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 52 (4-6) ◽

pp. 315-327 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Karolina Schantz ◽

Chelsea Reighard ◽

James E Aikens ◽

Amparo Aruquipa ◽

Bismark Pinto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Latin America ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Factor Structure ◽

Low Income ◽

Short Form ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Factor Solution ◽

Internal Reliability ◽

Two Measures

Objective We assessed the validity and reliability of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale (CES-D) short form and the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) (two measures of depressive symptoms) among urban, low-income patients from a heavily indigenous area of Andean Latin America. This is a patient population that is in many ways culturally distinct from the populations that have been included in previous Spanish language validation studies of these instruments. Methods We administered the CES-D Yale version short form and the PHQ-8 to 107 outpatients at public hospitals in La Paz and El Alto, Bolivia. We conducted exploratory factor analysis, checked internal reliability, and examined concordance between the two measures in identifying patients with clinically significant depressive symptoms. Results Internal reliability was high for both scales: PHQ-8 (Cronbach’s α = 0.808) and CES-D (α = 0.825). A one-factor solution for the PHQ-8 was maintained after the removal of one poorly loading item. The CES-D showed a two-factor solution, with items for somatic symptoms and interpersonal problems loading on the same factor as negative affect. Using both the cutoff for depression recommended in prior studies and a sample specific cutoff of ≥1 standard deviation above the mean, the two scales demonstrated only moderate agreement (κ = 0.481–0.486). Conclusions The PHQ may be more appropriate for clinical use in the Andean region, given its greater specificity; however, lower than expected agreement between the scales suggests that they also measure different elements of depression. Irregularities with the factor structure of both scales suggest that further research with this population is needed to better understand depressive symptomology and improve screening in the region.

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Feasibility of a blended group treatment (bGT) for major depression: uncontrolled interventional study in a university setting

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018412 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. e018412 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Raphael Schuster ◽

Isabelle Fichtenbauer ◽

Verena Maria Sparr ◽

Thomas Berger ◽

Anton-Rupert Laireiter

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Major Depression ◽

Group Treatment ◽

General Health ◽

Community Sample ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Recruitment Strategy ◽

Interventional Study ◽

Face To Face ◽

University Setting

ObjectiveThis study investigated the feasibility of a novel blended (face-to-face and computer-based) group intervention for the reduction of depressive symptoms in major depression.DesignPatient-centred uncontrolled interventional study.SettingUniversity setting in a general community sample. A multimodal recruitment strategy (public health centres and public areas) was applied.ParticipantsBased on independent interviews, 26 participants, diagnosed with major depressive disorder (81% female; 23% comorbidity >1 and 23% comorbidity >2), entered treatment.InterventionAcceptance and mindfulness based, as well as self-management and resource-oriented psychotherapy principles served as the theoretical basis for the low-threshold intervention. The blended format included face-to-face sessions, complemented with multimedia presentations and a platform featuring videos, online work sheets, an unguided group chat and remote therapist–patient communication.Main outcome measuresThe Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire.ResultsLarge to very large within group effect sizes were found on self-reported depression (F(2, 46.37)=25.69, p<0.001;d=1.80), general health (F(2,46.73)=11.47, p<0.001;d=1.32), personal resources (F(2,43.36)=21.17, p<0.001;d=0.90) and mindfulness (F(2,46.22)=9.40, p<0.001;d=1.12) after a follow-up period of 3 months. Treatment satisfaction was high, and 69% ranked computer and multimedia use as a therapeutic factor. Furthermore, participants described treatment intensification as important advantage of the blended format. Half of the patients (48%) would have preferred more time for personal exchange.ConclusionThe investigated blended group format seems feasible for the reduction of depressive symptoms in major depression. The development of blended interventions can benefit from assuring that highly structured treatments actually meet patients’ needs. As a next step, the intervention should be tested in comparative trials in routine care.Trial registration numberDRKS00010894; Pre-results.

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