The Associations Between Loss and Posttraumatic Stress and Depressive Symptoms Following Hurricane Ike.

The Associations between Loss and Posttraumatic Stress and Depressive Symptoms Following Hurricane Ike.

J Clin Psychol. 2013 Jul 12;
Paul LA, Price M, Gros DF, Gros KS, McCauley JL, Resnick HS, Acierno R, Ruggiero KJ

Disasters can have wide-ranging effects on individuals and their communities. Loss of specific resources (e.g., household contents, job) following a disaster has not been well studied, despite the implications for preparedness efforts and postdisaster interventions.To provide information about the effects of loss on postdisaster distress, the present study assessed associations between disaster-related variables, including the loss of specific resources, and postdisaster distress.Random-digit dialing methodology was used to recruit hurricane-affected adults from Galveston and Chambers, TX, counties one year after Hurricane Ike. Data from 1,249 survivors were analyzed to identify predictors of distress.Variables that were significantly associated with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms included sustained losses, hurricane exposure, and sociodemographic characteristics; similar results were obtained for depressive symptoms.Together, these findings suggest risk factors that may be associated with the development of posthurricane distress that can inform preparedness efforts and posthurricane interventions. HubMed – depression

Chewing problems are associated with depression in the elderly: results from the InCHIANTI study.

Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2013 Jul 15;
Laudisio A, Milaneschi Y, Bandinelli S, Gemma A, Ferrucci L, Incalzi RA

Depression is increasingly recognized in older populations and associated with undernutrition, disability, and increased mortality. Chewing problems (CPs) share with depression these associations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association, if any, between CPs and depression in older subjects.We assessed 927 participants aged 65?years and older, derived from the ‘InCHIANTI’ study. Mood was evaluated using the CES-D scale and defined depressed by a CES-D score ?20. CPs were self-reported. Logistic regression was performed to assess the adjusted association between depression and CPs. The adjusted model was analyzed after stratifying for use of complete, partial dentures and edentulism.Chewing problems were reported by 293/927 (31.6%) participants. Depression was present in 188/927(20.3%) participants. In multivariable logistic regression, CPs were associated with depression (OR?=?1.81, 95% CI?=?1.26-2.58; p?=?0.001). No significant association was found among subjects who used complete dentures (OR?=?1.12, 95% CI?=?0.80-1.58, p?=?0.515). Up to 27.8% of prevalent depression might be attributed to CPs.Chewing problems are associated with depression in elderly population. Use of complete dentures hinder this association. Older depressed subjects should be screened for the presence of CPs; further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of early detection and correction of CPs on the development of depression. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. HubMed – depression

Simultaneous Imaging of Cortical Blood Flow and Haemoglobin Concentration with LASCA and RGB Reflectometry.

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2013; 789: 427-33
Steimers A, Gramer M, Takagaki M, Graf R, Lindauer U, Kohl-Bareis M

We demonstrate a system for the simultaneous imaging of cortical blood flow and haemoglobin oxygenation by laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) and RGB reflectometry. The sensitivity of the system was tested by observing changes of haemoglobin oxygenation and blood flow in rats in response to ischaemic stroke, hypercapnia, hyperoxia, hypoxia, cortical spreading depression and cortical activation following forepaw stimulation. HubMed – depression

Electroencephalogram patterns in infants of depressed mothers.

Dev Psychobiol. 2013 Jul 12;
Lusby CM, Goodman SH, Bell MA, Newport DJ

Electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns may reflect a vulnerability to depression. In an effort to understand their earliest origin, we examined their stability and consistency and their associations with perinatal depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were measured prospectively throughout the perinatal period in 83 women with histories of depression and/or anxiety. Infant’s EEG was recorded during baseline, feeding, and play at 3 and 6 months of age. Prenatal and postpartum depressive symptoms interacted significantly to predict 3- and 6-month-olds’ EEG asymmetry scores. Asymmetry scores were consistent across contexts, except from baseline to feeding and play at 6 months, and stable across ages, except during feeding. Changes in depressive symptoms across ages were not associated with changes in infant EEG. Findings highlight the importance of considering both prenatal and postpartum depressive symptoms in the prediction of infant EEG, as well as the need to consider context to understand stability of infant EEG patterns. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol. HubMed – depression