Objective: Despite lower depression rates in men than in women, men’s suicide rates are significantly higher, suggesting potential gaps in depression screening. Rutz et al. developed the Gotland Male Depression Scale (GMDS), which includes symptoms commonly associated with male depression. This study was conducted to validate the Korean version of the GMDS (K-GMDS). Methods: The K-GMDS, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and outpatient records of 233 new patients at the outpatient psychiatry department of Catholic University Hospital in Daegu from February and May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s α, and external validity was tested by analyzing the scale’s correlation with the PHQ-9. The screening capacity of the K-GMDS was tested based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy. Results: Of 233 patients, 42.6% (n=98) were classified to the depression group. Cronbach’s α was 0.92, and external validity was established with a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.83 between the total score of the K-GMDS and the PHQ-9. While there were no significant differences in the area under the ROC curve between the K-GMDS and the PHQ-9, the K-GMDS had better sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy in screening depressive symptoms among men compared to the PHQ-9. Conclusion The K-GMDS exhibits satisfactory reliability and validity in psychiatric outpatient settings and outperforms the PHQ-9 in screening for depression among men. This study will be useful in developing male depression scales that are currently unavailable in South Korea.

Objective: Despite lower depression rates in men than in women, men’s suicide rates are significantly higher, suggesting potential gaps in depression screening. Rutz et al. developed the Gotland Male Depression Scale (GMDS), which includes symptoms commonly associated with male depression. This study was conducted to validate the Korean version of the GMDS (K-GMDS). Methods: The K-GMDS, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and outpatient records of 233 new patients at the outpatient psychiatry department of Catholic University Hospital in Daegu from February and May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s α, and external validity was tested by analyzing the scale’s correlation with the PHQ-9. The screening capacity of the K-GMDS was tested based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy. Results: Of 233 patients, 42.6% (n=98) were classified to the depression group. Cronbach’s α was 0.92, and external validity was established with a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.83 between the total score of the K-GMDS and the PHQ-9. While there were no significant differences in the area under the ROC curve between the K-GMDS and the PHQ-9, the K-GMDS had better sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy in screening depressive symptoms among men compared to the PHQ-9. Conclusion The K-GMDS exhibits satisfactory reliability and validity in psychiatric outpatient settings and outperforms the PHQ-9 in screening for depression among men. This study will be useful in developing male depression scales that are currently unavailable in South Korea.

Objective: Despite lower depression rates in men than in women, men’s suicide rates are significantly higher, suggesting potential gaps in depression screening. Rutz et al. developed the Gotland Male Depression Scale (GMDS), which includes symptoms commonly associated with male depression. This study was conducted to validate the Korean version of the GMDS (K-GMDS). Methods: The K-GMDS, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and outpatient records of 233 new patients at the outpatient psychiatry department of Catholic University Hospital in Daegu from February and May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s α, and external validity was tested by analyzing the scale’s correlation with the PHQ-9. The screening capacity of the K-GMDS was tested based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy. Results: Of 233 patients, 42.6% (n=98) were classified to the depression group. Cronbach’s α was 0.92, and external validity was established with a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.83 between the total score of the K-GMDS and the PHQ-9. While there were no significant differences in the area under the ROC curve between the K-GMDS and the PHQ-9, the K-GMDS had better sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy in screening depressive symptoms among men compared to the PHQ-9. Conclusion The K-GMDS exhibits satisfactory reliability and validity in psychiatric outpatient settings and outperforms the PHQ-9 in screening for depression among men. This study will be useful in developing male depression scales that are currently unavailable in South Korea.

Objective: Despite lower depression rates in men than in women, men’s suicide rates are significantly higher, suggesting potential gaps in depression screening. Rutz et al. developed the Gotland Male Depression Scale (GMDS), which includes symptoms commonly associated with male depression. This study was conducted to validate the Korean version of the GMDS (K-GMDS). Methods: The K-GMDS, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and outpatient records of 233 new patients at the outpatient psychiatry department of Catholic University Hospital in Daegu from February and May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s α, and external validity was tested by analyzing the scale’s correlation with the PHQ-9. The screening capacity of the K-GMDS was tested based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy. Results: Of 233 patients, 42.6% (n=98) were classified to the depression group. Cronbach’s α was 0.92, and external validity was established with a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.83 between the total score of the K-GMDS and the PHQ-9. While there were no significant differences in the area under the ROC curve between the K-GMDS and the PHQ-9, the K-GMDS had better sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy in screening depressive symptoms among men compared to the PHQ-9. Conclusion The K-GMDS exhibits satisfactory reliability and validity in psychiatric outpatient settings and outperforms the PHQ-9 in screening for depression among men. This study will be useful in developing male depression scales that are currently unavailable in South Korea.

Objective: Despite lower depression rates in men than in women, men’s suicide rates are significantly higher, suggesting potential gaps in depression screening. Rutz et al. developed the Gotland Male Depression Scale (GMDS), which includes symptoms commonly associated with male depression. This study was conducted to validate the Korean version of the GMDS (K-GMDS). Methods: The K-GMDS, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and outpatient records of 233 new patients at the outpatient psychiatry department of Catholic University Hospital in Daegu from February and May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s α, and external validity was tested by analyzing the scale’s correlation with the PHQ-9. The screening capacity of the K-GMDS was tested based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy. Results: Of 233 patients, 42.6% (n=98) were classified to the depression group. Cronbach’s α was 0.92, and external validity was established with a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.83 between the total score of the K-GMDS and the PHQ-9. While there were no significant differences in the area under the ROC curve between the K-GMDS and the PHQ-9, the K-GMDS had better sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy in screening depressive symptoms among men compared to the PHQ-9. Conclusion The K-GMDS exhibits satisfactory reliability and validity in psychiatric outpatient settings and outperforms the PHQ-9 in screening for depression among men. This study will be useful in developing male depression scales that are currently unavailable in South Korea.

Objectives: Recent advances in brain age prediction models reveal accelerated brain aging in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. This review investigates the complex relationship between brain aging and biological age gap (BAG) in MDD, emphasizing the influences of clinical characteristics, treatment responses, and various neuroimaging techniques on this dynamic interplay. Methods: A systematic review of the existing literature was conducted, focusing on 18 studies that analyze brain aging patterns in MDD patients. Key factors such as age, clinical features, and lifestyle choices were examined to assess their impact on BAG and the overall neurobiological health of individuals with MDD. Results: The findings indicate that MDD patients frequently experience accelerated brain aging, particularly in elderly populations, with BAG serving as a valuable biomarker for assessing biological aging rates. The review highlights the urgent need for more granular approaches, considering variables such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Specific local brain aging patterns were observed in regions related to emotional regulation, suggesting that localized BAG changes may provide critical insights into the pathophysiology of MDD and its neurobiological underpinnings. Conclusions BAG is a significant biomarker for evaluating accelerated brain aging in MDD, informing personalized treatment strategies. Future research should incorporate diverse clinical characteristics and advanced neuroimaging techniques in representative samples to enhance the clinical applicability of BAG and deepen the understanding of its role in depression and biological aging.

Objectives: Recent advances in brain age prediction models reveal accelerated brain aging in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. This review investigates the complex relationship between brain aging and biological age gap (BAG) in MDD, emphasizing the influences of clinical characteristics, treatment responses, and various neuroimaging techniques on this dynamic interplay. Methods: A systematic review of the existing literature was conducted, focusing on 18 studies that analyze brain aging patterns in MDD patients. Key factors such as age, clinical features, and lifestyle choices were examined to assess their impact on BAG and the overall neurobiological health of individuals with MDD. Results: The findings indicate that MDD patients frequently experience accelerated brain aging, particularly in elderly populations, with BAG serving as a valuable biomarker for assessing biological aging rates. The review highlights the urgent need for more granular approaches, considering variables such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Specific local brain aging patterns were observed in regions related to emotional regulation, suggesting that localized BAG changes may provide critical insights into the pathophysiology of MDD and its neurobiological underpinnings. Conclusions BAG is a significant biomarker for evaluating accelerated brain aging in MDD, informing personalized treatment strategies. Future research should incorporate diverse clinical characteristics and advanced neuroimaging techniques in representative samples to enhance the clinical applicability of BAG and deepen the understanding of its role in depression and biological aging.

Depressive disorders are prevalent worldwide. Despite the availability of various antidepressants, treatment responses remain suboptimal, with disappointing remission rates. Recent advancements in antidepressant development have shifted focus to mechanisms beyond traditional monoamine neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid, acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA A receptors, playing a significant role in regulating mood and anxiety. Fluctuations in allopregnanolone levels during reproductive cycles contribute to mood disorders such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postpartum depression (PPD), and menopausal depression. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved two novel antidepressants, brexanolone (IV) and zuranolone (oral). These synthetic analogs of allopregnanolone offer fast-acting relief for PPD by enhancing GABAergic inhibition. Additionally, these neurosteroid-based therapies provide new hope for patients with depression beyond PPD, due to their rapid onset of action. However, concerns regarding long-term safety and the potential for misuse remain, necessitating further research.This review explores the relationship between neurosteroids and depression, with a focus on the mechanisms and clinical applications of brexanolone and zuranolone in treating mood disorders.

Depressive disorders are prevalent worldwide. Despite the availability of various antidepressants, treatment responses remain suboptimal, with disappointing remission rates. Recent advancements in antidepressant development have shifted focus to mechanisms beyond traditional monoamine neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid, acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA A receptors, playing a significant role in regulating mood and anxiety. Fluctuations in allopregnanolone levels during reproductive cycles contribute to mood disorders such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postpartum depression (PPD), and menopausal depression. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved two novel antidepressants, brexanolone (IV) and zuranolone (oral). These synthetic analogs of allopregnanolone offer fast-acting relief for PPD by enhancing GABAergic inhibition. Additionally, these neurosteroid-based therapies provide new hope for patients with depression beyond PPD, due to their rapid onset of action. However, concerns regarding long-term safety and the potential for misuse remain, necessitating further research.This review explores the relationship between neurosteroids and depression, with a focus on the mechanisms and clinical applications of brexanolone and zuranolone in treating mood disorders.

Objectives: Recent advances in brain age prediction models reveal accelerated brain aging in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. This review investigates the complex relationship between brain aging and biological age gap (BAG) in MDD, emphasizing the influences of clinical characteristics, treatment responses, and various neuroimaging techniques on this dynamic interplay. Methods: A systematic review of the existing literature was conducted, focusing on 18 studies that analyze brain aging patterns in MDD patients. Key factors such as age, clinical features, and lifestyle choices were examined to assess their impact on BAG and the overall neurobiological health of individuals with MDD. Results: The findings indicate that MDD patients frequently experience accelerated brain aging, particularly in elderly populations, with BAG serving as a valuable biomarker for assessing biological aging rates. The review highlights the urgent need for more granular approaches, considering variables such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Specific local brain aging patterns were observed in regions related to emotional regulation, suggesting that localized BAG changes may provide critical insights into the pathophysiology of MDD and its neurobiological underpinnings. Conclusions BAG is a significant biomarker for evaluating accelerated brain aging in MDD, informing personalized treatment strategies. Future research should incorporate diverse clinical characteristics and advanced neuroimaging techniques in representative samples to enhance the clinical applicability of BAG and deepen the understanding of its role in depression and biological aging.