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(https://www.psypost.org/metformin-improves-depressive-symptoms-in-type-2-diabetes-patients-over-24-weeks-study-finds/) Metformin improves depressive symptoms in type 2 diabetes patients over 24 weeks, study finds
Dec 26th 2024, 08:00

Metformin treatment significantly improved depressive symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in the (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.08.071) Journal of Affective Disorders.
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has risen dramatically, with over 400 million people affected globally. Research has established a strong association between T2D and depressive symptoms, which exacerbate the disease’s outcomes. Existing treatments for depression, such as antidepressants, may worsen metabolic control, necessitating alternatives that address both conditions.
Yating Yang and colleagues conducted a 24-week longitudinal study to examine whether metformin, a first-line medication for T2D, could also alleviate depressive symptoms.
A total of 475 participants with first-episode T2D and depressive symptoms, aged 18 to 60, were recruited from the endocrinology outpatient clinic of Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University between January 2021 and February 2024. Inclusion criteria required patients to meet clinical thresholds for T2D diagnosis and to score 10 or higher on the depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Patients were excluded if they had previously used glucose-lowering medications, antidepressants, or insulin, or if they experienced severe diabetes complications during the study period.
Participants were divided into two groups; the group receiving metformin comprised 350 participants, while 125 participants were treated with alternative glucose-lowering medications. Demographic and medical data, including sex, marital status, education, and presence of hypertension or dyslipidemia, were also collected.
The DASS-21 was administered at baseline and after 24 weeks to evaluate changes in depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms. To ensure objectivity, the identity of participants’ prescribed treatments was blinded from evaluators. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for fasting blood glucose and glycated serum protein, among other metrics, to monitor metabolic status during the intervention.
Yang and colleagues observed significant improvements in depressive symptoms among patients treated with metformin over the 24-week period. At the study’s conclusion, DASS-21 scores showed a marked reduction in depression, anxiety, and stress levels in the metformin group compared to the non-metformin group. Patients receiving metformin demonstrated a significant decrease in depression scores, dropping from an average of 16.01 at baseline to 12.75 at week 24. In contrast, participants in the non-metformin group saw smaller reductions, with scores falling from 15.68 to 14.84 during the same period.
Logistic regression identified key risk factors for depression, including female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.04), the presence of hypertension (OR = 2.67), dyslipidemia (OR = 2.44), and the absence of metformin use (OR = 4.21).
The authors acknowledged that the DASS-21 does not align with ICD-10 diagnostic criteria, which limits the generalizability of findings. Further, the lack of randomization in treatment assignments could introduce bias.
Overall, this study underscores the dual benefits of metformin in improving glycemic control and alleviating depressive symptoms in T2D patients, particularly among individuals with less complex comorbid conditions.
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.08.071) Metformin treatment improves depressive symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes: A 24-week longitudinal study,” was authored by Yating Yang, Xi Zhang, Yun Zhang, Jianyong Zhao, Jingfang Jia, Huanzhong Liu, and Suqi Song.

(https://www.psypost.org/study-highlights-protective-role-of-pre-conception-wellbeing-for-new-fathers/) Study highlights protective role of pre-conception wellbeing for new fathers
Dec 26th 2024, 06:00

Fatherhood is a life-changing experience, yet for many men, it comes with emotional and psychological challenges. According to a new study in the (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032724017889) Journal of Affective Disorders, men with higher levels of wellbeing before becoming fathers are less likely to experience depression after their child’s birth. The research underscores the importance of preventative mental health strategies for fathers-to-be.
Although maternal mental health during the perinatal period has been extensively studied, paternal mental health has historically been overlooked. This imbalance persists despite evidence that 5% to 10% of new fathers experience depression in the year following childbirth. Paternal depression not only impacts the fathers themselves but also has far-reaching consequences, including strained relationships, weakened father-infant bonding, and adverse developmental and emotional outcomes for children.
The study’s lead author, Ed O’Connor, a mental health researcher and emergency services worker, was motivated by his personal experiences with the mental health challenges of fatherhood. Reflecting on his journey, O’Connor sought to explore not just the struggles faced by new fathers but also the protective role that positive mental health and wellbeing could play in fostering resilience during this transformative stage of life.
“Existing fatherhood literature had highlighted that depression was common, affecting about 1 in 10 new dads in the postnatal year,” O’Connor told PsyPost. “Studies had also found that men with a history of mental health disorders were at greater risk than men with no previous mental health diagnoses. However, the quantitative literature did not really reflect the complexity of mental health experienced by myself and other new fathers I knew.”
“In my opinion, there were opportunities to identify men’s existing mental health strengths and resources, rather than focusing solely on symptoms. Yes, the challenges of parenthood were demanding, and symptoms of psychological distress increased, but so too did a range of positive experiences characteristic of wellbeing (e.g., joy, happiness, pride, purpose, and satisfaction with life). I was interested in this duality of mental health experiences—both positive and ‘negative’—and wanted to explore whether wellbeing might confer protective benefits for future mental ill-health. In other words, for two soon-to-be fathers with the same severity of symptoms, is greater wellbeing associated with a lower risk of depression over time?”
To investigate this, the researchers analyzed data from Ten to Men: The Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health, a large-scale national study that follows men over time to investigate various health and wellbeing outcomes. For this analysis, the researchers focused specifically on first-time fathers, examining their mental health trajectories from the pre-conception period through the first year after their child’s birth (postnatal) and into the post-infancy period.
The dataset included 350 men who provided information at both a pre-conception baseline and a postnatal follow-up period, as well as 427 men who contributed data during the postnatal baseline and a follow-up period beyond infancy.
The researchers found that depressive symptoms before conception were the strongest predictor of postnatal depression. Men with higher pre-conception depressive symptoms were more likely to experience moderate-to-severe depression during the postnatal period. For each one-point increase in depressive symptoms before conception, the likelihood of developing moderate-to-severe depression postnatally increased by 19%.
A history of mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, was another strong predictor of postnatal depression. Men with a prior diagnosis were over three times more likely to develop moderate-to-severe depression after their child’s birth compared to men without such a history.
Importantly, the researchers also found evidence supporting the protective role of wellbeing, which encompasses factors such as standard of living, personal health, accomplishments in life, interpersonal relationships, sense of safety, community connections, and future security. Higher levels of wellbeing before conception were associated with reduced depressive symptoms and a lower risk of moderate-to-severe depression during the postnatal period.
Even among men with a history of depression or anxiety, better pre-conception wellbeing appeared to offer some protection against postnatal depression. For every one-unit increase in wellbeing, there was a 1.2% decrease in depressive symptom scores and a 10% reduction in the risk of moderate-to-severe depression.
“The key takeaway is that better mental health prior to becoming a father is associated with lower postnatal depressive symptoms,” explained O’Connor and senior author (https://people.csiro.au/K/N/naomi-kakoschke) Naomi Kakoschke, a senior research scientist at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization. “Preventative work to reduce mental health symptoms and increase wellbeing prior to becoming a father can reduce the risk of depression in early fatherhood. An important finding from our research is that higher wellbeing appears to be protective, even among men with a history of depression and/or anxiety.”
“Our findings were largely in line with previous research but highlighted the importance of examining the relationship between positive and negative aspects of mental health during critical life transition periods such as becoming a father for the first time.”
Surprisingly, wellbeing measured during the postnatal period did not predict depressive symptoms or moderate-to-severe depression in the post-infancy stage. This suggests that while wellbeing before fatherhood plays a protective role, its influence diminishes as other factors—such as parenting stressors or family dynamics—become more prominent during later stages of fatherhood.
The study, like all research, includes some caveats.
“The study involved a secondary analysis of data from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Men’s Health (i.e., Ten to Men),” the researchers noted. “This is a longitudinal study that offers insights into a population that is typically underrepresented in research. However, as with any observational study, we are not able to assume causality. In addition, some fatherhood-specific risk factors were not investigated, such as initial intentions to have a child and access to paid parental leave, given the Ten to Men study was not designed to examine mental health trajectories during the transition to fatherhood.”
Despite these limitations, the study highlights the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the transition to fatherhood. By addressing mental health challenges and promoting wellbeing before men become fathers, it may be possible to reduce the prevalence of postnatal depression and its long-term effects.
“The long-term goal is to inform preventative approaches to mental health screening and promotion activities designed to support men and their families to transition successfully to parenthood,” Kakoschke said.
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.10.102) Transitioning to fatherhood: Prospective effects of wellbeing on future depression symptoms,” was authored by Edward J. O’Connor, Ian T. Zajac, Emily Brindal, and Naomi Kakoschke.

(https://www.psypost.org/sexualized-self-presentation-dominates-visuals-on-dating-apps-linked-to-negative-body-image/) Sexualized self-presentation dominates visuals on dating apps, linked to negative body image
Dec 25th 2024, 14:00

Sexualized self-presentation is prevalent on mobile dating apps, particularly in profile pictures, according to research published in (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101781) Body Image.
Mobile dating applications (MDAs) like Tinder and Bumble have reshaped how young adults present themselves to potential partners, such as by prioritizing traits like sexual attractiveness. While research often focuses on MDA usage patterns, less attention has been given to how users engage in sexualized self-presentation.
Drawing on theories like the Hyper-Personal Model and Goffman’s Dramaturgical Model, Femke Konings and colleagues investigated how factors such as gender, sexual orientation, and body image influence this behavior.
This study employed a data donation linkage design. A total of 443 participants (ages 18-30), predominantly women (72%), shared screenshots of their profiles from MDAs. These submissions included 1,277 profile pictures and 443 biographies.
The researchers developed a comprehensive codebook to systematically assess indicators of sexualized self-presentation, both in textual and visual cues. Textual elements included references to sexual activity, body parts, or casual sex motivations, while visual cues captured features like revealing clothing, sexualized body poses, and facial expressions. Coders underwent rigorous training to ensure consistency and reliability.
A subset of 237 participants also completed a linkage survey measuring body image through scales like the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 and the Body Appreciation Scale-2. These measures assessed both negative body image (e.g., body shame, dissatisfaction) and positive body image (e.g., body appreciation, broad conceptualizations of beauty).
The researchers found that sexualized self-presentation was more prevalent in visual cues compared to textual ones. Specifically, 56.8% of profile pictures contained at least one indicator of sexualization, whereas only 4.3% of biographies included sexualized textual elements. The most common visual indicator was sexualized facial expressions, present in 41% of profile pictures. Other visual elements, such as revealing clothing or sexualized poses, appeared less frequently.
While users prioritized visual over textual sexualization, this often remained within socially acceptable boundaries, reflecting a balance between attracting attention and avoiding excessive sexualization.
Individual differences emerged as key factors influencing sexualized self-presentation. Women were more likely than men to display sexualized visual cues, aligning with traditional gender norms emphasizing physical attractiveness. Non-heterosexual users were also more inclined to include sexualized textual elements, such as references to casual sex motivations, compared to heterosexual participants. Interestingly, no significant differences were observed between users of Tinder and Bumble, suggesting that platform-specific features may have limited influence on sexualized self-presentation
Additionally, correlates of negative body image, including body shame and face dissatisfaction, were positively associated with visual sexualization. In contrast, no significant links were found between positive body image traits, such as body appreciation, and engagement in sexualized self-presentation.
One limitation is that the sample’s sociodemographic homogeneity limits generalizability.
The research, “(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101781) A linkage study investigating sexualized self-presentation on mobile dating apps and user traits,” was authored by Femke Konings, Sindy R. Sumter, and Laura Vandenbosch.

(https://www.psypost.org/childhood-emotional-abuse-linked-to-workplace-conflicts-in-power-seeking-employees/) Childhood emotional abuse linked to workplace conflicts in power-seeking employees
Dec 25th 2024, 12:00

A survey of employees and their coworkers in China found that individuals who experienced emotional abuse as children were more likely to have workplace conflicts, but only when they were highly focused on seeking power. These individuals were also more likely to become victims of workplace ostracism. The findings were published in (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2024.112771) Personality and Individual Differences.
Workplace ostracism and interpersonal conflict can have profoundly negative impacts on well-being. Workplace ostracism refers to the exclusion or ignoring of an individual by coworkers, often leaving the person feeling isolated and undervalued. In contrast, interpersonal conflict at work involves disagreements or tensions between employees, arising from differences in goals, values, or interpersonal dynamics. Ostracism often manifests subtly, such as through non-verbal cues or exclusion from discussions, while conflicts can escalate from minor misunderstandings to serious disputes.
Certain individuals are more susceptible to ostracism or workplace conflicts due to factors like personality traits (e.g., introversion or assertiveness), perceived differences in status, or cultural and communication styles. Employees who deviate from group norms or are seen as threats to social balance may be excluded or targeted. Additionally, power dynamics and organizational culture play significant roles, as environments that tolerate or reward aggressive or exclusionary behaviors can worsen these issues.
Study author Beini Liu and her colleagues sought to explore the relationship between childhood emotional abuse and the likelihood of being ostracized or involved in workplace conflicts. They noted that social learning theory suggests individuals learn behaviors by observing authority figures, such as parents. As a result, those who experienced emotional abuse during childhood might be more prone to interpersonal conflicts at work as adults. This relationship could be amplified for individuals who are highly focused on gaining power in the workplace. The researchers also hypothesized that employees involved in interpersonal conflicts would be more likely to experience ostracism.
The researchers conducted their study in two phases within a Chinese information technology company. In the first phase, 350 employees reported whether they had experienced childhood emotional abuse and provided demographic information. Participants were asked to recall the most emotionally abusive year of their childhood and rate how often they were treated poorly by their parents during that time.
Two weeks later, the researchers asked a coworker of each employee to assess the respondent’s level of interpersonal conflict at work (e.g., “How often does the employee get into arguments with others at work?”). Another two weeks after that, participants rated the extent to which they felt ostracized (e.g., “Others in the company ignored me at work”) and how much they sought power (e.g., “I would like to be in a powerful position in an organization”).
Ultimately, the researchers collected complete data from 257 participants (73% of the initial sample), representing 51 different teams within the company. The participants had an average age of 34 and an average tenure of 11 years at the company. Employees with less than one year of tenure were excluded from the study. Among the participants, 49% were male, and 37% were married.
The results indicated that older individuals experienced slightly more workplace ostracism. Participants who were more focused on seeking power reported higher levels of ostracism and were also reported by coworkers to be involved in more interpersonal conflicts. Furthermore, employees involved in more interpersonal conflicts were more likely to feel ostracized.
Contrary to expectations, the reported level of childhood emotional abuse was not directly associated with workplace conflict or ostracism. However, when the researchers analyzed data from participants who reported a strong desire for power, a significant association emerged. In this subgroup, individuals who reported more severe experiences of childhood emotional abuse were more likely to be involved in interpersonal conflicts and to feel ostracized.
“Employees who have experienced childhood emotional abuse should be aware of its potential spill-over effects onto their interpersonal conflict management in the workplace. They should pay particular attention to their words and behaviors when conflicts with co-workers are possible,” the study authors concluded.
“In other words, employees should be mindful that their negative childhood experiences could counterproductively affect their workplace behaviors when they are seeking to increase their authority at work. Our findings also imply that when employees are actively seeking power, their knowledge and toolkit picked up from childhood traumas become extremely salient and may encourage undesirable social conduct.”
The study sheds light on the relationship between childhood abuse and experiences at work. However, it should be noted that all participants were employees of a single company working in the information industry. Results on other companies from other industries might not be identical. Additionally, the design of the study does not allow any cause-and-effect conclusions to be derived from the results.
The paper, “(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2024.112771) Suffered from deep-seated childhood shadows: Linking childhood emotional abuse to interpersonal conflict at work and workplace ostracism,” was authored by Beini Liu, Minya Xu, and Jingjing Yao.

(https://www.psypost.org/study-finds-camembert-cheese-compounds-improve-memory-and-learning/) Study finds Camembert cheese compounds improve memory and learning
Dec 25th 2024, 10:00

A recent study published in (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168010224000403) Neuroscience Research sheds light on the potential cognitive benefits of Camembert cheese. The research reveals that fatty acid amides—compounds generated during the cheese’s fermentation process—enhanced memory and learning in mice fed a high-fat diet. These findings suggest that Camembert cheese may offer unique dietary advantages for cognitive health.
Camembert stands out among cheeses due to its fermentation with white mold (Penicillium camemberti), which gives it a distinct biochemical profile. This fermentation process produces fatty acid amides like myristamide, which are rarely found in non-fermented or differently fermented cheeses. These compounds are increasingly recognized for their potential to influence brain health by boosting neurotrophic factors, proteins that support brain cell growth, repair, and memory formation.
Previous studies had already hinted at Camembert cheese’s benefits in humans, showing that its consumption increased neurotrophic factor levels in older adults. These proteins are essential for maintaining cognitive function, particularly as the brain ages. While these findings were promising, the precise mechanisms and specific compounds driving the effects were not fully understood. The new study aimed to close that knowledge gap by focusing on fatty acid amides and their ability to enhance learning and memory.
To explore the cognitive benefits of Camembert cheese and its fatty acid amides, the researchers conducted experiments on male mice. These mice were divided into groups and fed either a high-fat diet alone or supplemented with Camembert cheese or specific fatty acid amides extracted from the cheese. The study’s high-fat diet was designed to impair cognitive function, mimicking conditions linked to dietary risks for neurodegeneration in humans.
The researchers administered daily oral doses of Camembert cheese, myristamide (a fatty acid amide), or other related compounds to the mice over seven days. The cheese was homogenized to ensure consistency, and the fatty acid amides were carefully measured and administered in specific doses. To assess cognitive performance, the mice underwent two behavioral tests: the Object Recognition Test (ORT) and the Object Location Test (OLT). These tests are widely used to evaluate memory and learning in animals.
In the ORT, the mice were placed in an open field containing two objects. During the test phase, one of the familiar objects was replaced with a novel one. Researchers measured the time the mice spent exploring the new object, with greater exploration indicating better recognition memory. Similarly, in the OLT, the position of one object was changed, and the time spent investigating the novel location was recorded to assess spatial memory.
The results showed that both Camembert cheese and myristamide improved cognitive function in the mice. In the ORT, mice supplemented with Camembert cheese spent more time exploring the novel object, indicating enhanced recognition memory. This effect was dose-dependent, with higher doses yielding better results. Similarly, mice treated with myristamide performed better on both the ORT and OLT, suggesting that this compound improved both recognition and spatial memory.
Importantly, the study found that myristamide’s effects were unique to its amidated form. Myristic acid, a precursor to myristamide, did not improve cognitive function, highlighting the importance of the amidation process that occurs during cheese fermentation. This suggests that the fermentation process itself may enhance the cheese’s physiological activity.
In addition to behavioral tests, the researchers examined changes in brain chemistry. They analyzed the expression of neurotrophic factors—proteins that support brain cell growth and repair—in the hippocampus, a region critical for memory and learning. These molecular analyses aimed to uncover the biological mechanisms underlying any observed cognitive improvements.
On a molecular level, myristamide increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. BDNF is essential for neuroprotection, synaptic growth, and memory formation. These findings indicate that myristamide’s cognitive benefits may be mediated through its ability to promote neurogenesis and enhance synaptic plasticity. Interestingly, the effects of Camembert cheese on cognitive function were consistent with those of myristamide, suggesting that this compound may be a key active ingredient in the cheese.
While the findings are promising, the study has several limitations. First, it was conducted on mice, so its relevance to humans remains uncertain. Although previous studies have linked Camembert cheese to cognitive benefits in older adults, further research is needed to confirm whether the same fatty acid amides yield similar effects in humans. Second, the study only examined short-term cognitive changes, leaving questions about the long-term impact of these compounds unanswered.
“Recently, there has been an increased interest in the relationship between food intake and cognitive function,” the researchers concluded. “The present study showed that the improved cognitive function can be attributed not only to the components of natural foods but also to those of fermented foods. In particular, we found that the fermentation of milk by white mold produces molecules with enhanced physiological activity. Further investigations, including longer-term studies and broader data analyses, will be needed.”
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neures.2024.03.002) Fatty acid amides present in Camembert cheese improved cognitive decline after oral administration in mice,” was authored by Kohei Kawano, Maiko Shobako, Taichi Furukawa, Tatsuhiro Toyooka, and Kousaku Ohinata.

Forwarded by:
Michael Reeder LCPC
Baltimore, MD

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