Differences between chronic and nonchronic depression: Systematic review and implications for treatment

an article by Stephan Köhler,  Sophia Chrysanthou,  Anne Guhn and  Philipp Sterzer (Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte, , Berlin, Germany) published in Depression & Anxiety Volume 36 Issue 1 (January 2019)

Abstract

Background
There is still uncertainty if and to what extent chronic depression (CD) presents with specific features especially in contrast to the nonchronic course of major depressive disorder (non‐CD). This systematic review aims to summarize the existing literature regarding sociodemographic factors, psychopathology, and course of disease in patients with CD in comparison to patients with non‐CD.

Methods
A structured database search (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CENTRAL) was performed. All studies comparing CD with non‐CD patients were included. Twenty‐eight studies, including cohort studies, cross‐sectional studies, and observational studies, were identified in which both subgroups were diagnosed according to DSM‐IV or DSM‐5, respectively. Primary outcome were group comparisons focused on sociodemographic factors, childhood adversity, onset of the disorder, comorbidities, severity and course of the depressive symptoms, and specific psychopathology.

Results
Patients with CD had an earlier onset of depressive symptoms, higher rates of psychiatric comorbidities, and a complicated treatment course (e.g., higher rates of suicidality) compared to non‐CD. We also found some evidence for specific features in the psychopathology of CD patients (submissive and hostile interpersonal styles) in contrast to non‐CD patients. Results were inconsistent with regard to childhood maltreatment. No differences were found regarding the severity of depressive symptoms and most sociodemographic factors.

Conclusion
Despite some inconsistencies, the results of this review verified important differences between CD and non‐CD. However, future research is needed to characterize especially the specific psychopathology of CD in comparison to non‐CD patients to develop more tailored treatment strategies.

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LSD Treatments Can Actually 'Harmonise' The Brain, Study Shows

Huge finding for treating mental disorders!

a post by Mike McRae for ScienceAlert [via World of Psychology’s round-up]



In recent years, scientists have been uncovering potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelic substances like psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) – it looks like they can 'reset' the brain in people with mental health conditions.

Now a new study has revealed exactly what's going on inside our brains when we take LSD, uncovering a connection that might explain why it relieves the symptoms of disorders such as PTSD and chronic depression.

Research led by the Center for Brain and Cognition at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona has discovered a process of 'harmonising' across areas of the brain that don't usually work together.

Referred to by the team as 'repertoire expansion', it suggests psychedelic substances like LSD could be encouraging the brain to develop certain patterns of activity.

Continue reading and please note the caveat “there is still a long way to go”. My generation will not see the results but I expect my grandchildren to benefit.

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