Social and Behavioral Rhythms is Related to the Perception of Quality of Life in Old Adults

Carta M. G.

Conceptualization

;Pintus E.;Zaccheddu R.;Callia O.;Conti G.;Aviles Gonzalez Cesar Ivan;Minerba L.;Demontis R.;Pau M.;Cocco E.;Penna M. P.;Kalcev G.;Lorrai S.;Velluzzi F.;Lovoselli A.;Monticone M.;Massidda M. V.;Pinna M. R.;Atzori L.;Cauli A.;Scano A.;Orru G.;Crisafulli A.;Cosentino S.;Machado S.;Fortin D.;Migliaccio G. M.;Finco G.;Musu M.;Cossu G.

Supervision

2022-01-01

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Abstract

Introduction: The purpose is to verify in old adults if social and behavioral rhythms (SBRs) are correlated with a positive perception of the quality of life (QoL). Social and behavioral rhythms and related circadian biorhythms are known as central points in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorders. A secondary aim is to see if a similar relationship can be found in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in old adults. Sample: 141 people aged ≥65 years (58.9% Female). Methods: Each subject was evaluated using the Social and Behavioral Rhythms Scale (in which higher scores show more dysfunctional SRBs); SF-12 for QoL and a screening tool for depressive symptoms. They underwent a medical evaluation and blood level assays including cholesterol and triglycerides. The medical diagnoses including MDD were taken into account. Results: The Social and Behavioral Rhythms Scale score correlated inversely with SF-12 score (p<0.001) and positively with PHQ9 (p<0.0001). People with MDD had a higher score on social rhythms than controls without (p<0.01). The study highlighted, for the first time, that social and behavioral rhythms have a role in old adults living in the community. Conclusion: Further longitudinal studies with a sufficient number of individuals will be required to confirm these data and clarify causal links of the association.