BackgroundDepression is a highly recurrent disorder, with more than 50% of those affected experiencing a subsequent episode. Although there is relatively little stability in symptoms across... Show moreBackgroundDepression is a highly recurrent disorder, with more than 50% of those affected experiencing a subsequent episode. Although there is relatively little stability in symptoms across episodes, some evidence indicates that suicidal ideation may be an exception. However, these findings warrant replication, especially over longer periods and across multiple episodes.AimsTo assess the relative stability of suicidal ideation in comparison with other non-core depressive symptoms across episodes.MethodWe examined 490 individuals with current major depressive disorder (MDD) at baseline and at least one subsequent episode during 9-year follow-up within the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA). The Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS) was used to assess DSM-5 non-core MDD symptoms (fatigue, appetite/weight change, sleep disturbance, psychomotor disturbance, concentration difficulties, worthlessness/guilt, suicidal ideation) at baseline and 2-, 4-, 6- and 9-year follow-up. We examined consistency in symptom presentation (i.e. whether the symptom met the diagnostic threshold, based on a binary categorisation of the IDS) using kappa (κ) and percentage agreement, and stability in symptom severity using Spearman correlation, based on the continuous IDS scores.ResultsOut of all non-core depressive symptoms, insomnia appeared the most stable across episodes (r = 0.55–0.69, κ = 0.31–0.47) and weight decrease the least stable (r = 0.03–0.33, κ = 0.06–0.19). For suicidal ideation, correlations across episodes ranged from r = 0.36 to r = 0.55 and consistency ranged from κ = 0.28 to κ = 0.49.ConclusionsSuicidal ideation is moderately stable in recurrent depression over 9 years. Contrary to prior reports, however, it does not exhibit substantially more stability than most other non-core symptoms of depression. Show less
Kivela, L.; Mouthaan, J.; Does, W. van der; Antypa, N. 2022
Background: The psychological well-being of students may be especially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; international students can lack local support systems and represent a higher risk subgroup.... Show moreBackground: The psychological well-being of students may be especially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; international students can lack local support systems and represent a higher risk subgroup. Methods: Self-reported depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, alcohol use, academic stress, and loneliness were examined in two cohorts of university students (March 2020 n = 207, March 2021 n = 142). We investigated differences i) between 2020 and 2021, ii) between domestic and international students, and ii) whether differences between the two cohorts were moderated by student status. Results: More depressive symptoms, academic stress, and loneliness were reported in 2021. International students reported more depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, anxiety, PTSD, academic stress, and loneliness. The main effect of cohort was not moderated by student status. Conclusions: International students had worse mental health outcomes overall, but were not affected more by the COVID-19 pandemic than domestic students. Show less
Previous studies reveal an elevated suicide rate for anaesthesiologists. We sought to examine anaesthesiologist suicide mortality and its underlying explanatory factors. Two studies were conducted... Show morePrevious studies reveal an elevated suicide rate for anaesthesiologists. We sought to examine anaesthesiologist suicide mortality and its underlying explanatory factors. Two studies were conducted in order to establish the suicide mortality figures among Dutch anaesthesiologists and to investigate life events, workrelated stress, psychological problems and alcohol- and drug abuse in relation to suicidal ideation. The results suggest that suicide mortality in anaesthesiologists in The Netherlands is elevated, and comparable to that in other Western countries, but small numbers prevent robust testing of this difference. Anaesthesiologists are more likely than the general population to experience sleeping problems and suicidal ideation; male anaesthesiologists are more likely to suffer from depression. The prevalence of suicide among this population may be related to a high prevalence of psychological problems, in addition to the knowledge and availability of means. Areas of suicide prevention among this group are discussed. Show less
Stringer, B.; Meijel, B. van; Eikelenboom, M.; Koekkoek, B.; Verhaak, P.F.M.; Kerkhof, A.J.M.F.; ... ; Beekman, A.T.F. 2013
