Equator Foundation

AbstractBackgroundAn important biological factor suggested in the pathophysiology of (recurrent) Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) concerns a polymorphism in a gene encoding for the MTHFR-enzyme of the one-carbon (1-C)-metabolism.

AbstractBackgroundIdentification of potentially modifiable risk factors for recurrence in recurrent depression could provide opportunities to improve preventive interventions. In this study we aimed to examine the predictive value of medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) on time to recurrence in recurrent depression. Additionally, to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms that could explain the relations between MUPS and depression, we investigate the association between a sustained high level of MUPS, and (I) omega (?)–3 and ?

AbstractBasic aspects in the handling of fatty acid-data have remained largely underexposed. Of these, we aimed to address three statistical methodological issues, by quantitatively exemplifying their imminent confounding impact on analytical outcomes: (1) presenting results as relative percentages or absolute concentrations, (2) handling of missing/non-detectable values, and (3) using structural indices for data-reduction. Therefore, we reanalyzed an example dataset containing erythrocyte fatty acid-concentrations of 137 recurrently depressed patients and 73 controls.

SummaryAlterations in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)-axis activity and fatty acid (FA)-metabolism have been observed in (recurrent) major depressive disorder (MDD).

AbstractBackgroundThe polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition of (nerve) cell membranes may be involved in the pathophysiology of depression. Studies so far, focussed mainly on omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs. In the present study, saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and PUFAs of the omega-3, -6 and -9 series in plasma and erythrocytes of patients with recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD-R) were compared with controls.Methodology and Principal FindingsWe carried out a case-control study.

Het proefschrift gaat over het vóórkomen van mentale problemen onder populaties in niet-westerse oorlogsgetroffen gebieden, en over methoden om deze problemen te verzachten via interventies die zijn gericht op maatschappelijke reïntegratie. In dit boek wordt het werkmodel en de uitvoering van een psychosociaal hulpprogramma beschreven, het 'community-based sociotherapy'-programma.

Signatuur: s8.7 SCH en 8.7 SCH-I

Dit proefschrift betreft verschillende aspecten van een quasi-experimentele, longitudinale studie van een psychosociale groepsaanpak (sociotherapie) in Byumba, Noord-Rwanda. Hierbij is gekeken naar mentale gezondheid, sociaal functioneren, partner geweld en 'sociaal kapitaal', een begrip dat de mate uitdrukt van onderlinge verbondenheid binnen en tussen gemeenschappen, en dat mogelijk van belang is voor zowel maatschappelijk als mentaal herstel na grootschalig geweld.

Childhood trauma is associated with the onset and recurrence of major depressive disorder (MDD). The thermolabile T variant of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism (rs1801133) is associated with a limited (oxidative) stress defense. Therefore, C677T MTHFR could be a potential predictor for depressive symptomatology and MDD recurrence in the context of traumatic stress during early life.