Heart and brain interactions in heart failure: Cognition,depression, anxiety,and related outcomes

BackgroundCognitive impairment, anxiety and depression are common in heart failure (HF) patients and its evolution is not fully understood.ObjectivesTo assess the cognitive status of HF patients over time, its relation to anxiety and depression, and its prognostic impact.MethodsProspective, longitudinal, single center study including patients enrolled in a structured program for follow-up after hospital admission for HF decompensation. Cognitive function, anxiety/depression state, HF-related quality of life (QoL) were assessed before discharge and during follow-up (between 6^th and 12^th month) using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, respectively. HF related outcomes were all cause readmissions, HF readmissions and the composite endpoint of all-cause readmissions or death.Results43 patients included (67±11.3 years, 69% male); followed-up for 8.2±2.1 months. 25.6% had an abnormal MoCA score that remained stable during follow-up (22.6±4.2 vs. 22.2±5.5; p=NS). MoCA score <22 at discharge conferred a sixfold greater risk of HF readmission [HR=6.42 (1.26-32.61); p=0.025], also predicting all-cause readmissions [HR=4.00 (1.15-13.95); p=0.03] and death or all-cause readmissions [HR=4.63 (1.37-15.67); p=0.014]. Patients with higher MoCA score showed a greater ability to deal with their disease (p=0.038). At discharge, 14% and 18.6% had an abnormal HADS score for depression and anxiety, respectively, which remained stable during follow-up and was not related to MoCA.ConclusionsCognitive function, anxiety and depressive status remain stable in HF patients despite optimized HF therapy. Cognitive status shall be routinely screened to adopt attitudes that improve management as it has an impact on HF-related QoL and prognosis.     

Personality dimensions and substance misuse: relationships in adolescents, mothers and fathers.

The research addressed the question of whether relationships exist between personality dimensions, antisocial behavior, and alcohol or other substance misuse (AOSM) in adolescents and in their fathers and mothers, who often also have histories of AOSM. One hundred male adolescents (mean age 15.8 years) entering a residential treatment center for youths with AOSM, their mothers (n = 88, mean age 39.4 years), their fathers (n = 36, mean age 44.9 years), and community controls (n = 100 adolescents, mean age 16.5 years; n = 96 mothers, mean age 43.8 years; n = 87 fathers, mean age 45.9 years) were recruited. All participants completed a personality questionnaire and were interviewed on several measures, including structured interviews for psychopathology and substance misuse. The findings indicated that novelty seeking (NS), one of the personality dimensions, was significantly correlated with substance misuse in adolescent probands, adolescent controls, and proband fathers and mothers, but not in control fathers and mothers. Regression analyses that included conduct disorder (CD) or antisocial personality disorder (APD) symptoms indicated that both NS and CD or APD symptoms made significant contributions to the prediction of substance misuse in treatment group probands and in their fathers and mothers. The findings further suggest that NS and antisocial behaviors contribute independently to substance misuse in severely impaired adolescents and their fathers, but not in their mothers.     

The effect of mental illness, substance use, and treatment for depression on the initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected individuals

Information regarding the prevalence of mental illness and substance use among HIV-infected patients and the effect of these problems on HIV treatment is needed. We conducted an observational study of patients in the University of Washington (UW) HIV Cohort to determine prevalence rates for mental illness and substance use. Cox regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between mental illness and substance use, pharmacologic treatment for depression/anxiety, and initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) within 9 months of becoming eligible for HAART. Among 1774 patients in the UW HIV cohort during 2004, 63% had a mental illness (including mood, anxiety, psychotic, or personality disorders), 45% had a substance use disorder, and 38% had both. There were 278 patients who met criteria for HAART eligibility. After controlling for other factors, patients with depression and/or anxiety were significantly less likely to initiate HAART compared with patients without a mental illness (hazard ratio [HR] 0.4, p = 0.02). However, patients with depression/anxiety who received antidepressant/antianxiety medications were equally likely to initiate HAART as patients without a mental illness (HR 0.9, p = 0.5). We found that patients with mental illness or substance use disorders receive HAART at lower CD4+ cell counts and higher HIV-1 RNA levels than patients without these disorders. However, HAART initiation among patients who receive treatment for depression/anxiety is associated with no delay. Screening for these disorders in primary care settings and access to appropriate treatment are increasingly important components of providing care to HIV-infected patients.     

心脏起搏患者术前心理状况及其心理干预的作用

为了解心脏起搏患者术前的心理状态及心理干预的作用 ,采用症状自评量表 (SCL 90 )调查 86例心脏起搏患者 ,总分 >16 0分或单个因子分 >2分示有心理问题。用焦虑自评量表 (SAS) ,抑郁自评量表 (SDS)分别评价 86例心脏起搏患者心理干预前后的焦虑、抑郁得分变化及其与 39例对照组的差别。结果 :SCL 90调查显示 :86例心脏起搏患者存在以焦虑 (4 3人 )、躯体化 (36人 )、恐怖 (34人 )、抑郁 (2 5人 )、人际关系 (2 2人 )为主要表现的心理问题 ,其得分均高于国内常模 (分别为 2 .0 9± 0 .5 9vs1.39± 0 .4 3,2 .19± 0 .5 4vs 1.37± 0 .4 8,2 .2 0± 0 .6 1vs1.2 3± 0 .4 1,2 .0 2± 0 .6 2vs 1.5 0± 0 .5 9,P均 <0 .0 1;2 .12± 0 .4 8vs 1.6 5± 0 .5 1,P <0 .0 5 )。心理干预后患者焦虑、抑郁得分明显下降 ,与干预前相比有统计学显著性差异 (分别为 4 1.2 4± 7.2 6vs 4 6 .78± 9.2 5 ,38.6 9± 6 .14vs4 4 .5 6± 7.82 ,P均 <0 .0 1) ;而对照组焦虑、抑郁两次评分比较无统计学显著性差异。结论 :心脏起搏患者存在焦虑、躯体化、恐怖、抑郁、人际关系等明显心理问题 ,心理干预能明显缓解患者的焦虑、抑郁状况。     

焦虑抑郁状态对老年高血压患者动态血压影响的研究

目的探讨老年高血压伴发抑郁焦虑情绪患者的24h动态血压变化规律。方法选择老年高血压患者120例,进行抑郁自评量表和焦虑自评量表的心理问卷调查及汉密尔顿抑郁量表和汉密尔顿焦虑量表的评定,根据评分结果分为抑郁焦虑组75例和无抑郁焦虑组45例,对所有研究对象进行24h动态血压监测,并对结果进行比较分析。结果抑郁焦虑组24h收缩压、昼间收缩压、夜间收缩压明显高于无抑郁焦虑组[(136.0±14.6)mm Hg(1mm Hg=0.133kPa)vs(126.0±13.4)mm Hg,(139.0±15.2)mm Hg vs(130.0±13.6)mm Hg,(132.0±13.6)mm Hg vs(123.0±12.5)mm Hg,P<0.01]。抑郁焦虑组24h收缩压标准差、昼间收缩压标准差及24h收缩压加权标准差显著高于无抑郁焦虑组[(14.78±1.62)mm Hg vs(14.07±1.80)mm Hg,(13.25±2.94)mm Hg vs(12.28±3.05)mm Hg,(14.07±1.37)mm Hg vs(10.81±1.91)mm Hg,P<0.05,P<0.01]。结论有抑郁焦虑情绪的老年高血压患者血压变异性显著高于无抑郁焦虑高血压患者。     

Psychiatric Disorders Among Drug Dependent Subjects: Are They Primary or Secondary?

The relationship between substance use disorders and comorbid psychiatric conditions was investigated among 425 persons in drug treatment who met DSM-III-R criteria for drug dependence. Using the NIMH Diagnostic Interview Schedule to ascertain DSM-III-R psychiatric disorders among these drug dependent subjects, lifetime prevalence rates were 64% for alcohol abuse/dependence, 44% for antisocial personality disorder, 39% for phobic disorders, 24% for major depression, 12% for dysthymia, and 10% for generalized anxiety disorder. We found that antisocial personality disorder and phobias generally had onsets prior to the onset of drug dependence (that is, they were primary disorders). The majority of drug dependent persons with generalized anxiety disorder reported an onset after the onset of drug dependence (that is, they had secondary generalized anxiety). Alcohol dependence, depression, and dysthymia were divided nearly evenly between earlier (primary disorder) and later (secondary disorder). These results are consistent with the body of literature indicating the importance of antisocial syndromes in the etiology of substance abuse and the literature indicating the complex, varying nature of the relationship of psychiatric disorders to substance dependence. Finally, a precise nomenclature for "age of onset," "primary," and "secondary" was developed for this study that is critical to understanding these issues and is recommended for other studies.     

Patient-reported outcomes in subjects with neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas

AIM: To assess the patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) patients. METHODS: Fifty-one consecutive patients (21 male,30 female, 61.0 ± 10.3 years) with proven PNETs were studied. An SF-12 questionnaire capable of exploring the physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) aspects of daily life was used. Four questionnaires were also used [12 items General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) for nonpsychotic psychiatric disorders, State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Y-1 and Y-2 for anxiety and BDI-Ⅱ for depressive symptoms] to explore the psychological aspects of the disease. Forty-four sex- and age-matched Italian normative subjects were included and evaluated using the SF-12, STAI Y-1 and Y-2 questionnaires.RESULTS: Seven patients refused to participate to the study; they were clinically similar to the 44 participants who agreed to complete the questionnaires. PNET patients had a PCS score (44.7 ± 11.0) were not significantly different from the norms (46.1 ± 9.9, P = 0.610), whereas the MCS score was significantly lower in patients (42.4 ± 13.0) as compared to the norms (48.2 ± 9.8, P = 0.036). GHQ-12 identified 11 patients (25.0%) as having non-psychotic psychiatric disorders. The STAI scores were similar in the patients and in the normative population. Finally, BDI-Ⅱ identified eight patients (18.2%) with moderate depression and 9 (20.5%) with mild depression whereas 27 patients (61.4%) had no depression. CONCLUSION: The PNET patients had a good physical but an impaired mental component of their quality of life; in addition, mild or moderate depressive symptoms are present in about 40% of PNET patients.     

Effects of early captopril administration after thrombolysis on regional wall motion in relation to infarct artery blood flow

Objectives. To determine whether early administration of captopril lessens infarct zone regional wall motion abnormalities when infarct artery blood flow is abnormal.Background. The interaction between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy, ventricular function and infarct artery blood flow has not been well described.Methods. A total of 493 patients aged ≤75 years with first infarctions, presenting within 4 h of symptom onset, were randomized to receive 6.25 mg captopril, increasing to 50 mg t.d.s. or a matching placebo 2.1 ± 0.4 h after commencing intravenous streptokinase (1.5 × 10⁶U over 30 to 60 min). Trial therapy was stopped 48 h prior to angiography at 3 weeks, to determine regional wall motion and infarct artery flow.Results. There were no differences in ejection fractions or end-systolic volumes between patients randomized to receive captopril and those randomized to receive a placebo. Among patients with anterior infarction (n = 216), randomization to captopril resulted in fewer hypokinetic chords (40 ± 13; vs. 44 ± 13; p = 0.028) and a trend toward fewer chords >2 SD below normal (26 ± 17 vs. 30 ± 17; p = 0.052) in the infarct zone. In patients randomized to receive captopril who had anterior infarction and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 0–2, flow there were fewer hypokinetic chords (44 ± 12 vs. 50 ± 9; p = 0.043) and a trend toward fewer chords >2 SD below normal (33 ± 15 vs. 39 ± 13; p = 0.057). Patients receiving captopril who had anterior infarction and corrected TIMI frame counts >27 had fewer hypokinetic chords (42 ± 13 vs. 46 ± 12; p = 0.015) and fewer chords >2 SD below normal (27 ± 17 vs. 32 ± 17; p = 0.047). Captopril had no effect in patients with inferior infarction. There were 20 late cardiac deaths (median follow-up 4 years) in the captopril group and 35 in the placebo group (p = 0.036).Conclusions. Randomization to receive captopril 2 h after streptokinase improved regional wall motion at 3 weeks. The greatest benefit was seen in patients with anterior infarction particularly when infarct artery blood flow is reduced.     

冠状动脉慢血流现象与焦虑抑郁的关系

目的：探讨冠状动脉慢血流(CSF)现象与焦虑抑郁的关系。方法：入选我院心血管内科经冠脉造影结果证实的CSF患者73例,另选同期经冠脉造影结果证实冠状动脉血流正常者(NCF)73例。两组入选者均行汉密尔顿焦虑抑郁评分检查。结果：CSF组HAMA评分明显高于NCF组（17.59?±4.82 vs 10.67?±?3.79,P<0.05）,CSF组HAMD评分明显高于NCF组（23.02?±?6.01 vs 11.68±?4.09,P<0.05）,组间比较差异有显著性统计学意义。CSF组Hcy水平明显高于NCF组（16. 91±4.78 vs10.53±3.71,P<0.05）,CSF组LP-PLA2水平明显高于NCF组（257.91?±5?7.94 vs 181.25±?45.06,P<0.05）,组间比较差异有显著性统计学意义。Pearson相关性分析显示,HAMA与CSF的冠脉血流速度呈负相关关系(r=0.83,P＜0.05),HAMD与CSF的冠脉血流速度呈负相关关系(r=0.79,P＜0.05)。结论：CSF现象与焦虑抑郁呈显著性相关关系,焦虑抑郁可能参与了冠状动脉慢血流的发病。     

Poor Blood Pressure and Urinary Albumin Excretion Responses to Home Blood Pressure-Based Antihypertensive Therapy in Depressive Hypertensive Patients

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). There has been no report comparing the changes in home blood pressure (HBP) and target organ damage between depressive and nondepressive hypertensives receiving antihypertensive therapy based on HBP monitoring. This study was a multicenter prospective study conducted by 7 doctors at 2 institutions. The authors prospectively studied 42 hypertensive patients with home systolic blood pressure >135 mm Hg. Participants were divided into a depression group (Beck Depression Inventory score >10; n=21) and a nondepression group (Beck Depression Inventory score <9, matched for HBP level; n=21). The authors performed antihypertensive therapy to reduce home systolic blood pressure to below 135 mm Hg and, 6 months later, evaluated the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR). Although patients in the depression group tended to require the addition of a greater number of medications than those in the nondepression group (2.3±1.0 vs 1.7±1.0 drugs, P<.05), HBP was reduced similarly in both groups at 6 months (depression group: 150±17/78±11 mm Hg to 139±11/73±8 mm Hg, P<.001; nondepression group: 150±11/76±9 mm Hg to 135±9/70±8 mm Hg, P<.01). The reduction of UACR was smaller in the depression group than in the nondepression group (2.4 vs 10.1 mg/gCr, P<.05). Depressive hypertensive patients required a larger number of antihypertensive drugs to control HBP, and showed a smaller reduction in UACR than nondepressive hypertensives.     

The Importance of Age at Onset of Excessive Alcohol Use with Regard to Psychiatric Symptoms and Personality Characteristics

Psychiatric symptoms and personality characteristics were studied in men (n = 252) and women (n = 86) as they commenced treatment for excessive alcohol use. The Addiction Severity Index, Symptom Check List, and Temperament and Character Inventory were used. ANOVA with early/late onset and gender as covariates showed significantly lower scores for psychiatric symptoms and more mature personality characteristics in the late-onset group compared to early onset. Men described more depression and anxiety, and women higher persistence. Results indicate the importance of considering age at onset of excessive alcohol use when patients enter treatment because different treatment approaches may be required.     

Substance use disorder comorbidity in major depressive disorder: a confirmatory analysis of the STAR*D cohort

The demographics and clinical features were compared between those with (29.4%) and without concurrent substance use disorder (SUD) in 2541 outpatients with major depression (MDD) enrolled in the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression study. Compared to those without SUD, MDD patients with concurrent SUD were more likely to be younger, male, divorced or never married, and at greater current suicide risk, and have an earlier age of onset of depression, greater depressive symptomatology, more previous suicide attempts, more frequent concurrent anxiety disorders, and greater functional impairment (p = 0.048 to <0.0001). They were also less likely to be Hispanic and endorse general medical comorbidities (p = 0.006 and 0.002, respectively).     

Temperament and character profiles of male COPD patients

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disorder, and is characterized by persistent airflow obstruction. These patients are exposed to severe physical limitations and substantial psychosocial trouble. The aims of this study were to determine the temperament and character profiles of personality in patients with COPD and to compare the results with those of healthy controls.

Methods

Thirty-nine male COPD patients and 67 age- and gender-matched healthy controls completed the self-administered 240-item temperament and character inventory (TCI) and 14-item hospital anxiety and depression scale. The relationships between temperament and character personality profiles and clinical factors such as severity of COPD, anxiety, and depression were evaluated.

Results

COPD patients had significantly higher mean scores of Harm avoidance and lower mean score of Self-directedness than those of healthy controls. In the COPD patients, the anxiety score was significantly higher (P=0.03) and the depression score was found to be insignificantly higher than that of control group. The TCI profiles were not correlated with the severity of COPD. In COPD patients, Self-directedness and Cooperativeness traits of TCI character negatively correlated with anxiety, but any of traits did not correlate with depression.

Conclusions

The present study defined the Harm avoidance score was higher and Self-directedness was lower in COPD patients and the COPD severity did not correlate with any of the personality trait. We suggest that during evaluation of COPD patients for treatment, personality trait should also be considered in clinical practice.KEY WORDS : Temperament, character, personality, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)     

Improving Quality of Life in Depressed COPD Patients: Effectiveness of a Minimal Psychological Intervention

ABSTRACT

Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent in elderly COPD patients. Since symptoms of depression and anxiety reduce quality of life in these patients, treatments aimed at improving mental health may improve their quality of life. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a nurse-led Minimal Psychological Intervention (MPI) in reducing depression and anxiety, and improving disease-specific quality of life in elderly COPD patients. In a randomized controlled trial an MPI was compared with usual care in COPD patients. COPD patients aged 60 years or over, and with minor or mild to moderate major depression were recruited in primary care (n = 187). The intervention was based on principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and self-management. Outcomes were symptoms of depression, symptoms of anxiety, and disease-specific quality of life, assessed at baseline and at one week and three and nine months after the intervention. Results showed that patients receiving the MPI had significantly fewer depressive symptoms (mean BDI difference 2.92, p = 0.04) and fewer symptoms of anxiety (mean SCL difference 3.69, p = 0.003) at nine months than patients receiving usual care. Further, mean SGRQ scores were significantly more favourable in the intervention group than in the control group after nine months (mean SGRQ difference 7.94, p = 0.004). To conclude, our nurse-led MPI reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety and improved disease-specific quality of life in elderly COPD patients. The MPI appears to be a valuable addition to existing disease-management programmes for COPD patients.     

慢性焦虑抑郁与缺血性脑血管病的相关性

目的探讨慢性焦虑和抑郁与缺血性脑血管病(ICVD)的相关性。方法选取我院神经科的住院患者220例,按照DMS-Ⅳ慢性焦虑抑郁诊断标准,分为慢性焦虑组107例和无慢性焦虑组113例;慢性抑郁组98例和无慢性抑郁组122例。并依据CT、MRI及磁共振血管造影检查,对患者进行脑梗死、缺血性脑白质病变及脑动脉粥样硬化影像学评分及分析。结果慢性焦虑组与无慢性焦虑组脑梗死、缺血性脑白质病变和脑动脉粥样硬化影像学评分比较,差异有统计学意义[(0.83±0.94)分vs(1.48±1.19)分,(0.71±1.00)分vs(1.32±1.27)分,(1.27±1.02)分vs(1.80±1.12)分,P=0.000,P=0.025];慢性抑郁组与无慢性抑郁组上述3项比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。慢性焦虑评分与脑梗死、缺血性脑白质病变和脑动脉粥样硬化影像评分均呈负相关(r=-0.335,-0.213,-0.246;P=0.000,0.001,0.023);慢性抑郁评分与上述3项评分无相关性(P>0.05)。结论适度的慢性焦虑对人体ICVD的发生、发展可能有延缓或减轻的作用,但需更进一步研究证实。     

Validity of the distinction between primary and secondary substance use disorder in patients with bipolar disorder: data from the first 1000 STEP-BD participants

The validity of a primary/secondary substance use disorder (SUD) distinction was evaluated in the first 1000 patients enrolled in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder. Patients with primary SUD (n = 116) were compared with those with secondary SUD (n = 275) on clinical course variables. Patients with secondary SUD had fewer days of euthymia, more episodes of mania and depression, and a greater history of suicide attempts. These findings were fully explained by variations in age of onset of bipolar disorder. The order of onset of SUDs was not linked to bipolar outcomes when age of onset of bipolar disorder was statistically controlled. The primary/secondary distinction for SUD is not valid when variations in the age of onset of the non-SUD are linked to course characteristics.     

美沙拉嗪联合马来酸曲美布汀治疗肠易激综合征患者的临床疗效观察

目的评估美沙拉嗪联合马来酸曲美布汀治疗肠易激综合征(IBS)患者的临床疗效。方法根据罗马Ⅲ诊断标准纳入2014年10月至2016年6月在上海市嘉定区中心医院就诊的腹泻型IBS(IBS-D)和便秘型IBS(IBS-C)患者各40例。40例IBS-D患者随机分为美沙拉嗪+马来酸曲美布汀组和马来酸曲美布汀组,每组各20例;40例IBS-C患者随机分为美沙拉嗪+马来酸曲美布汀组和马来酸曲美布汀组,每组各20例。同期选择20名健康体检者作为正常对照。治疗前后均使用肠易激严重程度评分系统(IBSSS)和医院焦虑抑郁量表(HADS)评估患者的临床疗效和情绪障碍的严重程度。结果研究过程中未观察到严重的药物相关不良反应。在IBS-D患者中,美沙拉嗪+马来酸曲美布汀组经过4周治疗后,IBSSS总分由基线时的(194.5±62.6)分下降至(136.3±47.2)分(P0.000 1),而马来酸曲美布汀单药组则由治疗前的(207.3±49.2)分下降至治疗后的(197.5±47.8)分(P=0.01);在IBS-C患者中,美沙拉嗪+马来酸曲美布汀组经过4周治疗后,IBSSS总分由基线时的(245.8±70.4)分下降至(231.3±65.0)分(P=0.005)。基线状态时,IBS患者组的焦虑和(或)抑郁评分均高于健康对照组(P0.000 1)。在IBS-D患者中,美沙拉嗪+马来酸曲美布汀组经过4周治疗后,焦虑和抑郁评分分别由基线时的(11.9±4.1)分下降至(11.3±4.1)分(P=0.019)、(13.6±4.7)分下降至(12.5±4.5)分(P=0.002 6)。结论美沙拉嗪联合马来酸曲美布汀治疗可改善IBS患者,尤其是IBS-D患者的临床症状和精神心理障碍。     

Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms and Exacerbations in COPD Patients

Background: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common psychological consequence of exposure to traumatic stressful life events. During COPD exacerbations dyspnea can be considered a near-death experience that may induce post-traumatic stress symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between COPD exacerbations and PTSD- related symptoms. Method: Thirty-three in-patients with COPD exacerbations were screened for the following: PTSS (Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory). Patients had a median age of 72 years and 72.7% were female. Results: Mean FEV1 and FVC were 0.8±0.3 (37.7 ± 14.9% of predicted) and 1.7 ± 0.6 (60 ± 18.8% of predicted), respectively with a mean exacerbation of 2.9 episodes over the past year. Post-traumatic stress symptoms related to PTSD were found in 11 (33.3%) patients (SPTSS mean score 4.13 ± 2.54); moderate to severe depression in 16 (48.5%) (BDI mean score 21.2 ± 12.1) and moderate to severe anxiety in 23 (69.7%) (BAI mean score 23.5 ± 12.4). In a linear regression model, exacerbations significantly predicted post-traumatic stress symptoms scores: SPTSS scores increased 0.9 points with each exacerbation (p = 0.001). Significant correlations were detected between PTSD-related symptoms and anxiety (rs = 0.57; p = 0.001) and PTSD symptoms and depression (rs = 0.62; p = 0.0001). In a multivariable analysis model, two or more exacerbation episodes led to a near twofold increase in the prevalence ratio of post-traumatic stress symptoms related to PTSD(PR1.71; p = 0.015) specially those requiring hospitalization (PR 1.13; p = 0.030) Conclusion: PTSD symptoms increase as the patient's exacerbations increase. Two or more exacerbation episodes lead to a near twofold increase in the prevalence ratio of post-traumatic symptomatology. Overall, these findings suggest that psychological domains should be addressed along with respiratory function and exacerbations in COPD patients.     

Personality moderates the longitudinal relationship between psychological symptoms and alcohol use in adolescents

Background: A great deal of research has emerged on the comorbidity between alcohol misuse and psychological symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, and antisocial behavior or conduct disorder) in adolescence. Research has also shown that personality traits underlie vulnerability to alcohol use and psychological symptoms, but how personality moderates this association has not been comprehensively examined. The goals of this study are to clarify (i) whether early alcohol use effects the rate of change of psychological symptoms and vice versa, (ii) whether initial levels and rate of change in both domains vary according to individual differences in personality traits, and (iii) whether personality moderates the relationship between alcohol use and psychological symptoms. Methods: Self‐reported alcohol use, depression, anxiety, and antisocial behavior were collected from 393 adolescents at four separate time points across an 18‐month period. Parallel growth models were used to assess the main objectives of the study. Personality traits [anxiety sensitivity (AS), hopelessness (H), impulsivity (IMP), and sensation seeking (SS)] were included as time‐invariant predictors of initial levels and rates of change of each construct. Results: The results indicated that elevated levels of depression predicted faster rates of increase in alcohol use. Personality‐specific relationships were demonstrated across all models. IMP was shown to moderate the relationship between alcohol use and depression, suggesting that adolescents who showed a susceptibility to elevated levels of IMP, and heavier drinking were less likely to demonstrate a normative decline in depression. Adolescents with higher levels of AS and anxiety were more likely to show a faster rate of increase in alcohol use. Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of examining personality traits in studying the associations between alcohol use and psychological symptoms.     

Health-related quality of life in Chinese patients with primary biliary cirrhosis

Background and Aim: Symptoms and complications of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) have been shown to impair patients' health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in the West. We aimed to measure the HRQOL and to determine the factors associated with worse HRQOL among the Chinese PBC patients in Hong Kong. Methods: Chinese patients with biopsy‐proven PBC were compared with an age‐ and gender‐matched control group of patients suffering from uncomplicated hypertension (HT) and chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Their HRQOL was assessed by a Chinese (Hong Kong) version of the 36‐item short‐form health survey (SF‐36). The psychological aspect of patients was assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: Forty‐four PBC patients aged 60 ± 11 years were identified. PBC patients had more profound impairment in their HRQOL, as evidenced by their significantly lower Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores (39 ± 11 vs 45 ± 9 and 45 ± 11, P = 0.009 and 0.01) and slightly lower Mental Component Summary (MCS) score (47 ± 12 vs 51 ± 10 and 48 ± 11, P = 0.051 and 0.80) as compared with the HT and CHB control groups, respectively. High HADS‐depression score was independently associated with lower PCS scores. More severe fatigue and higher HADS‐anxiety and HADS‐depression scores were independently associated with lower MCS scores. Conclusion: Chinese PBC patients have significant impairment of the HRQOL. The anxiety and depression status of patients had important contribution to the HRQOL.