The Efficacy and Safety of Yokukansankachimpihange for Treating Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: An Open-Label Pilot Study

Previous clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine, for the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). However, less evidence is available for the treatment of BPSD with yokukansankachimpihange (YKSCH), which consists of yokukansan and two additional herbal ingredients. The present study was conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of YKSCH for treating BPSD in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We enrolled outpatients with mild-to-moderate AD who exhibited BPSD and obtained a Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) score of >3 including subscale scores for “agitation”, “anxiety”, “irritability”, and “sleep and night-time behavior change”. A daily YKSCH dose of 7.5 g was administered for 12 weeks with concomitant administration of anti-dementia medication. BPSD was evaluated using the NPI at baseline and every 4 weeks during the intervention. We also examined apathy using the Japanese translation of the Apathy Scale, the short version of the Japanese version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview, and the Modified Crichton Rating Scale for Predicting Activities of Daily Living. Cognitive dysfunction was evaluated using the Mini Mental State Examination and the AD Assessment Scale-Cognitive (Japanese version). Five participants were enrolled. The NPI total score tended to decrease between the baseline and 8-week evaluations during the YKSCH intervention (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P = 0.063). In terms of the NPI subscale scores, “apathy”, “agitation”, “delusions”, and “sleep and night-time behavior change” decreased after the intervention in those who exhibited each symptom at baseline. There were no significant differences in the other scores examined. No serious adverse events were observed. YKSCH could ameliorate BPSD in patients with mild-to-moderate AD with agitation, anxiety, irritability, and sleep and night-time behavior change, and it was well-tolerated.

Role of antipsychotics for treating behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia

Over the past three decades, concerns about the high prevalence of antipsychotic use in the nursing homes （NHs） for the management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia continue to be emphasized and intervened by many. However, despite the numerous side effects and the recent blackbox warning by the United States Food and Drug Administration about the increased risks for stroke and sudden death associated with the use of antipsychotics in dementia, the preva-lence of antipsychotic use in NHs remains high. While the use of antipsychotics appeared to have modest effcacy in reducing symptoms of aggression and psychosis in dementia, there is insuffcient evidence to routinely rec-ommend the use of alternative psychopharmacological treatments for these symptoms. Hence, clinicians have to balance the safety warnings against the need to treat these symptoms in order to prevent harm to the resident that may result from his/her dangerous behaviors. Although the use of antipsychotics may be warranted in some cases, organizational, resource and training support should be provided to encourage and equip NH staff to participate in interventions so as to minimize inappropriate use of these medicines in NHs. This review will discuss the place in therapy, the trend and appropriateness of antipsychotic use in NHs, as well as the effectiveness of current and future strategies for reducing antipsychotic use in the NHs.

Gabapentin for the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia

Objective: To examine the efficacy of gabapentin for the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Design: A retrospective chart review. Settings: Tertiary care geriatric psychiatry inpatient unit. Participants: 230 patients with BPSD. Measurements: The socio-demographic information, type of behaviors, co-morbid psychiatric and medical diagnoses, daily doses of medications and side-effects were recorded. Results: Of the 230 patients, 22 were treated with gabapentin. Twenty of these patients were on a combination of gabapentin and an antipsychotic medication while two patients were treated with gabapentin monotherapy. Eighteen of the 20 patients in the combination group tolerated the treatments with little or no side effects as did the two patients in the monotherapy group. Conclusions: Gabapentin may be a safe option for the treatment of BPSD in combination with antipsychotic medications. Gabapentin may also be effective as monotherapy in certain patients with BPSD.

Improving the Appropriateness of Antipsychotic Prescribing for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD): A Pilot Study of the Psychotropic Use Monitoring (PUM) Program

In nursing homes, antipsychotic prescribing decisions (APDs) for managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) depend on the nursing staff’s feedback. Inappropriate APDs can result in the lack of timeliness, objectivity and important clinical information when nursing staff’s feedback on residents’ behavior and pharmacotherapy outcomes. Currently, there are no reported interventions for improving psychiatrists’ APDs through nursing staff’s monitoring and feedback processes. This one-group pre-and-post pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and impact of implementing a newly-developed Psychotropic Use Monitoring (PUM) program for improving the appropriateness of APDs in a 50-bed dementia ward of a nursing home. The PUM intervention involved 16 pharmacist-trained nursing staff, who monitored and reported residents’ BPSD changes and psychotropic side effects for 24 weeks, while carrying out their routine care duties. A face-to-face interview was then administered to determine the nursing staff’s perceptions of PUM. Data of 51 residents were collected from hardcopy individual patient records to evaluate the changes in APDs and the number of resident falls before and after implementing PUM. The nursing staff reported increases in their knowledge, awareness, confidence, and actual frequency of monitoring for side effects, as well as their ability in differentiating and managing BPSD (p < 0.05). After PUM, there was a significant increase in the number of APDs due to side effect-related reasons (4 versus 16) (p < 0.031). Although not significant, the number of APDs with no documented reasons (5 versus 9) and the number of resident falls (7 versus 15) appeared to be lesser after PUM. This study demonstrated the nursing staff’s positive participation in PUM intervention, specifically in monitoring and feedback of side effects. Furthermore, a potential exists for PUM to encourage more judicious APDs, which may be useful in settings with heavy patient load, limited human resources and dependence on foreign nursing staff from differing cultural backgrounds.

The Effect of Seated Baduanjin Exercise on Psychological State, Fatigue Symptoms, and Quality of Life in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Objective:To evaluate the intervention effects of seated Baduanjin exercise on patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis(MHD).Methods:A total of 108 MHD patients admitted between July 2022 and July 2023 were selected.They were randomly assigned into two groups:the experimental group,with 55 patients,who received seated Baduanjin exercise combined with leg exercises during dialysis;and the control group,with 53 patients,who only performed leg exercises during dialysis.The psychological state,fatigue symptoms,quality of life,and sleep quality scores were compared between the two groups,and exercise endurance was recorded.Results:After the intervention,the psychological state scores in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group,the fatigue symptom scores were lower,the quality of life scores were higher,the sleep quality scores were lower,and the exercise endurance was higher(P<0.05).Conclusion:Seated Baduanjin exercise can improve the negative psychological state and fatigue symptoms of MHD patients,enhance their quality of life and sleep quality,and effectively increase their exercise endurance.

Development and validation of a nutrition-related genetic-clinical-radiological nomogram associated with behavioral and psychological symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease

Background:Few evidence is available in the early prediction models of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia(BPSD)in Alzheimer’s disease(AD).This study aimed to develop and validate a novel genetic-clinical-radiological nomogram for evaluating BPSD in patients with AD and explore its underlying nutritional mechanism.Methods:This retrospective study included 165 patients with AD from the Chinese Imaging,Biomarkers,and Lifestyle(CIBL)cohort between June 1,2021,and March 31,2022.Data on demographics,neuropsychological assessments,single-nucleotide polymorphisms of AD risk genes,and regional brain volumes were collected.A multivariate logistic regression model identified BPSD-associated factors,for subsequently constructing a diagnostic nomogram.This nomogram was internally validated through 1000-bootstrap resampling and externally validated using a time-series split based on the CIBL cohort data between June 1,2022,and February 1,2023.Area under receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,calibration curves,and decision curve analysis(DCA)were used to assess the discrimination,calibration,and clinical applicability of the nomogram.Results:Factors independently associated with BPSD were:CETP rs1800775(odds ratio[OR]=4.137,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.276-13.415,P=0.018),decreased Mini Nutritional Assessment score(OR=0.187,95%CI:0.086-0.405,P<0.001),increased caregiver burden inventory score(OR=8.993,95%CI:3.830-21.119,P<0.001),and decreased brain stem volume(OR=0.006,95%CI:0.001-0.191,P=0.004).These variables were incorporated into the nomogram.The area under the ROC curve was 0.925(95%CI:0.884-0.967,P<0.001)in the internal validation and 0.791(95%CI:0.686-0.895,P<0.001)in the external validation.The calibration plots showed favorable consistency between the prediction of nomogram and actual observations,and the DCA showed that the model was clinically useful in both validations.Conclusion:A novel nomogram was established and validated based on lipid metabolism-related genes,nutritional status,and brain stem volumes,which may allow patients with AD to benefit from early triage and more intensive monitoring of BPSD.Registration:Chictr.org.cn,ChiCTR2100049131.

Impact of an emergency department nursing intervention on continuity of care, self-care, and psychological symptoms

BACKGROUND The emergency department plays a crucial role in providing acute care to patients.Nursing interventions in this setting are essential for improving the continuity of care,enhancing patients’self-care abilities,and reducing psychological symp-toms.AIM To evaluate the effect of nursing interventions in the emergency department on these indicators in an emergency department.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 patients admitted to the emergency department between January 2022 and May 2023.The patients were divided into two groups:The control group(conventional nursing intervention)and the observation group(conventional nursing intervention+emergency department nursing intervention).The two groups were compared regarding continuity of care,self-care ability,psychological symptoms,and satisfaction with care.RESULTS The emergency department nursing interventions significantly improved the continuity of care,enhanced patients’self-care abilities,and reduced psycho-logical symptoms such as anxiety and depression.CONCLUSION Nursing interventions in the emergency department positively impact continuity of care,self-care,and psychological symptoms.However,it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this study,including the small number of studies,variable methodological quality,and the heterogeneity of the study population.Future research should address these limitations and further explore the effects of different types of nursing interventions in the emergency department.Additionally,efforts should be made to enhance the application and evaluation of these interventions in clinical practice.

Correlation and pathways of behavioral activation systems mediating physical activity level and depressive symptoms among college students

BACKGROUND Depression is a common mental disorder among college students.The main symptoms include being persistent low mood,sad emotional experiences,lack of pleasure,listlessness,and impaired cognitive function accompanied by tendencies of self-harm and suicide.AIM To clarify the pathways and effects of the behavioral activation system between physical activity and depressive symptoms in college students with depressive symptoms.METHODS This cross-sectional research screened 3047 college students.Of these,472 had depressive symptoms,with a depression detection rate of 15.49%.Furthermore,442 college students with depressive symptoms were analyzed.A one-way analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation,linear regression,and structural equation modeling analyses were used to explore the correlations and pathways of the interactions between the variables.RESULTS Depressive symptoms were significantly negatively correlated with physical activity(r=-0.175,P<0.001),the behavioral activation system(r=-0.197,P<0.001),and drive(r=-0.113,P=0.017).Furthermore,it was negatively correlated with fun-seeking(FS)(r=-0.055,P=0.251);however,it was not significant.Physical activity was significantly positively correlated with reward responsiveness(RR)(r=0.141,P=0.003)and drive(r=0.124,P=0.009)and not significantly positively correlated with FS(r=0.090,P=0.058).The mediating effect of RR between physical activity and depressive symptoms was significant[B=-0.025,95%confidence interval(95%CI):-0.051 to-0.008,P=0.001].The direct and total effects of physical activity on depressive symptoms and were significant(B=-0.150,95%CI:-0.233 to-0.073,P<0.001;B=-0.175,95%CI:-0.260 to-0.099,P<0.001),respectively.CONCLUSION As physical activity levels increased,depression scores among college students decreased.The mediating effect of RR between physical activity and depressive symptoms was significant.Therefore,colleges and universities should encourage college students with depression to increase their physical activity and improve their behavioral activation system.Particular attention should be paid to RR,which may reduce the prevalence of depressive symptoms.

Rational-emotive behavioral intervention helped patients with cancer and their caregivers to manage psychological distress and anxiety symptoms

There is a dearth of evidence-based data on how psychological distress and death anxiety symptoms experienced by cancer patients and caregivers are treated in developing regions. This article sheds light on the report of the findings from a 2016 study that revealed a rational-emotive behavioral intervention helped a select group of cancer patients and their family caregivers to manage problematic assumptions, psychological distress, and death anxiety symptoms in Nigeria.Based on my experience as a co-investigator and corresponding author of this previous study, I addressed the challenges of conducting such a study and the implications for future research in this article. This article encourages future researchers to replicate the study and endeavor to overcome the limitations of the previous study. Funders were also encouraged to ensure increased access to funds for conducting similar studies with cancer patients and their family caregivers in developing countries and other parts of the world.

This pain drives me crazy:Psychiatric symptoms in women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

BACKGROUND Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome(IC/BPS)is an at least 6-mo noninfectious bladder inflammation of unknown origin characterized by chronic suprapubic,abdominal,and/or pelvic pain.Although the term cystitis suggests an inflammatory or infectious origin,no definite cause has been identified.It occurs in both sexes,but women are twice as much affected.AIM To systematically review evidence of psychiatric/psychological changes in persons with IC/BPS.METHODS Hypothesizing that particular psychological characteristics could underpin IC/BPS,we investigated in three databases the presence of psychiatric symptoms and/or disorders and/or psychological characteristics in patients with IC/BPS using the following strategy:("interstitial cystitis"OR"bladder pain syndrome")AND("mood disorder"OR depressive OR antidepressant OR depression OR depressed OR hyperthymic OR mania OR manic OR rapid cyclasterisk OR dysthymiasterisk OR dysphoriasterisk).RESULTS On September 27,2023,the PubMed search produced 223 articles,CINAHL 62,and the combined PsycLIT/PsycARTICLES/PsycINFO/Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection search 36.Search on ClinicalTrials.gov produced 14 studies,of which none had available data.Eligible were peer-reviewed articles reporting psychiatric/psychological symptoms in patients with IC/BPS,i.e.63 articles spanning from 2000 to October 2023.These studies identified depression and anxiety problems in the IC/BPS population,along with sleep problems and the tendency to catastrophizing.CONCLUSION Psychotherapies targeting catastrophizing and life stress emotional awareness and expression reduced perceived pain in women with IC/BPS.Such concepts should be considered when implementing treatments aimed at reducing IC/BPS-related pain.

Differences in Physical and Psychological Condition, Sleeping Status and Menstruation-Related Symptoms before and after Smartphones Use in Young Female Students in Japan

Smartphones use for a long period of time can cause health problems including physical condition, psychological condition and sleeping status. In addition, smartphones use may affect menstruation related symptoms. This study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire between June and November in 2016 to clarify the differences in physical and psychological condition, sleeping status and menstruation-related symptoms before and after starting to use smartphones in female university students in Japan. We recruited 273 female nursing students and the response rate was 95.2%. We found significant changes after starting to use smartphones regarding eyestrain (p < 0.001), posture (p = 0.002), stiffness of neck, back and shoulders (p < 0.001), level of outdoor activity (p < 0.001), difficulty concentrating (p < 0.001), lack of motivation (p < 0.001), and sensitivity to stress (p = 0.005). Moreover, we also found that fatigue before menstruation and headache/low back pain during menstruation were higher after starting to use smartphones. The proportions of students with irritability and depressive feeling as emotional premenstrual symptoms appeared higher after starting to use smartphones. These results imply that young women should refrain from using smartphones if they have visual display terminal-related symptoms, disturbance of sleep pattern and menstruation-related symptoms before and during menstruation.

Rehabilitative Outcomes after Hip Fracture in a Special Care Unit for Persons with Dementia and Behavioral and Psychotic Symptoms

Aim: Hip fracture implies severe problems to older people;special concerns regard persons with dementia, due either to cognitive impairment, or to behavioral and psychic symptoms. This study illustrates rehabilitative outcomes of these patients discharged by a special care unit ruled by “GentleCare” principles. Method: 54 patients [89% females, aged 82.3 years (range 66 - 94)] followed a post-surgery rehabilitative program carried out by a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist, supported by a psychologist. The multidimensional assessment consisted of cognition evaluation (Mini Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating, Global Deterioration Scale), functional evaluation (Barthel Index, Tinetti Gait and Balance, Bedford Alzheimer Nursing Severity scale), behavioral evaluation (UCLA Neuropsychiatric Inventory) and comorbidity evaluation (Cumulative Illness Rating Scale). Results: All parameters improved, including the 5 most frequent behavioral and psychic symptoms that usually preclude admission in ordinary rehabilitation units. 24% of improvement in Barthel Index total score was explained by agitation and apathy at discharge, in a multiple linear regression model: better functional levels corresponded to smoother behavioral problems. Most patients improved;70.5% of them were discharged to home. Conclusion: A prosthetic approach enables valuable results in the rehabilitation of severely demented patients with hip fracture also in presence of behavioral symptoms.

Predictors of Comorbid Psychological Symptoms among Patients with Social Anxiety Disorder after Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Aim: The present study aimed to examine the predictors of comorbid psychological symptoms in social anxiety disorder (SAD) after cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Methods: One hundred fourteen SAD patients completed manualized group CBT. We examined associations between the personality dimensions of NEO Five Factor Index (NEO-FFI) and the subscales of Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90-R) in SAD patients after CBT using multiple regression analysis. Results: High levels of conscientiousness at baseline predicted symptom reduction on 4 SCL-90-R scales, including somatization, obsessive-compulsive, anxiety and global severity index in patients with SAD after CBT. And high levels of agreeableness predicted symptom reduction on 2 SCL-90-R scales, including Hostility and Paranoid Ideation. High levels of openness predicted psychoticism. Conclusion: The present study suggested that high levels of three NEO-FFI dimensions (openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness) might predict comorbid psychological symptoms reduction in SAD patients after CBT. For the purpose of improving comorbid psychological symptoms with SAD patients, it might be useful to pay more attention to these dimensions of NEO-FFI at baseline.

Quantitative evaluation of severity of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in patients with vascular dementia

To quantitatively evaluate severity of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia(BPSD)for vascular dementia(VD).Changes of 51 patients with VD in BPSD between the first and 24th week were assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory(NPI)and the behavioral pathology in Alzheimer’s disease(BEHAVE-AD)rating scale,in detrended fluctuation analysis(DFA)represented by diurnal activity(DA),evening activity(EA),and nocturnal activity(NA),and the relationships were analyzed.The subscores of activity disturbances,diurnal rhythm disturbances,and anxieties and phobias in the BEHAVE-AD score,and that of agitation,irritability,and sleep disorder in the NPI score were significantly increased compared with the first week,as was for the changes for EA in the DFA value.A linear correlation was observed between the changes of activity disturbances plus anxieties and phobias,and those of DA,and between the development of diurnal rhythm and those of EA,the vehement and autism scores and those of DA,and the difference in sleep disorder scores and those of EA,respectively.Analysis of DA,NA,and EA may reflect the fluctuational degrees of VD-BPSD,can provide a useful assessment of VD-BPSD accompanied by clinical scores for VD.

An association between the location of white matter changes and the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in Alzheimer's disease patients

Objective:The frontal lobe may be involved in circuits associated with depression,apathy,aggression,and other psychiatric symptoms.Although white matter changes(WMC)are related to the severity of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia(BPSD)in patients with Alzheimer’s disease(AD),it is unclear which part of the WMC may play the most important role in BPSD.This study was designed to investigate the relationship between the location of WMC and the severity of BPSD in AD patients.Methods:Among patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease between 2009 and2014,387 patients were retrospectively reviewed after those with pre‐existing organic brain syndrome,psychiatric diseases,or toxic‐metabolic encephalopathy were excluded.Patients’demographic and laboratory data,WMC measured with brain computed tomography and scored using the age‐related white matter changes(ARWMC)scale,and neuropsychological tests,including the cognitive abilities screening instrument(CASI),the Mini‐Mental State Examination(MMSE),the clinical dementia rating scale with sum‐box(CDR‐SB),and the neuropsychiatric inventory(NPI)were analyzed.Results:There was no significant difference in the NPI between patients with and without a history of stroke,hypertension,and diabetes.No significant difference in the NPI was identified between different sexes or different Apolipoprotein E(APOE)alleles.The NPI score was significantly correlated with the duration of education(r=–0.4515,P=0.0172),CASI(r=–0.2915,P<0.0001),MMSE(r=–0.8476,P<0.0001),and CDR‐SB(r=2.2839,P<0.0001).WMC in the right frontal lobe showed a significant difference in NPI in comparison to those without WMC(P=0.0255).After adjusting for age,duration of education,and CASI,WMC in the right frontal lobe remained significantly associated with the NPI score(β=3.8934,P=0.042).Conclusions:WMC involving the right frontal lobe may play an important role in the BPSD in AD patients during their dementia diagnosis.Further studies are necessary to confirm whether controlling the risk factors of WMC can slow the progression of BPSD.

Effectiveness of Family-Based Behavioral Treatment Based on Medication Behavior Barkley Compared with Drug Therapy in Reducing the Symptoms of Children with Attention Deficit Disorder-Hyperactivity

Children with attention deficit and hyper activity disorder have various problems such as low academic performance, social and communication problems, anxiety, depression, aggression, conduct disorder and delinquency, and also when they become adults, they have problems in social relationships that these problems can increase or decrease in dealing with family. Hence, this study was performed in order to examine the impact of family-based behavioral treatment compared with Barkley behavior therapy in reducing symptoms of children with attention deficit disorder—ADHD. To meet the aim, 20 of children with age range of 7 to 12 years old with attention deficit disorder—hyperactivity were selected in both experimental and control groups, and exposed to the treatment of behavioral family therapy groups and changes in behavior Barkley. Before and after the treatment, they were evaluated according to the scale of the Conner’s Parent Rating Scale-Revised Short Form (CPRS-R: S). Results of multivariate analysis of covariance indicated that there were significant differences between the experimental group who had received family-based behavioral treatments based on changes in behavior Barkley and a control group who had received drug treatment in variables, including conduct problems, learning problems, psychosomatic symptoms, and signs of impulsive hyperactivity, anxiety and hyperactivity (p < 0.01). These results could be guidance for counsel or sand therapists for children with attention deficit disorder—ADHD.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Clinical Symptoms, Anger Control and Emotional Regulation of Bully Children

The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy in clinical symptoms, anger control and emotional regulation of bully children. This research is a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study design with a nonequivalent control group. The research sample comprises 24 bully children who were purposefully selected from among the students who had responded positively to the researcher’s call. The participants were randomly assigned into two experimental and control groups. Group therapy intervention was conducted on the experimental group during ten sessions. The tools applied in this study consisted of Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire by Garnefski et al., State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory by Spielberger and Bullying Scale by Illinois, Espelage and Holt and the subjects answered to their questions in the stage of pretest and posttest. In this research, the data was analyzed based on the analysis of covariance test and with the aid of SPSS software. The findings demonstrated that dialectical behavior therapy has a significant impact on clinical symptoms, anger control and its components and emotional regulation and its components (P < 0.01).

Depressive Symptoms and Food Intake among Weight-Preoccupied Women: Do Eating Behaviors and Attitudes or BMI Mediate This Association?

Associations between depressive symptoms, dysfunctional eating behaviors and attitudes, higher food intake and body mass index (BMI) have been previously observed. However, few studies have assessed these variables in the same study. The first objective is to compare, in a natural setting environment, the profile of women reporting lower or higher levels of depressive symptoms in terms of food intake, eating behaviors and attitudes, and BMI. The second objective is to test mediational models for which the link between depressive symptoms and food intake would be mediated by eating behaviors and attitudes or BMI. Weight-preoccupied women were recruited (n = 323), and their level of depressive symptoms was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. The median score was used to create two groups (lower ≤ 13;higher > 13). A web-based food-frequency questionnaire, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, and the Intuitive Eating Scale were completed. BMI was calculated from reported body weight and height. Compared to women with a lower level of depressive symptoms, those with a higher level of depressive symptoms reported a higher energy intake (p = 0.02), and a higher consumption of savoury foods (p = 0.02). These women also had higher scores of disinhibition (p p = 0.0002), ate less intuitively (p p = 0.005). Association between depressive symptoms and energy intake was mediated by disinhibition, susceptibility to hunger and eating for physical rather than emotional reasons, while the role of BMI was less clear. Regarding another component of food intake, association between depressive symptoms and consumption of savoury foods was mediated by disinhibition and eating for physical rather than emotional reasons. In summary, it seems essential to be aware of the presence of depressive symptoms and to pay attention to eating behaviors and attitudes in interventions among weight-preoccupied women.