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The Effect Of Integrative Medicine Interventions On Patient Activation Measure, Rochelle F. Richards
The Effect Of Integrative Medicine Interventions On Patient Activation Measure, Rochelle F. Richards
All ETDs from UAB
Activated patients believe they have essential roles in achieving and maintaining their health. Patient activation is strongly related to improved clinical outcomes (Hibbard, 2017; Greene, 2013). The study’s primary purpose is to evaluate the use of Integrative Medicine Interventions (IMIs) and their relationship to patient activation levels; and to investigate the association between IMI protocols and patient activation levels on patient reported outcomes (PROs) for those with chronic diseases, specifically chronic fatigue and mental health-related conditions of anxiety and depression, using the principles of Integrative Medicine’s (IM) whole-person approach as the model of care in independent IM practices across the …
A Gastrointestinal-Specific Antibiotic As An Experimental Treatment For Anxio-Depressive Disorders, Yuang-Tai Huang
A Gastrointestinal-Specific Antibiotic As An Experimental Treatment For Anxio-Depressive Disorders, Yuang-Tai Huang
All ETDs from UAB
Chronic stress is a predisposing factor for various disease states, including neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety [1]. Stress-related disorders have complicated multifactorial etiologies [2]. Advances in psychotherapeutic and psychotropic treatments have occurred, but anxiety and depressive disorders are still prevalent and remain a burden to our societies [3]. More than 30% of major depressive disorder patients fail to remission despite an FDAapproved medication [4]. Meanwhile, the contribution of microbiota-gut-brain axis signaling in both etiologies and treatment of stress-related disorders is increasingly being recognized [5]. More evidence has shown that the gut microbiota has the potential to alter the …
Pain-Related Injustice Appraisal And Chronic Low Back Pain Among Arabs In The United States, Albatool Homoud Alnojeidi
Pain-Related Injustice Appraisal And Chronic Low Back Pain Among Arabs In The United States, Albatool Homoud Alnojeidi
All ETDs from UAB
Pain-related injustice appraisal has emerged as a psychosocial predictor of deleterious chronic low back pain (CLBP) outcomes. The appraisal is defined as the individual’s perception regarding the magnitude and irreparability of pain-related loss and suffering, externalized blame, and unfairness. Research in diverse samples revealed racial differences in pain-related injustice appraisal, suggesting that it may reflect broader racial/ethnic, sociocultural, and socioeconomic factors. This agrees with theories recognizing the role of ethnic and cultural characteristics in ethnic minorities’ health. Despite global data showing that Arabs represent the population with the second-highest prevalence of CLBP worldwide, a reliable characterization of CLBP among Arabs …
Mental Health And Chronic Disease Management: Examining The Association Between Depression And Multiple Sclerosis (Ms) Outcomes, Christina J. Glenn
Mental Health And Chronic Disease Management: Examining The Association Between Depression And Multiple Sclerosis (Ms) Outcomes, Christina J. Glenn
All ETDs from UAB
The aim of this dissertation is to determine whether depression is associated with clinical (relapses and disability worsening) and MRI outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS) by conducting a secondary data analysis of the CombiRx clinical trial. Psychiatric comorbidities, including depression are common in people living with MS (PwMS), often underreported, and contribute to reduced quality of life and mortality associated with the disease. Most clinical studies that have examined the relationship between depression, depression medication usage, and MS outcomes have been small, excluded participants with relapsing-remitting subtypes and severe depressive symptoms, and had relatively short study periods—all shortcomings this thesis …
The Role Of Visa Status And Acculturation In The Health Of Us Immigrants, Serra Sevde Hatipoglu
The Role Of Visa Status And Acculturation In The Health Of Us Immigrants, Serra Sevde Hatipoglu
All ETDs from UAB
Using data from the 2003 New Immigrant Survey, I examined the association between visa status and acculturation with physical, mental, and self-rated health among immigrants residing in the United States. The primary predictor variable in the study is immigrant visa status. The outcome variables of interest include physical health as any morbidity (chronic diseases), mental health as depressed (as defined by the DSM-IV) and self-rated health (poor self-rated health). Using logistic regressions, I found those with unfavorable visa statuses have worse mental, physical, self-rated health compared to the favorable visa holders. I used inverse odds ratio weighted (IORW) mediation method …
Genome-Wide Mirna Regulation Of Stress Susceptibility Across The Brain In A Rodent Model Of Early Life Stress, Lauren Alexis Allen Mckibben
Genome-Wide Mirna Regulation Of Stress Susceptibility Across The Brain In A Rodent Model Of Early Life Stress, Lauren Alexis Allen Mckibben
All ETDs from UAB
Early life stress (ELS) affects a significant portion of the US population in the form of various types of abuse and neglect, as well as household dysfunction and loss of a loved one, among others. Although these experiences happen early in life, they increase risk for mental health disorders, especially major depression (MDD), across the lifespan. MDD is a debilitating psychiatric disorder marked by periods of depressed mood and loss of pleasure in once enjoyable activities. Patients with MDD also report trouble sleeping, unintentional weight loss or gain, feelings of worthlessness, and suicidal ideation. MDD is associated with annual $100 …
Cognitive Factors And Treatment Adherence In Individuals With Cystic Fibrosis, Benjamin Edwin Burgess
Cognitive Factors And Treatment Adherence In Individuals With Cystic Fibrosis, Benjamin Edwin Burgess
All ETDs from UAB
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening chronic illness which requires adherence to a many complex and time-consuming treatments. Adherence is suboptimal in this population. Thus, it is important to consider predictors of treatment adherence. Research has evaluated a number of cognitive factors that are related to adherence in groups with chronic illnesses, including those with CF. The present study considers three factors (health locus of control (HLC), perceived social support, and perceived disease severity) in order to address important gaps in the literature evaluating their relationships with treatment adherence. For each of these factors, the current research is limited by …
Biopsychosocial Correlates Of Pain In Youth With Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Comparison To Other Pediatric Patients, Mary Kenna Lynch
Biopsychosocial Correlates Of Pain In Youth With Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Comparison To Other Pediatric Patients, Mary Kenna Lynch
All ETDs from UAB
EoE is a chronic, clinico-pathological, esophageal disease with symptoms that include dysphagia, reflux, vomiting, feeding aversion, and epigastric pain. Diagnosis requires clinical symptom presentation and histologic findings of eosinophil-predominant inflammation of the esophagus. While the pediatric patient’s epigastric pain is predictive of their quality of life, little is known about their pain experience. Through two studies, the pain experience, sleep quality, and internalizing symptoms of youth with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) have been examined. Through individually evaluating each of these factors as well as testing their relations with each other, the model proposed by Lynch and colleagues (2015) to understand the …
Examining The Role Of The Unfolded Protein Response In Depression, Matthew Timberlake
Examining The Role Of The Unfolded Protein Response In Depression, Matthew Timberlake
All ETDs from UAB
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and impacts nearly 350 million people with a disproportionate representation in women with a 1:1.7 ratio of occurrence compared to men. This disorder is characterized by shifts in mood to include feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and lethargy as well as changes in diet, motivation, and sleep patterns. Further, over 50% of patients who struggle with depression also have suicidal ideation and as many as 10% of those commit suicide. At present, treatment plans include behavioral therapy (often) in conjunction with antidepressant medications which act on monoamines and their circuits in the central …
Religion/Spirituality And Mental Health/ Well-Being Among Women Living With Hiv, Haley Medved Kendrick
Religion/Spirituality And Mental Health/ Well-Being Among Women Living With Hiv, Haley Medved Kendrick
All ETDs from UAB
Depression among people living with HIV (PLWH) is associated with social factors such as employment, poor adherence to HIV medication and treatment, and HIV disease progression. However, estimates of prevalence rates of depression among PLWH vary widely, from 1% to 48%. Women living with HIV (WLWH) often report spirituality as an important factor in coping with stressors associated with HIV infection. Spirituality has been found to be associated with social involvement, effective coping, decreased stress, psychological adjustment, and positive mental health outcomes among PLWH. The current study aims to longitudinally examine trends of spirituality and mental health/well-being in the lives …
Religiosity And Spirituality As Predictors Of Substance Use In Patients With Cystic Fibrosis, Benjamin Edwin Burgess
Religiosity And Spirituality As Predictors Of Substance Use In Patients With Cystic Fibrosis, Benjamin Edwin Burgess
All ETDs from UAB
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a degenerative chronic illness that results in pulmonary and gastrointestinal impairment. Because health-related behaviors, such as substance use, impact health outcomes in this population, it is important to understand factors that predict substance use in patients with CF. Thus, this study aimed to examine the unique roles of spirituality and religiosity in alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use. Higher religiosity was expected to predict lower substance use directly, reflecting a direct regulation of health behavior. Higher spirituality was expected to predict less substance use through lower depression, reflecting an indirect regulation of health behavior through emotion regulation. …
Examining Factors That Contribute To Motives For Marijuana Use Among African American Adolescents, Vinetra Loette King
Examining Factors That Contribute To Motives For Marijuana Use Among African American Adolescents, Vinetra Loette King
All ETDs from UAB
Marijuana is the most frequently used illicit substance by adolescents in the United States. African American adolescents tend to use marijuana at higher rates and suffer from more severe consequences compared to Caucasian adolescents. Additionally, African American adolescents may be more vulnerable to psychosocial factors, such as depression, post-traumatic stress, and associating with substance using peers that may cause them to use marijuana for specific reasons. These vulnerabilities may contribute to African American adolescents using marijuana at a higher rate than their Caucasian counterparts. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of mental health problems …
The Effects Of Ketamine And Other Rapid Antidepressants On Hippocampal Circuits, Allie J. Widman
The Effects Of Ketamine And Other Rapid Antidepressants On Hippocampal Circuits, Allie J. Widman
All ETDs from UAB
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in a common mental disorder that can impair cognitive functioning and negatively impact hippocampus. While several pharmacological treatments are currently available for MDD, most target the monoamine system, providing little variety in approaching treatment. Additionally, a large percentage of people with MDD have an inadequate response to this drug class, leaving them with little optimism of a full functional recovery. Recently, low-dose ketamine, an open-channel N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, produced rapid antidepressant effects in humans, including people who do not respond to monoamine-based therapies, that lasted for days. The antidepressant-like behavioral effect of ketamine is …
Investigating Gender Differences In The Metabolism Of Ketamine, Elise Erb
Investigating Gender Differences In The Metabolism Of Ketamine, Elise Erb
All ETDs from UAB
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that was developed for use as a short-acting anesthesia. It has a history of being a drug of abuse and is currently a Schedule III drug. Ketamine is being investigated as an antidepressant due to its fast-action and long-lasting effects in comparison to other antidepressants. The exact mechanism of action of ketamine on the brain that results in the antidepressant effects is currently unknown, as is the reason for differences in the way males and females respond to ketamine. Dr. Lori McMahon, Allie Widman, and Nateka Jackson in the Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology Department …
Modeling Depression Treatment Strategies For Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv) Positive Patients, Rongbing Xie
Modeling Depression Treatment Strategies For Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv) Positive Patients, Rongbing Xie
All ETDs from UAB
This dissertation empirically examines the associations between depression and HIV-related outcomes, simulates both care and outcomes under different depression care strategies, and compares the cost effectiveness of various depression care strategies to the current care strategy. The empirical investigations reveal the negative associations between depression and HIV-related outcomes using two longitudinal patient-level databases. Furthermore, the patterns and outcomes of depression care are identified and simulated using agent-based modeling. Finally, simulated costs and effectiveness are used to evaluate different depression care strategies for reducing new HIV infections and improving quality of life. The current standard of care for depression among patients …
Neurobiological Consequences Of Perinatal Ssri Exposure, Matthew Edward Glover
Neurobiological Consequences Of Perinatal Ssri Exposure, Matthew Edward Glover
All ETDs from UAB
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been a mainstay pharmacological treatment for women experiencing depression during pregnancy and postpartum for nearly three decades. Recently, though, growing evidence indicates that early-life SSRI exposure triggers long-lasting behavioral abnormalities. Clinically, children exposed to SSRIs in early life exhibit increased internalizing behavior, reduced social behavior, and increased risk for depression in adolescence. Similarly, in rodents, perinatal SSRI exposure leads to increased traits of anxiety- and depression-like behavior. Interestingly, certain individuals are more susceptible to early-life SSRI exposure than others, suggesting that perinatal SSRI exposure poses greater risks for negative outcome within certain populations; however, …
Neurodevelopmental Alterations In A Rodent Model Of Temperamental Differences, Chelsea Mccoy Mccoy
Neurodevelopmental Alterations In A Rodent Model Of Temperamental Differences, Chelsea Mccoy Mccoy
All ETDs from UAB
Understanding biological mechanisms that shape brain development and susceptibility to emotional dysfunction is crucial for generating improved treatments for depression and anxiety disorders. To study neurodevelopmental factors that influence emotionality, we use model rats that were bred for distinct behavioral responses to novelty. Rats bred for low novelty response (LRs) exhibit a high anxiety-/depressive-like phenotype compared to high novelty responder rats (HRs), which vigorously explore novelty and exhibit high impulsivity, aggression, and risk-taking. Transcriptome profiling revealed multiple gene expression differences in the early postnatal hippocampus and amygdala and in the adult amygdala of HR/LR rats. Through gene ontology analysis, we …
Early-Life Programming Of Emotional Behaviors And Cardiovascular Function, Samir Rana
Early-Life Programming Of Emotional Behaviors And Cardiovascular Function, Samir Rana
All ETDs from UAB
Extensive evidence implicates bi-directional relationship between mood disorders and cardiovascular disorders. Early-life experience can have strong effects both on emotional development and cardiovascular function throughout life. Studies in humans are limited to correlational analyses, which are necessarily limited in terms of revealing mechanistic underpinnings of these associations. Thus, various pre-clinical models are utilized to investigate the effects of early-life experience in various domains, such as behavior and cardiovascular function, which are likely mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Previous studies have used maternal separation and neonatal handling in developing rodents as a way to model differences in early-life experience. The effect of …
Norepinephrine Circuits In Mediating Stress-Elicited Behavior, Hyungwoo Nam
Norepinephrine Circuits In Mediating Stress-Elicited Behavior, Hyungwoo Nam
All ETDs from UAB
Norepinephrine in the central nervous system (CNS) is a key mediator of stress-elicited behavioral and physiological adaptations. However, our understanding of central noradrenergic circuitry that regulates specific stress-elicited adaptations is incomplete. The working model for the studies described in this dissertation is that disruptions of specific noradrenergic circuits are responsible for the manifestation of distinct stress-elicited behaviors. Initially the organization of descending noradrenergic neurons with poly-synaptic collaterals to the adrenal gland and skeletal muscle was defined. These noradrenergic presympathetic-premotor neurons (PSPMNs) were distributed within the ventral locus coeruleus (LC), nucleus subcoeruleus (SubC), and the A7 cell group. Then behavioral characterization …
Internet Use And Depression: The Roles Of Emotional Support And Online Support Groups, Aowen Zhu
Internet Use And Depression: The Roles Of Emotional Support And Online Support Groups, Aowen Zhu
All ETDs from UAB
This paper explores the mediating mechanisms between internet use and depression among African Americans and Caribbean Blacks. The hypotheses are that emotional support and online support groups (OSGs) mediate the association between internet use and depression. Data come from the National Survey of American Life conducted between 2001 and 2003 that includes a nationally representative sample of African Americans and Black respondents of Caribbean descent (N=4771). Depression is measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale with 12 questions. Internet use is measured as frequency of use. Emotional support is measured by a scale of 3 questions. OSGs are measured …
Depression And Alcohol Use Disorders As Gendered Phenotypes Of 5-Httlpr, Bryant Walker Hamby
Depression And Alcohol Use Disorders As Gendered Phenotypes Of 5-Httlpr, Bryant Walker Hamby
All ETDs from UAB
The serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) has been associated with both depression and alcohol use disorders in previous gene-environment interaction studies, but these associations have not been consistent. Previous research on mental health has posited that depression and alcohol use disorders are functionally equivalent manifestations of distress, with men displaying alcohol use disorders and women displaying depression in response to stress. This paper assesses whether the presence of the risk-conferring serotonin gene alleles increase an individual's chance of expressing distress as either depression or alcohol use disorders, depending on gender. The hypotheses that more symptoms of depression would be …
The Effects Of Subjective And Objective Caregiver Burden On The Depressive Symptomology Of A Disabled Older Adult Care Recipient, Deborah Blessing Ejem
The Effects Of Subjective And Objective Caregiver Burden On The Depressive Symptomology Of A Disabled Older Adult Care Recipient, Deborah Blessing Ejem
All ETDs from UAB
Depression is a leading mental health issue effecting the aging population. The current body of research contends that stress, social disconnectedness, and disability are possible causes of depression. Research, however, widely neglects the study of caregiver burden as other probable causes of depression in this group. This study investigates subjective and objective caregiver burden as possible causes of adverse mental health for a non-institutionalized older adult care recipient. Additionally, the conditional effects of race/ethnic background of the care recipient are evaluated using the most recent wave of the National Long Term Care Study (NLTCS) and using both the life stress …
Nutrition And Health Related Outcomes In Patients On Hemodialysis, Shawona Cannon Daniel
Nutrition And Health Related Outcomes In Patients On Hemodialysis, Shawona Cannon Daniel
All ETDs from UAB
Millions of Americans are affected by kidney disease and a large proportion of these individuals require hemodialysis to sustain life. This is a life changing event. The nutritional lifestyle changes associated with hemodialysis may be a key factor to health related outcomes such as depression and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study examined the relationship between selected demographic characteristics, nutritional status, measured by serum albumin, normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), body mass index (BMI), percent body fat, and self-report dietary protein intake, and HRQOL and depression in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. This study also examines the magnitude of correlation …
Relationships Among Heart Failure-Related Physical Symptoms, Social Support, Social Problem-Solving, Depressive Symptomatology, And Self-Care Behaviors In Individuals Living With Heart Failure, Lucinda Joy Graven
All ETDs from UAB
Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is a chronic condition that progressively worsens over time. The condition is more common in individuals over the age of 65 and commonly causes dyspnea, fatigue, orthopnea, nocturnal dyspnea, edema, and activity intolerance. Prior studies suggest a relationship between HF-related physical symptoms and depressive symptomatology in individuals living with HF. Depressive symptomatology in individuals with HF are linked with a higher mortality rate, decreased quality of life, decreased functional status, and disturbed sleep. Additionally, HF-related physical symptoms impact self-care in individuals living with HF. Previous studies have found that symptom severity and the associated decrease in …
Understanding The Relation Between Routines And Problem Behaviors In Children With Clinical Diagnoses, Mark Ryan Pennick
Understanding The Relation Between Routines And Problem Behaviors In Children With Clinical Diagnoses, Mark Ryan Pennick
All ETDs from UAB
The current study investigated the impact of routines on problem behaviors in children with the clinical diagnoses of either PDD, ADHD, or depression/anxiety. Previous research has identified negative relations between externalizing behaviors and routines as well as a link between using routines and having positive parenting. The study extends these findings to children with these various diagnoses and also to internalizing symptoms. In our sample negative relations were found between routines, as measured by the Child Routines Inventory (CRI), and both internalizing and externalizing symptoms when all groups were examined together. Additionally routines were found to moderate the relation between …
Mental Health Disparities In Racial And Ethnic Minorities: The Impact Of Nativity And Ethnicity On Depression And Anxiety, Henna Budhwani
Mental Health Disparities In Racial And Ethnic Minorities: The Impact Of Nativity And Ethnicity On Depression And Anxiety, Henna Budhwani
All ETDs from UAB
This research examined factors associated with mental health outcomes for minority groups residing in the United States, with an emphasis on racial and ethnic minorities and a further segmentation between those born in the United States and those born outside the United States. Two theories were used: the Healthy Migrant Theory and Health Lifestyles Theory. In combination, they identified important elements, such as race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, exposure to discrimination, and health lifestyle behaviors, thought to influence mental health outcomes. Nine hypotheses were presented; support was mixed. Some support was found to support the idea that nativity, independently, influenced mental health …
Estrogen Increases Stress Resilience And Hippocampal Synaptic Physiology In The Learned Helplessness Model Of Depression In Female Rats, Teruko Michelle Bredemann
Estrogen Increases Stress Resilience And Hippocampal Synaptic Physiology In The Learned Helplessness Model Of Depression In Female Rats, Teruko Michelle Bredemann
All ETDs from UAB
A recent focus of psychiatric research is estrogen related mood disorders such as postpartum depression and major depressive disorder in women. It is now clear that women are more susceptible to depression in response to stress during reproductive events when ovarian hormones are low or fluctuating. Depressive episodes are characterized by feelings of helplessness and despair as well as learning and memory impairments that have been linked to the hippocampus. Thus, decreased functioning of hippocampal circuits likely contributes to the cognitive symptoms associated with depression. Preclinical research shows that stress, which triggers depressive episodes, decreases the ability of excitatory synapses …
The Predictability Of C-Reactive Protein, Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2, And Depression On Later Health Outcomes In Patients Experiencing A First-Time Stroke, Mary King Brethour
The Predictability Of C-Reactive Protein, Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2, And Depression On Later Health Outcomes In Patients Experiencing A First-Time Stroke, Mary King Brethour
All ETDs from UAB
Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the most common cause of neurologic disability for adults in developed nations. Strokes trigger an acute inflammatory response prompted by brain tissue injury at the infarct site and the surrounding ischemic penumbra raising plasma levels of inflammatory markers. C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute-phase inflammatory marker, has been significantly correlated with infarct size and post-stroke complications. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) may also predict long-term cardiovascular risk in the stroke population. In addition to physiologic changes, up to 60% of all stroke survivors are known to experience depression, which may contribute to decreased …
The Impact Of Stressful Neighborhoods On The Mental Health Of Emerging Adolescents, Vicki P. Winstead
The Impact Of Stressful Neighborhoods On The Mental Health Of Emerging Adolescents, Vicki P. Winstead
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Life within the ecological context of a disadvantaged and disordered neighborhood is characterized by daily exposure to chronic stressors which are often outside the realm of control of the individual and have negative consequences for the mental health of its residents and in particular, adolescents Using data from Healthy Passages, a multilevel, multi-method longitudinal study which examines health trajectories of adolescents over a ten year period, this paper examines whether daily exposure to a threatening environment in disadvantaged and disordered neighborhoods lead to depression in young people who are on the verge of adolescence. The current study tested the relationships …
Parental Well-Being And Child Outcomes Among School-Aged, Prematurely-Born Children., Desiree Maria De Jong
Parental Well-Being And Child Outcomes Among School-Aged, Prematurely-Born Children., Desiree Maria De Jong
All ETDs from UAB
Children born prematurely are at a significantly higher risk than their full-term peers for developing cognitive, behavioral, attention, and executive functioning difficulties by the time they reach school-age. Parents of children born prematurely are also at greater risk for developing symptoms of depression and stress compared to parents of full-term children. However, the literature is conflicting with respect to whether or not parental well-being remains compromised by the time the preterm child reaches school-age. Additionally, much of the research examining this relationship is conducted prior to school-age, with little research beyond these years. A primary purpose of the current study …