The association of Internet addiction symptoms with anxiety,depression and self-esteem among adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Background

The aims of this study were to examine the associations of the severity of Internet addiction symptoms with various dimensions of anxiety (physical anxiety symptoms, harm avoidance, social anxiety, and separation/panic) and depression symptoms (depressed affect, somatic symptoms, interpersonal problems, and positive affect) and self-esteem among adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Taiwan.

Method

A total of 287 adolescents aged between 11 and 18 years who had been diagnosed with ADHD participated in this study. Their severity of Internet addiction symptoms was assessed using the Chen Internet Addiction Scale. Anxiety and depression symptoms and self-esteem were assessed using the Taiwanese version of the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC-T), the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), respectively. The association between the severity of Internet addiction symptoms and anxiety and depression symptoms and self-esteem were examined using multiple regression analyses.

Results

The results indicated that higher physical symptoms and lower harm avoidance scores on the MASC-T, higher somatic discomfort/retarded activity scores on the CES-D, and lower self-esteem scores on the RSES were significantly associated with more severe Internet addiction symptoms.

Conclusions

Prevention and intervention programs for Internet addiction in adolescents with ADHD should take anxiety, depression, and self-esteem into consideration.     

The exacerbation of depression,hostility, and social anxiety in the course of Internet addiction among adolescents: A prospective study

Background

In adolescent populations worldwide, Internet addiction is prevalent and is often comorbid with depression, hostility, and social anxiety of adolescents. This study aimed at evaluating the exacerbation of depression, hostility, and social anxiety in the course of getting addiction to Internet or remitting from Internet addiction among adolescents.

Method

This study recruited 2293 adolescents in grade 7 to assess their depression, hostility, social anxiety and Internet addiction. The same assessments were repeated one year later. The incidence group was defined as subjects classified as non-addicted in the first assessment and as addicted in the second assessment. The remission group was defined as subjects classified as addicted in the first assessment and as non-addicted in the second assessment.

Results

The incidence group exhibited increased depression and hostility more than the non-addiction group and the effect of on depression was stronger among adolescent girls. Further, the remission group showed decreased depression, hostility, and social anxiety more than the persistent addiction group.

Conclusions

Depression and hostility worsen in the addiction process for the Internet among adolescents. Intervention of Internet addiction should be provided to prevent its negative effect on mental health. Depression, hostility, and social anxiety decreased in the process of remission. It suggested that the negative consequences could be reversed if Internet addiction could be remitted within a short duration.     

The mediator role of ruminative thinking style in the relationship between dysfunctional attitudes and depression

Background

The main aim of the present study was to examine whether ruminative thinking styles (brooding and reflection) mediate the effects of dysfunctional attitudes on depressive symptoms.

Methods

120 psychotropic drug-naive first episode depression patients recruited from Bulent Ecevit University School of Medicine psychiatry department and Zonguldak State Hospital psychiatry department outpatient clinics were involved in the study. Participants completed the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS) and Ruminative Responses Scale (RRS-short version). Regression analyses together with the Sobel tests were performed for testing the mediator hypothesis.

Results

According to the path model, the level of brooding fully mediated the relationship between dysfunctional attitudes and depressive symptomatology but reflection did not play a mediator role in the relationship between dysfunctional attitudes and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Assessment of brooding with both mental status examination and specific measurements and focusing on brooding as an intervention strategy would be beneficial components for an effective treatment of depression.     

The relationship of Internet addiction severity with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms in Turkish University students; impact of personality traits,depression and anxiety

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of Internet addiction (IA) with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms while controlling the effect of personality traits, depression and anxiety symptoms in Turkish university students.

Methods

A total of 271 university students participated in the present study. The students were assessed through the Internet Addiction Scale (IAS), the Wender Utah Rating Short Scale (WURS-25), the Turkish version of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised Abbreviated Form (EPQR-A), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).

Results

According to IAS, participants were separated into three groups, namely, moderate/high, mild and without IA groups. The rates of groups were 19.9% (n = 54), 38.7% (n = 105) and 41.3% (n = 112), respectively. Correlation analyses revealed that the severity of IAS is positively correlated with WURS-25, ASRS (total, inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity subscales), neuroticism personality trait, depression and anxiety scores, whereas it is negatively correlated with extraversion personality trait. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that depression and anxiety symptoms, introversion and neuroticism personality traits and the severity of ADHD symptoms (particularly hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms) are the predictors for IAS score, respectively.

Conclusions

The severity of ADHD symptoms has predicted the severity of IA even after controlling the effect of personality traits, depression and anxiety symptoms among Turkish university students. University students with severe ADHD symptoms, particularly hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms may be considered as a risk group for IA.     

The association between suicidality and Internet addiction and activities in Taiwanese adolescents

Objective

The aims of this cross-sectional study were to examine the associations of suicidal ideation and attempt with Internet addiction and Internet activities in a large representative Taiwanese adolescent population.

Methods

9510 adolescent students aged 12–18 years were selected using a stratified random sampling strategy in southern Taiwan and completed the questionnaires. The five questions from the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia were used to inquire as to the participants’ suicidal ideation and attempt in the past one month. The Chen Internet Addiction Scale was used to assess participants’ Internet addiction. The kinds of Internet activities that the adolescents participated in were also recorded. The associations of suicidal ideation and attempt with Internet addiction and Internet activities were examined using logistic regression analysis to control for the effects of demographic characteristics, depression, family support and self-esteem.

Results

After controlling for the effects of demographic characteristics, depression, family support and self-esteem, Internet addiction was significantly associated with suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt. Online gaming, MSN, online searching for information, and online studying were associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation. While online gaming, chatting, watching movies, shopping, and gambling were associated with an increased risk of suicidal attempt, watching online news was associated with a reduced risk of suicidal attempt.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicated that adolescents with Internet addiction have higher risks of suicidal ideation and attempt than those without. Meanwhile, different kinds of Internet activities have various associations with the risks of suicidal ideation and attempt.     

Pretreatment outcome indicators in an eating disorder outpatient group: The effects of self-esteem,personality disorders and dissociation

Objective

The prognosis for eating disorders (ED) is unsatisfactory, and the literature about outcome indicators is controversial. The present study evaluates the roles of self-esteem, personality disorders (PD), and dissociation as outcome predictors.

Method

Fifty-seven ED outpatients were recruited from a population beginning a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E) treatment. All patients received the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I (SCID-I), the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II (SCID-II), and completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), the Dissociation Questionnaire (DIS-Q), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). One month after the end of treatment, recovery was evaluated as meeting the DSM-IV criteria for EDs.

Results

A small group of patients recovered (42.2%). Low self-esteem and dissociation results correlated with a negative outcome.

Discussion

Dissociation may be an important moderator of psychotherapy and treatment success, as already suggested by previous studies on non-eating-related disorders.     

A contribution to the clinical characterization of Internet addiction in a sample of treatment seekers: Validity of assessment,severity of psychopathology and type of co-morbidity

Objective

Internet addiction becomes a growing health problem worldwide with prevalence rates up to 3%. Still, uncertainties exist regarding its diagnostics and clinical characterization. Especially the lacking clinical evidence regarding self-report measures assessing Internet addiction has been criticized.

Methods

This study aimed to characterize 290 German treatment seekers and to determine the diagnostic accuracy of a self-report scale for Internet addiction. Patients filled in self-report measures (SCL-90R, PHQ, AICA-S – Scale for the Assessment of Internet and Computer game Addiction) and underwent diagnostic interviews to assess symptoms of Internet addiction and level of functioning.

Results

Of the predominantly male treatment seekers 71% met the clinical diagnosis of Internet addiction. These displayed higher levels of psychopathology, especially depressive and dissociative symptoms. Half of the patients met criteria for one further psychiatric disorder according to clinical interviews, especially depressive disorders. Their level of functioning was decreased in all domains. AICA-S showed good psychometric properties and satisfying diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity: 80.5%; specificity: 82.4%).

Discussion

In this sample, Internet addiction was associated with high levels of psychosocial distress that is mainly related to depressive symptoms. Co-morbid disorders were common among those patients. First analyses on diagnostic accuracy of AICA-S (using the therapist's rating on Internet addiction as an independent external criterion) showed promising results.     

Affectionless control by the same-sex parents increases dysfunctional attitudes about achievement

Background

The affectionless control parenting has been associated with depression in recipients. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of this parenting style on dysfunctional attitudes predisposing to depression.

Methods

The subjects were 666 Japanese volunteers. Perceived parental rearing was evaluated by the Parental Bonding Instrument, which has the care and protection subscales. Parental rearing was classified into four types, i.e., optimal parenting (high care/low protection), affectionate constraint (high care/high protection), neglectful parenting (low care/low protection), and affectionless control (low care/high protection). Dysfunctional attitudes were evaluated by the 24-item Dysfunctional Attitude Scale, which has the achievement, dependency and self-control subscales.

Results

Males with paternal affectionless control had higher achievement scores than those with paternal optimal parenting (P = .016). Similarly, females with maternal affectionless control had higher achievement scores than those with maternal optimal parenting (P = .016).

Conclusion

The present study suggests that affectionless control by the same-sex parents increases dysfunctional attitudes about achievement.     

Attachment and family functioning in patients with Internet addiction

Objective

Although the Internet is used effectively in many areas of life, some users experience problems because of over-use due to a lack of control. The diagnostic criteria for Internet addiction include disruptions in family relationships, but adequate data on the attachment styles and family functioning associated with this condition are limited. This study aimed to investigate the attachment styles and family functioning of patients with Internet addiction.

Method

The sample included 30 male patients consecutively admitted to the Bak?rköy Mental Health and Research Hospital Internet Addiction Outpatient Clinic, who were diagnosed in clinical interviews as having Internet addiction according to Young’s (1998) criteria. Thirty healthy males who were matched with the experimental group in terms of sociodemographic characteristics were included as control subjects. Both groups provided sociodemographic data and completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire-r (ECR-r) and the Family Assessment Device (FAD).

Results

Patients with Internet addiction had higher BDI scores (P< .001) and higher attachment anxiety subscores on ECR-r (P< .001) compared with those in the control group. Patients with Internet addiction evaluated their family functioning as more negative and reported problems in every aspect addressed by the FAD. Scores on the FAD behaviour control, affective responsiveness, and problem-solving subscales (P< .05) and on the FAD communication, roles, and general functioning subscales (P< .001) were significantly higher in the patient compared with the control group.

Conclusion

Patients with Internet addiction have more anxious attachment styles as well as prominent disruptions in family functioning. Thus, it may be important to evaluate the attachment styles and family functioning of patients with Internet addiction. Indeed, comprehensive treatment approaches including other family members may make important contributions to treatment success.     

Sheehan Suicidality Tracking Scale (S-STS): Reliability,convergent and discriminative validity in young Italian adults

Background and purpose

The Sheehan Suicidality Tracking Scale (S-STS) is a patient self-report or clinician-administered rating scale that tracks spontaneous and treatment-emergent suicidal ideation and behaviors. This study set out to evaluate the reliability, convergent and divergent validity of the S-STS in a sample of college students, a population with a high risk of completed and attempted suicide.

Methods

Cross-sectional, survey design. Participants (303 undergraduate students; males: 42%) completed several measures assessing psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire; GHQ); self-esteem (Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale; RSES); social support (Modified Social Support Survey; MOSSS); and suicidal behavior, including ideation and attempts (S-STS).

Results

Both internal consistency and test–retest stability were excellent for the S-STS-global score. The S-STS subscale on suicide ideation also showed good reliability, while the subscale on suicidal behavior showed some inconsistency at retest. Convergent and divergent validity of S-STS was confirmed. All S-STS items loaded on a single factor, which had an excellent fit for the unidimensional model, thus justifying the use of the S-STS as a screening tool. In a mediation model, self-esteem and social support explained 45% of the effects of psychological distress on suicide ideation and behavior as measured by the S-STS-global score.

Conclusions

This study provided promising evidence on the convergent, divergent, internal consistency and test–retest stability of the Sheehan Suicidality Tracking Scale. The cross-sectional design and lack of measures of hopelessness and helplessness prevent any conclusion about the links of suicidal behavior with self-esteem and social support.     

Stimulated peripheral production of interferon-gamma is related to fatigue and depression in multiple sclerosis

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the stimulated production of interferon-gamma (IFNγ) by peripheral CD3+CD4+ T lymphocytes in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) with regard to the degree of fatigue, and to investigate relationships between immunological parameters, level of depression and clinical variables.

Methods

Forty MS patients (30 women, 10 men, aged 22–60 years): 20 fatigued and 20 non-fatigued were involved in the study. Fatigue was evaluated using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), depression level – using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Production of IFNγ by stimulated peripheral blood CD3+CD4+ T lymphocytes, assessed using flow cytometry, was compared between MS patients with different levels of fatigue and controls. Correlations were searched out between immunological findings and BDI, age, duration and course of MS, relapse rate, disability (assessed in Expanded Disability Status Scale – EDSS) and its progression.

Results

Stimulated production of IFNγ by CD3+CD4+ T lymphocytes was higher in severely fatigued patients in comparison with non-fatigued ones and controls, tended to correlate with FSS and MFIS, and correlated with BDI. No relationships were found between immunological findings and disease-related variables.

Conclusion

Stimulated production of IFNγ by peripheral CD3+CD4+ T lymphocytes is related to fatigue and depression in MS patients.     

How ruminative thinking styles lead to dysfunctional cognitions: evidence from a mediation model

Background and Objectives

Dysfunctional attitudes and a ruminative thinking style are of utmost clinical importance because they are found to be crucially implicated in depression vulnerability. In this study, based on the Diathesis-Stress model (Beck, 1967) and the Differential Activation Hypothesis (Teasdale, 1988), we investigated whether inter-individual differences in a ruminative thinking style would be related to the development of depressive symptoms, leading to the activation of dysfunctional attitudes under stress.

Methods

Seventy-six never depressed undergraduate students completed internet questionnaires measuring rumination, depressive symptoms and dysfunctional attitudes at 4 fixed moments in time (T1, T2, T3, T4): T1 was performed six weeks before their exams (considered as a low stress period); T2, T3 and T4 were performed during three consecutive weeks in their final exams (considered as life stress event).

Results

As expected, results revealed that the relationship between rumination, measured both out of (T1) and in (T2) a stressful period, and dysfunctional attitudes (measured at T4) was mediated by increased depressive symptoms (measured at T3).

Limitations

Because the questionnaire for rumination was developed in the context of understanding responses to depressive symptoms, there might be a construct overlap between the predictor and the mediator of the models that were tested. Moreover, because only healthy undergraduates were included, our results demonstrate a decreased generalizability.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that rumination can be conceived as a stable and underlying mechanism leading to depressed mood and dysfunctional attitudes under stress. Moreover, our findings highlight that clinical interventions should not only target dysfunctional schemas and attitudes, but might also benefit from the use of procedures aimed at changing processes such as a ruminative thinking style.     

The influence of patients' preference/attitude towards psychotherapy and antidepressant medication on the treatment of major depressive disorder

Background and objectives

Preferences and attitudes patients hold towards treatment are important, as these can influence treatment outcome. In depression research, the influence of patients' preference/attitudes on outcome and dropout has mainly been studied for antidepressant medication, and less for psychological treatments. We investigated the effects of patients' preference and attitudes towards psychological treatment and antidepressant medication on treatment outcome and dropout, and tested specificity of effects.

Methods

Data are based on a randomized trial testing the effectiveness of behavioural activation (BA) vs antidepressant medication (ADM) for major depression (MDD) in Iran. Patients with MDD (N = 100) were randomized to BA (N = 50) or ADM (N = 50). Patients' preference/attitudes towards psychotherapy and ADM were assessed at baseline and associated with dropout and treatment outcome using logistic regression and multilevel analysis.

Results

High scores on psychotherapy preference/attitude and low scores on ADM preference/attitude predicted dropout from ADM, while no association between dropout and preference/attitude was found in BA. Psychotherapy preference/attitude moderated the differential effect of BA and ADM on one outcome measure, but the association disappeared after one year.

Limitations

Because in Iran most patients have only access to ADM, offering a psychological treatment for depression could attract especially those patients that prefer this newly available treatment.

Conclusions

Patients' preferences and attitudes towards depression treatments influence dropout from ADM, and moderate the short-term difference in effectiveness between BA and ADM. The fact that dropout from BA was not affected by preference/attitude speaks for its acceptability among patients.     

Comorbid atypical depression in borderline personality disorder is common and correlated with anxiety-related psychopathology

Background

The core features of borderline personality disorder (BPD) are affective instability, unstable relationships and identity disturbance. Axis I comorbidities are frequent, in particular affective disorders. The concept of atypical depression is complex and often underestimated. The purpose of the study was to investigate the comorbidity of atypical depression in borderline patients regarding anxiety-related psychopathology and interpersonal problems.

Methods

Sixty patients with BPD were assessed with the Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM-IV Axis I and II Disorders (SCID I, SCID II) as well as the Atypical Depression Diagnostic Scale (ADDS). Additionally, patients completed a questionnaire (SCL-90-R, BDI, STAI, STAXI, IIP-C).

Results

Forty-five BPD patients (81.8%) had a comorbid affective disorder of which 15 (27.3%) were diagnosed with an atypical depression.In comparison to patients with major depressive disorder or no comorbid depression, patients with atypical depression showed significant higher scores in psychopathological symptoms regarding anxiety and global severity as well as interpersonal problems.

Conclusions

The presence of atypical depression in borderline patients is correlated with psychopathology, anxiety, and interpersonal problems and seems to be of clinical importance for personalized treatment decisions.     

Exploring depression,self-esteem and verbal fluency with different degrees of internet addiction among Chinese college students

BackgroundThe aims of this study were to explore depression, self-esteem and verbal fluency functions among normal internet users, mild internet addictions and severe internet addictions.MethodsThe survey sample consisted of 316 college students, and their internet addiction symptoms, depression and self-esteem symptoms were assessed using the Revised Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS-R), Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), respectively. From this sample, 16 students with non-addictions, 19 students with mild internet addiction (sub-MIA) and 15 students with severe internet addiction (sub-SIA) were recruited and subjected to the classical verbal fluency tests, including the semantic and phonemic fluency task.ResultsThe results indicated that severe internet addiction in the survey sample showed the highest tendency towards depressive symptoms and lowest self-esteem scores, and sub-SIA showed poor performance on the semantic fluency task.ConclusionIn conclusion, severe internet addiction was significantly associated with depression, low self-esteem and semantic verbal fluency problems.     

The effect of methylphenidate on Internet video game play in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Objective

A number of studies about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Internet video game play have examined the prefrontal cortex and dopaminergic system. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (MPH), given to treat ADHD, and video game play have been found to increase synaptic dopamine. We hypothesized that MPH treatment would reduce Internet use in subjects with co-occurring ADHD and Internet video game addictions.

Methods

Sixty-two children (52 males and 10 females), drug-naive, diagnosed with ADHD, and Internet video game players, participated in this study. At the beginning of the study and after 8 weeks of treatment with Concerta (OROS methylphenidate HCl, Seoul, Korea), participants were assessed with Young's Internet Addiction Scale, Korean version (YIAS-K), Korean DuPaul's ADHD Rating Scale, and the Visual Continuous Performance Test. Their Internet usage time was also recorded.

Results

After 8 weeks of treatment, the YIAS-K scores and Internet usage times were significantly reduced. The changes in the YIAS-K scores between the baseline and 8-week assessments were positively correlated with the changes in total and inattention scores from the Korean DuPaul's ADHD Rating Scale, as well as omission errors from the Visual Continuous Performance Test. There was also a significant difference in the number of omission errors among non-Internet-addicted, mildly Internet addicted, and severely Internet addicted participants.

Discussion

We suggest that Internet video game playing might be a means of self-medication for children with ADHD. In addition, we cautiously suggest that MPH might be evaluated as a potential treatment of Internet addiction.     

Psychosocial Risk Factors Associated with Internet Addiction in Korea

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of Internet addiction in middle school students and to identify associated psychosocial risk factors and depression.

Methods

This study was part of a larger epidemiological study on childhood psychiatric disorders conducted in Osan, a city of Republic of Korea. We used IAS for internet addiction, K-YSR for subjects'' emotional and behavioral problems and K-CDI for depressive symptoms. We used the data of n=1217 completed cases. We put on independent variables, which are sex, age, smoking and alcohol experiences, economic status, age of first Internet use, K-YSR and K-CDI score.

Results

The subjects consisted of addicted users (2.38%), over users (36.89%) and normal Internet users (60.72%). Attention problems, sex, delinquent problems, K-CDI scores, thought problems, age and aggressive behavior were predictable variables of internet addiction. Age of initial Internet use negatively predicted Internet addiction.

Conclusion

This result showed similar to other researches about sociodemographic, emotional or behavioral factors related to internet addiction. Generally, subjects with more severe internet addiction had more emotional or behavioral problems. It means that they already have had various difficulties when we found internet addiction of adolescents. Therefore it is necessary to evaluate whether the subjects have any emotional or behavioral troubles and to intervene to prevent internet addiction.     

Reliability and Validity of the Korean Version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale

Objective

The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) measures various aspects of psychological resilience in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric ailments. This study sought to assess the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (K-CD-RISC).

Methods

In total, 576 participants were enrolled (497 females and 79 males), including hospital nurses, university students, and firefighters. Subjects were evaluated using the K-CD-RISC, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were examined as a measure of reliability, and convergent validity and factor analysis were also performed to evaluate validity.

Results

Cronbach''s α coefficient and test-retest reliability were 0.93 and 0.93, respectively. The total score on the K-CD-RISC was positively correlated with the RSES (r=0.56, p<0.01). Conversely, BDI (r=-0.46, p<0.01), PSS (r=-0.32, p<0.01), and IES-R scores (r=-0.26, p<0.01) were negatively correlated with the K-CD-RISC. The K-CD-RISC showed a five-factor structure that explained 57.2% of the variance.

Conclusion

The K-CD-RISC showed good reliability and validity for measurement of resilience among Korean subjects.     

Adverse childhood experiences worsen cognitive distortion during adult bipolar depression

Background

Cognitive distortion is a central feature of depression, encompassing negative thinking, dysfunctional personality styles and dysfunctional attitudes. It has been hypothesized that ACEs could increase the vulnerability to depression by contributing to the development of a stable negative cognitive style. Nevertheless, little research has been carried out on possible associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and cognitive distortion, and whether any gender differences exist.

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the association between ACEs and cognitive distortions and possible differences between genders in a sample of patients affected by bipolar disorder.

Method

130 patients with bipolar disorder (BD) (46 men and 84 females), completed the Risky Family Questionnaire to assess ACEs and the Cognition Questionnaire (CQ) to assess cognitive distortions.

Results

A positive association was found between ACE and the CQ total score. Investigating the 5 dimensions assessed through the CQ, only the dimension “generalization across situations” was significantly associated to ACE. An interaction between ACE and gender was found for “generalization across situations”, while no differential effect among females and males was found for CQ total score.

Conclusion

This is the first study to report a relationship between negative past experiences and depressive cognitive distortions in subjects affected by BD. Growing in a family environment affected by harsh parenting seems to a cognitive vulnerability to depression; this effect is especially strong in females.     

Relationships that compulsive buying has with addiction,obsessive-compulsiveness,hoarding, and depression

Background and objectives

Compulsive buying has been associated with addiction, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as hoarding. The present study investigated the relationship that compulsive buying (CB) has with ‘addictive’ (i.e., sensitivity to reward), obsessive-compulsive, and depressive phenomena, after controlling for hoarding, substance dependence, manic, and Borderline Personality Disorder symptoms.

Methods

87 participants from a community population completed the online questionnaires for the study, however 70 participants (M = 29.19, SD = 10.45; 70% were female) were used in the analyses because of exclusion criteria.

Results

As expected, CB measures correlated with hoarding, depression, sensitivity to reward, and, but less so, obsessive-compulsive measures. Sensitivity to reward was the most important predictor of CB severity, compared to obsessive-compulsive and depression symptoms. Hoarding was also an important predictor of CB severity.

Limitations

Small sample size meant gender comparisons could not be made, and the use of a novel, communicated questionnaire meant that interpretation should be considered conservatively.

Conclusions

Overall, findings suggest that CB may be most closely related to the phenomena associated with addiction (an increased sensitivity to reward), rather than obsessive-compulsive or depression symptoms. Hoarding and reward sensitivity perhaps might separate compulsive buying from ordinary and recreational shopping.