Depressive symptoms in adults with spina bifida.

Abstract

Purpose/Objective To examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms in adults with spina bifida and identify contributing factors for depressive symptomatology. Research Method/Design Retrospective Cohort Study. Data collection was conducted at a regional adult spina bifida clinic. A total of 190 charts from adult patients with spina bifida were included. The main outcome measures were the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the mobility domain of the Craig Handicap Assessment Reporting Technique Short Form (CHART-SF). Results Of the 190 participants, 49 (25.8%) had BDI-II scores (14+) indicative of depressive symptomatology. Sixty-nine (36.3%) of all participants were on antidepressants for the purpose of treating depressive symptoms, and 31 (63.3%) of those with clinical symptoms of depression were on antidepressants. The total number of participants with a history of depressive symptoms may be as high as 45.7% if both participants with BDI-II scores 14+ and those with antidepressant use specifically for the purposes of depression treatment are combined. In this population, lower CHART-SF mobility score, expressing “emotional concerns” as a reason for the visit on an intake sheet, and use of antidepressant medications were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusions/Implications Depressive symptomatology appears to be common and undertreated in this cohort of adults with spina bifida, which may warrant screening for emotional concerns in routine clinic appointments. Significant depressive symptoms are associated with fewer hours out of bed and fewer days leaving the house. Additional research is needed to assess the impact of interventions directed towards mobility on depression and in the treatment of depression in this patient population.

Estimates of global and regional prevalence of neural tube defects for 2015: a systematic analysis

“…The economic, social, and psychological costs of caring for the needs of an affected child are large . For the affected individual, the consequences are lifelong and frequently under‐recognized . Most LMICs do not have adequate healthcare professionals or services to address the surgical and multidisciplinary needs of those born with NTDs.…”

“…[39][40][41] For the affected individual, the consequences are lifelong and frequently under-recognized. [42][43][44] Most LMICs do not have adequate healthcare professionals or services to address the surgical and multidisciplinary needs of those born with NTDs.…”

Health promotion and preventive health care service guidelines for the care of people with spina bifida

“…Recommend prenatal vitamins and 4 mg of folic acid prior to conception. Depression and anxiety/need for counseling [ 69 ]. Abuse, neglect, and/or violence.…”

Care for Adults with Spina Bifida: Current State and Future Directions

“…Rates of depression among adults with SB have been reported to be between 25% and 33%, while rates of anxiety have been reported as 13%. 59,64 Thirty-six percent of adults with SB in one study were on antidepressants to treat depression and 63% of the individuals with depressive symptoms were on antidepressants. 64 No gender differences are reported in terms of anxiety and depression.…”

“…59,64 Thirty-six percent of adults with SB in one study were on antidepressants to treat depression and 63% of the individuals with depressive symptoms were on antidepressants. 64 No gender differences are reported in terms of anxiety and depression. 59 A positive attitude toward SB and satisfaction with family functioning have been reported as modifying factors to depression, while pain has been reported as a risk factor for both depression and anxiety.…”