1.Measurement and clinical significance of serum LDH,MCP-1,and TCF4 in patients with cerebral small vessel disease complicated by depression
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2026;43(1):47-51
Objective To explore the changes in serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and transcription factor 4 (TCF4) levels in patients with cerebral small vessel disease complicated by depression and their clinical significance. Methods According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 90 patients admitted to the Kailuan General Hospital between January 2022 and August 2024 were selected as the study subjects, including 27 patients diagnosed with cerebral small vessel disease complicated by depression and 63 patients with cerebral small vessel disease uncomplicated by depression. An additional 45 healthy individuals with normal head MRI findings and no mental disorders during the same period at the hospital were selected as the control group. General information was collected from the three groups, including age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure.The general information and the levels of serum LDH,MCP-1,and TCF4 in the three groups were compared. The correlations of serum LDH,MCP-1,and TCF4 levels with HAMD score in patients with cerebral small vessel disease and depression were analyzed. Logistic regression was applied to analyze possible factors leading to depression in patients with cerebral small vessel disease.The receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to analyze the efficacy of serum LDH, MCP-1, and TCF4 levels in diagnosing depression in patients with cerebral small vessel disease. Results The levels of serum LDH, MCP-1,and TCF4 were significantly higher in the cerebral small vessel disease complicated by depression group than in cerebral small vessel disease uncomplicated with depression group and the control group (P<0.05), and these levels were significantly higher in the cerebral small vessel disease uncomplicated with depression group than in the control group (P<0.05).The serum LDH,MCP-1 and TCF4 were positively correlated with HAMD score in patients with cerebral small vessel disease complicated with depression(r=0.606,0.798,0.672,all P<0.001).Serum LDH, MCP-1, and TCF4 were influencing factors for depression in cerebral small vessel disease(P<0.05).The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of LDH, MCP-1,and TCF4 in combination in the diagnosis of depression in cerebral small vessel disease was 0.917, which was superior to serum LDH, MCP-1, and TCF4 alone (ZLDH-combination=2.457,P=0.014;ZMCP-1-combination=2.384, P=0.017; ZTCF4-combination=2.317, P=0.021). Conclusion Serum LDH, MCP-1, and TCF4 levels increased in patients with cerebral small vessel disease complicated with depression. Their combination is valuable in the diagnosis of cerebral small vessel disease complicated with depression.
Depression
2.The development trajectory of sleep disturbance in patients with hepatolenticular degeneration and its relationship with depression:A cross-lagged regression analysis
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2026;43(2):131-134
Objective To investigate the changing trend of sleep disturbance in patients with hepatolenticular degeneration and the bidirectional relationship between sleep disturbance and depression through a cross-lagged regression analysis. Methods A total of 80 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for WD from January to June 2024 were enrolled in this longitudinal study and were followed up for 3 months.Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess the severity of depression, at the time of enrollment (T0), at 1 month after enrollment (T1),and at 2 months after enrollment (T3). An unconditional growth model was used to analyze the trajectory of sleep disturbance, and a cross-lagged regression model was used to investigate the temporal relationship between sleep disturbance and depression. Results From T0 to T2, there were significant increases in PSQI and BDI scores in all WD patients(P<0.05). The variance of the intercept factor (the initial status of sleep disturbance) was estimated at 10.83(P<0.01),and the variance of the slope factor (the rate of change in sleep disturbance) was 1.20 (P<0.01),with a significant negative correlation between the intercept and the slope (r=-0.25,P<0.01). The correlation analysis of PSQI and BDI scores across the three time points revealed a positive correlation between PSQI and BDI scores (r∈[0.19,0.96],P<0.01).The cross-lagged model analysis showed that sleep disturbance significantly predicted subsequent depression (P<0.01),with standardized regression coefficients (β) of 0.392 and 0.347, respectively; meanwhile, depression also significantly predicted subsequent sleep disturbance (P<0.01), with β of 0.273 and 0.372, respectively. These findings suggested a bidirectional predictive relationship between sleep disturbance and depression in WD patients over time. Conclusion There is a bidirectional relationship between sleep disturbance and depression in patients with WD, and depression has a more pronounced influence on sleep disturbance. Therefore, clinical interventions should focus on both sleep and psychological state, and combined management should be performed to improve the effect of disease control.
Depression
3.Causal relationship between Parkinson disease and the risk of mental illness: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2026;43(2):145-149
Objective Observational studies have shown an association between Parkinson disease (PD) and mental illness, but further studies are needed to explore the causal relationship between them. This study aims to investigate such causal relationship using the method of two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods Related data were extracted from GWAS, and summary statistics associated with PD, depression, sleep disorders, and anxiety phenotype-variants were obtained. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for PD were selected as instrumental variables, and MR-PRESSO was used to exclude outliers. Inverse variance weighting was used as the main method to assess causal effect estimates, and MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode were used to verify the robustness of the findings. A sensitivity analysis was used to validate the reliability of the results, including the Cochran Q test, the MR-Egger intercept test, funnel plots, and the leave-one-out method. Results A total of 21 SNPs associated with PD were identified. The MR analysis showed that PD had a causal relationship with depression (OR=0.974,95%CI 0.934‒1.015, P=0.210), sleep disorders (OR=1.056, 95%CI 0.970-1.149, P=0.211), and anxiety (OR=0.998, 95%CI 0.996‒1.001, P=0.118), with no statistical significance. Different MR analyses and sensitivity analyses showed that PD did not directly contribute to the development of mental illness. Conclusion There is no direct causal relationship between PD and depression/sleep disorders/anxiety. In clinical practice, healthcare professionals should pay attention to the mental health of patients with PD. Randomized controlled studies should be conducted in the future to further validate the results of this study.
Depression
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Anxiety
4.Evaluation and management of depression among adults and elderly in primary care.
Endrik H. SY ; Rosemarie INSO-GALERA ; Marco Neoman DELA CRUZ
The Filipino Family Physician 2025;63(2):208-212
Depression is a mental health condition that affects more than 3.3 million Filipinos. Screening of adults and elderly patients is recommended with the use of validated tools like the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2 or PHQ-9) or the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15). The two-step approach can be followed for adults by using the PHQ-2 first, followed by the PHQ-9 if the PHQ-2 tests positive. Geriatric patients may be screened using the GDS-15 tool or PHQ-9. Diagnostic work-up should be done to rule out metabolic or organic conditions that can mimic or cause depression. Diagnosis of depression should be confirmed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) criteria. Referral to a specialist should be done in cases of severe depression, psychosis, high suicide risk, severe malnutrition, pregnant adults, or non-response to initial treatment.
Human ; Depression ; Physicians, Primary Care
5.The accuracy of the Beck's Depression Inventory Scale (BDI-Visayan) as a screening tool for major depressive disorder in end stage renal disease patients at a tertiary hospital in Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines
Miguel T. Lucero IV ; Melanie Gail H. Dy ; Frederick P. Tampus
Philippine Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;63(2):114-121
BACKGROUND
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) has been increasing in prevalence in recent years. The true prevalence of depression in hemodialysis patients is still not known. Cross-cultural studies showed prevalence ranging from 20-90%. Dimaano translated the Beck’s Depression Inventory Scale into the Visayan language and used this as a screening tool for depression among hemodialysis patients - and this was the first cross-cultural translation of the Beck’s Depression Inventory Scale to the Visayan language (BDI-Visayan).
GENERAL OBJECTIVEDetermine the accuracy of Beck’s Depression Inventory - Visayan in screening for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) among Visayan-speaking ESRD patients.
STUDY DESIGNCross-sectional survey
STUDY POPULATION AND SETTINGAdult Visayan-speaking patients, ≥ 18 years old with ESRD, with GFR < 15 ml/min/1.73 m2 and ongoing hemodialysis for at least 3 months at the Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue Renal Unit.
METHODOLOGYThe 73 subjects underwent both the BDI-Visayan and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders. Data was gathered to determine the accuracy of the BDI-Visayan in detecting Major Depressive Disorder.
RESULTSOf the 73 subjects, 19.2% were identified with MDD, based on the SCID, while 37.0% were identified as depressed using the BDI-Visayan. Analyzed data showed that the accuracy of BDI-Visayan to detect MDD was 67.75%, with a sensitivity of 57.14%, and specificity of 67.8%.
CONCLUSIONBDI-Visayan had an acceptable accuracy in screening for MDD, however, it may tend to have an overdiagnosis in the ESRD population – emphasizing its role as a screening tool for suspected MDD cases.
Human ; Depression ; Dialysis ; Screening
6.Anxiety and depression in association with polypharmacy in patients with migraine: A sub-analysis of the PNA One Database - Headache (PNA1DB-Headache)
Loiue Stihl L. Balanquit ; Rogie Marie Ignacio-alcantara
Philippine Journal of Neurology 2025;28(1):36-51
BACKGROUND
Polypharmacy in patients with chronic disease such as Migraine Headache poses potential harm in patients such that psychological distress may come in. In relation to psychological distress, Migraine Headache patients with multiple drug use are at increased risk of anxiety and depression.
OBJECTIVESThe main objective of the study is to determine the association between anxiety and depression to polypharmacy in migraine headache patients by using the data in the PNA One Headache Database.
METHODOLOGYWe utilized the data obtained from the Philippine Neurological Association One (PNA-1) Headache Database from 2021 to 2024 and determine the association between Anxiety and Depression to Polypharmacy in patients with Migraine.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONThe number of medications taken by patients does not significantly differ across depression and anxiety levels, indicating that polypharmacy has no impact on patient’s depression and anxiety. However, the study found that patients with anxiety have more tendency to report more severe headache.
CONCLUSIONThe study highlights that participants, primarily middle-aged women, experience chronic headaches with high pain severity, often lasting for hours. Educational attainment may influence headache management compliance with a large proportion having only elementary education. Headache onset typically begins in early adulthood, and medication effectiveness often diminishes over time suggesting potential tolerance issues. Anxiety is associated with reporting of increased headache severity while depression does not significantly impact headache characteristics or polypharmacy. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions and revised treatment strategies to improve headache management outcomes.
Human ; Anxiety ; Depression ; Headache ; Migraine Disorders ; Polypharmacy
7.Assessment of depression among elderly patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis in a tertiary hospital in the Philippines: A cross-sectional study
The Filipino Family Physician 2025;63(1):2-7
BACKGROUND
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of pain and disability among older adults, often accompanied by mental health issues like depression. Understanding the impact of clinico-sociodemographic factors on OA and depression is essential for improving patient outcomes.
OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to examine the association between osteoarthritis, clinico-sociodemographic factors and depression among elderly patients in a tertiary hospital setting.
METHODSA cross-sectional study was conducted on elderly patients with osteoarthritis to explore the correlation between clinico-sociodemographic factors and the severity of depression. Data were collected and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2018, with descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests and correlation analyses (Spearman’s Rank for WOMAC scores and Geriatric Depression Scale, Pearson’s for socio-demographic factors and comorbidities).
RESULTSDespite most participants (48.15%) having normal depression scores, a significant number (37.04%) had mild depression and 14.81% had moderate depression. Knee pain was the most common affected area (56.79%), and 62.96% had one comorbidity. Albeit having no statistically significant correlations, positive weak relationships were identified between socio-demographic factors, clinical status and depression.
CONCLUSIONThis study identified weak associations between osteoarthritis-related pain and depression, especially among individuals with comorbidities and higher pain levels. While socio-demographic factors may influence the severity of both osteoarthritis and depression, further research is necessary to explore these relationships more thoroughly and to consider additional contributing factors. These findings underscore the importance of integrated care approaches that address both the physical and mental health needs of elderly patients with osteoarthritis.
Human ; Osteoarthritis ; Depression
8.Depression and anxiety among hypertensive patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Joshua V. Tunac ; Racquel Justine A. Vasquez ; Marie Ruth A. Echavez
The Filipino Family Physician 2025;63(1):45-56
BACKGROUND
Hypertension is a significant global health issue linked to high mortality and morbidity rates. It contributes not only to organ damage but also to psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Despite the rise in hypertensive patients experiencing these mental health issues, evidence remains insufficient.
OBJECTIVEThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression among hypertensive patients.
METHODSObservational studies published between 2020 and 2024 were sourced from PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, adapted for cross-sectional studies, was utilized to evaluate study quality. A random-effects model was employed for meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence rates of anxiety and depression, alongside subgroup and sensitivity analyses to identify sources of heterogeneity.
RESULTSFifteen studies were included, with 14 eligible for quantitative analysis. The findings indicated a prevalence rate of 35% for depression (95% CI: 26%-44%) and 41% for anxiety (95% CI: 4%-78%) among hypertensive patients. Significant heterogeneity was observed in the studies (I²=98.3% for depression, I²=99.9% for anxiety). Subgroup analyses highlighted variability in assessment scales (p < 0.001), but not by region or population source. No publication bias was identified (p = 0.663 for depression, p = 0.710 for anxiety). Factors associated with depression included uncontrolled hypertension, female gender, marital status, and social support, while anxiety was linked to similar factors plus concerns about hypertension complications.
CONCLUSIONDepression and anxiety prevalence among hypertensive patients ranges from 30-42%. Uncontrolled hypertension and social support significantly impact mental health, with major barriers to psychiatric care compliance including economic constraints, lack of education, and comorbidities.
Human ; Hypertension ; Depression ; Anxiety ; Prevalence
9.Anxiety and depression symptoms among hypertensive patients in the outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in La Union: A cross-sectional study
Abby Mae L. Estigoy ; Maricris Remular-tejano
The Filipino Family Physician 2025;63(1):77-82
BACKGROUND
Hypertensive patients have a high risk of developing mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Conflicting studies are available regarding the association of blood pressure control among hypertensive patients diagnosed with comorbid anxiety and/or depression.
OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to determine the association of hypertension control with anxiety and depression symptoms among patients in a tertiary hospital in La Union.
METHODSA cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 382 hypertensive patients at the outpatient department of Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center. A validated Filipino translation of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire was used to measure depression and anxiety symptoms. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency, percentages, mean, and standard deviation were used. The chi-square test and t-test were applied to compare anxiety and depression with socio-demographic profiles and blood pressure control through odds ratios.
RESULTSOut of the 382 participants, 23% have anxiety symptoms, 7.3% have depression symptoms, and 4.2% have both conditions. Age and low income were significantly associated with depression symptoms while living alone was statistically associated with anxiety symptoms. Low educational attainment was significantly associated with both depression and anxiety symptoms. While no association was found between depression symptoms and blood pressure control, the presence of anxiety symptoms increases the likelihood of poor blood pressure control.
SUMMARY/CONCLUSIONSHypertensive patients may experience depression and anxiety symptoms. In addition, the presence of anxiety symptoms contributes to poor BP control. Hence, early detection and regular screening of mental health conditions should be implemented to improve health outcomes and reduce the burden of disease in this population.
Human ; Anxiety ; Depression ; Hypertension
10.Association of depression and sociodemographic factors among patients consulting at the Region 2 Trauma and Medical Center Mental Health Outpatient Department
Kate Jurelle P. Manaig-sinfuego ; Jinette Lillian G. Carreon
The Filipino Family Physician 2025;63(1):83-88
BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION
Depression affects millions worldwide and is a major public health concern. Its prevalence is influenced by multiple factors, including sociodemographic elements such as age, gender, and income. In the Philippines, depression affects a significant portion of the population, particularly in rural areas. The Region 2 Trauma Medical Center (R2TMC) in Nueva Vizcaya plays a critical role in addressing mental health issues in the Cagayan Valley Region, with a notable rise in depression cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to explore the correlation between sociodemographic factors and depression in patients at R2TMC.
OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to assess the relationship between depression and various sociodemographic factors (age, sex, marital status, income, education, etc.) among patients seeking mental health services at R2TMC. The goal is to identify the prevalence of depression within these subgroups and evaluate how sociodemographic characteristics correlate with depression.
METHODSA retrospective correlational study was conducted from June 2022 to June 2024, analyzing patient records from R2TMC’s Mental Health Outpatient Department. The sample included patients diagnosed with depression based on DSM-V criteria. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were employed to analyze the data, with ethical approval obtained from the Institutional Review Board. There were 432 participants and data were analyzed using IBM SPSS.
RESULTSFindings showed varying depression prevalence across sociodemographic categories. The 19-59 age group exhibited the highest depression rates, particularly among females, single individuals, and those in lower-income classes. Unemployed respondents and those with lower educational attainment had higher depression prevalence. These patterns highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions.
CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATIONThe study suggests that depression interventions should be tailored to address the unique vulnerabilities of different sociodemographic groups. Policymakers and healthcare providers should consider these factors to improve mental health care accessibility and effectiveness.
Human ; Depression ; Sociodemographic Factors ; Mental Health


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