Digital Commons Network^™

Evolutionary Cognitive Therapy Versus Standard Cognitive Therapy For Depression: A Protocol For A Blinded, Randomized, Superiority Clinical Trial, Cezar Giosan, Oana Cobeanu, Cristina Mogoase, Vlad Muresan, Loretta S. Malta, Katarzyna Wyka, Aurora Szentagotai

Publications and Research

Background: Depression is estimated to become the leading cause of disease burden globally by 2030. Despite existing efficacious treatments (both medical and psychotherapeutic), a large proportion of patients do not respond to therapy. Recent insights from evolutionary psychology suggest that, in addition to targeting the proximal causes of depression (for example, targeting dysfunctional beliefs by cognitive behavioral therapy), the distal or evolutionary causes (for example, inclusive fitness) should also be addressed. A randomized superiority trial is conducted to develop and test an evolutionary-driven cognitive therapy protocol for depression, and to compare its efficacy against standard cognitive therapy for depression.

Methods/design: …

Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Depressive Symptoms In A Canadian Palliative Home Care Population: A Cross Sectional Study, Kathryn A. Fisher, Hsien Seow, Kevin Brazil, Shannon Freeman, Trevor Frise Smith, Dawn M. Guthrie

Kinesiology and Physical Education Faculty Publications

Background: Depression in palliative care patients is important because of its intrinsic burden and association with elevated physical symptoms, reduced immunity and increased mortality risk. Identifying risk factors associated with depression can enable clinicians to more readily diagnose it, which is important since depression is treatable. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and risk factors associated with them in a large sample of palliative home care patients.

Methods: The data come from interRAI Palliative Care assessments completed between 2006 and 2012. The sample (n = 5144) consists of adults residing …

Research Brief: “Clinical And Demographic Factors Associated With Employment Status In Us Military Veterans Returning From Iraq And Afghanistan”, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief focuses on the connection between employment status and veterans with or without PTSD, mild Traumatic Brain Injury, sleep issues, or pain issues. In practice, depression and those 40+ years of age were associated with the employment status in this study of a sample of post-deployment U.S. veterans. In policy, it is found that policymakers should know that veterans' adjustment issues may not be the threshold of being effective employees. Future research could target combat veterans’ motivations and the ability to pursue education, as well as a study of those who are employed and have had an mTBI and …

Effects Of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction On Anxiety & Depression In Primary Care Patients, Elizabeth Mccallion

Psychology ETDs

The objective of this study was to examine effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on the ability to decrease anxiety and depression and increase mindfulness compared to cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM). Thirty-five subjects were recruited from a community healthcare center and took part in MBSR (n = 21) and CBSM (n =14) groups. There were no initial differences between MBSR and CBSM subjects on demographics including age, gender, education, and income. MBSR was an 8-week course using meditation, gentle yoga, and body scanning exercises to increase mindfulness. CBSM was an 8-week course using cognitive and behavioral techniques to change thinking …

Development And Preliminary Evaluation Of A Telephone-Based Mindfulness Training Intervention For Survivors Of Critical Illness, Christopher E. Cox, Laura S. Porter, Pamela J. Buck, Mary Hoffa, Derek Jones, Brenda Walton, Catherine L. Hough, Jeffrey M. Greeson

College of Science & Mathematics Departmental Research

Rationale: Persistent symptoms of psychological distress represent an unmet need among intensive care unit (ICU) survivors.

Objectives: We aimed to develop and pilot test a simple telephone-based mindfulness training intervention to address this population’s unique needs.

Methods: Open trial involving survivors of medical and surgical critical illness and their informal caregivers, using a pretest–posttest design.

Measurements and Main Results: We developed a six-session, telephone-delivered, ICU survivor–specific mindfulness intervention based on past focus groups, the medical literature, and the precedent of the most effective components of existing mindfulness programs. A total of 11 survivors of mechanical ventilation were enrolled, together with …

A Longitudinal Study Of The Bidirectional Relations Between Internalizing Symptoms And Peer Victimization In Urban Adolescents, Tess Drazdowski

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the bidirectional relations between anxious and depressive symptoms and two forms of peer victimization (i.e., overt and relational) within a sample of 358 predominantly African-American adolescents living in low-income urban areas across four years. Longitudinal path analyses tested progressively complex models for each type of victimization. For both overt and relational victimization the autoregressive model where only previous levels of each construct predicted future levels of the construct was the most parsimonious explanation. The best fitting model for both types of peer victimization suggested that internalizing symptoms helped to further explain future …

A Pilot Study On The Effects Of Exercise On Depression Symptoms Using Levels Of Neurotransmitters And Eeg As Markers, Timothy H. Barclay, Scott Richards, James Schoffstall, Chad Magnuson, Christine Mcphee, Josh Price, Stephen Aita, Audrey Anderson, Dan Johnson, Jerry Price

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Context: The prescribing of exercise by physicians has become a popular practice, yet the effectiveness of exercise on symptoms of depression is difficult to determine due to a lack of randomized controlled trials with clinical populations. Reports also indicate that only a small percentage of physicians advise their patients regarding exercise and confusion still exists as to how much and what types are best. Aims: To understand the mechanisms that make exercise a viable treatment in depression. Settings and Design: This study employed a six‑week, two group, single‑level trial, pre‑ and posttest design using self‑report of symptoms, blood …

The Neurobiology Of Burnout: A Christ-Centered Perspective On Managing Stress, Fear And Depression For Optimal Teaching And Functioning, Lisa S. Sosin

Faculty Publications and Presentations

This presentation focuses on developing a bio-psycho-social-spiritual toolbox for effectively managing stress, fear, and depression to support optimal teaching and functioning. Learning outcomes for the presentation include describing the neurobiology of burn out, exploring responses to stressful situations found in the Scriptures, practicing using tools introduced in the presentation to help regulate stress, fear, and depression, and applying content and skills taught in the presentation to develop a personal bio-psycho-social-spiritual toolbox for effectively managing stress, fear, and depression.

Complex Mental Health Sequelae Of Psychological Trauma Among Women In Prenatal Care, Julian D. Ford

UCHC Articles - Research

Pregnancy is a critical time to identify and address maternal mental health problems, for the health of both mother and child. Pregnant women with histories of exposure to interpersonal psychological trauma may experience a range of mental health problems including but not limited to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a community sample of 1,581 pregnant women, 25% reported symptoms consistent with at least one of six syndromes, including PTSD, major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or clinically significant dissociation, somatization, or affect dysregulation. Six sub-groups with distinct mental health problem profiles were identified by cluster analysis. Controlling for …

Partnering For Mental Health Promotion: Implementing Evidence Based Mental Health Services Within A Maternal And Child Home Health Visiting Program, Lisa A. Gray, Sarah Kye Price

Social Work Publications

This article details the clinical foundations of a social work focused community-based participatory research project promoting women’s mental health during and around the time of pregnancy. Specifically, we discuss the theoretical, empirical and organizational implementation of an enhanced engagement model of mental health service delivery that integrates evidenced based practices into the structure and services of an existing non-profit maternal and child health home visiting agency. The model is grounded in literature addressing barriers to accessing mental health care among minority women living in low-income communities. We discuss informing the intervention through direct consumer involvement, as well the rationale supporting …

Excess Risk Of Chronic Physical Conditions Associated With Depression And Anxiety, Rituparna Bhattacharya, Chan Shen, Usha Sambamoorthi

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background

Depression and anxiety have been reported to be associated with chronic physical conditions. We examined the excess risk of chronic physical conditions associated with depression and/or anxiety within a multivariate framework controlling for demographic and modifiable lifestyle risk factors.

Methods

We used a retrospective cross-sectional study design. Study participants were adults aged 22–64 years from 2007 and 2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. We defined presence of depression-anxiety based on self-reported depression and anxiety and classified adults into 4 groups: 1) depression only; 2) anxiety only; 3) comorbid depression and anxiety 4) no depression and no anxiety. We included presence/absence …

Intranasal Neuropeptide Y Reverses Anxiety And Depressive-Like Behavior Impaired By Single Prolonged Stress Ptsd Model, L I. Serova, M Laukova, L G. Alaluf, L Pucillo, E L. Sabban

NYMC Faculty Publications

PTSD is a debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder and many patients do not respond sufficiently to current treatments. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is suggested to provide resilience to the development of PTSD and co-morbid depression. Injections of NPY to the rodent brain are anxiolytic. Recently we showed that intranasal delivery of NPY to rats before or immediately after exposure to single prolonged stress (SPS) animal model of PTSD prevented development of many biochemical and behavioral symptoms of PTSD, indicating its prophylactic potential. Here, we investigated whether intranasal NPY might provide benefits once symptoms have already developed. One week after exposure to SPS stressors, …

Parenting Influences On Depression: A Moderated Mediated Model, Caroline W. Oppenheimer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Little is known about the developmental processes through which parenting factors may influence clinical depression among youth. This study investigated whether parenting influences the onset of clinical depression through the mediating mechanism of negative attributional style, particularly under conditions of high stress, in a community sample of children and adolescents (N = 289). Results supported a moderated mediation model in which low levels of observed parent positive regard and sensitivity to distress during a youth stressor task were indirectly associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing an episode of depression over an 18 month period, through the mediating influence …

Development Of A Brief Screening Measure For Depression And Problem Drinking, Chris Wera

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the psychometric characteristics of a brief assessment measure for screening for depression and alcohol use on a college campus prior to primary care medical office visits. The measure was adapted from two widely used measures: the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT-C). Impulsivity, which has been associated with both depression and problematic alcohol use, was also examined through additional questions. The research study investigated the psychometric properties of the PHQ-4 and the AUDIT-C, and explored if eight impulsivity items from the UPPS-P measure could enhance screening for depression and problematic alcohol …

Cognitive Structure And Processing During Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Vs. Pharmacotherapy For Depression, Lena C. Quilty, David J. A. Dozois, Daniela S.S. Lobo, Lakshmi N. Ravindran, Michael L. Bagby

Psychology Publications

Background: Evidence has converged to suggest that cognitive processing and content covary with depression severity, whereas indices of cognitive structure exhibit greater stability and promise as markers of vulnerability for depression. The objective of the current study was to investigate the temporal dynamics and causal role of cognitive structure and processing in treatment for depression. Method: A total of 104 patients with major depressive disorder were randomized to receive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT; n = 54) or pharmacotherapy (n = 50). Patients completed the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Psychological Distance Scaling Task (PDST), Redundancy …

If It Be Love Indeed Tell Me How Much: Early Core Beliefs Associated With Excessive Reassurance Seeking In Depression., Lyndsay E. Evraire, David J. A. Dozois

Psychology Publications

This study explored core beliefs associated with excessive reassurance seeking (ERS) in depression. Undergraduate students (n = 303) completed measures of early maladaptive schemas, attachment styles, ERS, and depression, along with a subsequent measure of depressive symptoms 6 weeks later. Anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, and an abandonment/instability schema each added to the prediction of ERS beyond the effects of depression. Moreover, avoidant attachment and the abandonment/instability schema moderated the relationship between ERS and depression over time. These results are consistent with the idea that individuals with early core beliefs reflecting insecurity in relationships seek reassurance. The findings also suggest …

Is Burnout A Depressive Disorder? A Reexamination With Special Focus On Atypical Depression, Renzo Bianchi, Irvin Sam Schonfeld, Eric Laurent

Publications and Research

Whether burnout and depression cover the same psychopathology remains to be elucidated. To date, subtypes of depression have been overlooked in research on the burnout–depression overlap. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of depressive disorders in workers with burnout while examining the overlap of burnout with the atypical subtype of depression. The present study included 5,575 schoolteachers (mean age = 41 years; 78% female). Burnout was assessed with the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Depression was measured with the 9-item depression scale of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Atypical features of depression were examined using a dedicated module, referenced to …

Depressive Symptoms And Observed Eating In Youth, Mira Mooreville, Lauren B. Shomaker, Samantha A. Reina, Louise M. Hannallah, L. Adelyn Cohen, Amber B. Courville, Merel Kozlosky, Sheila M. Brady, Tania Condarco, Susan Z. Yanovski, Marian Tanofsky-Kraff, Jack A. Yanovski

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Depressive symptoms in youth may be a risk factor for obesity, with altered eating behaviors as one possible mechanism. We tested whether depressive symptoms were associated with observed eating patterns expected to promote excessive weight gain in two separate samples. In Study 1, 228 nontreatment- seeking youth, ages 12–17 y (15.3 ± 1.4 y; 54.7% female), self-reported depressive symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory. Energy intake was measured as consumption from a 10,934-kcal buffet meal served at 11:00 am after an overnight fast. In Study 2, 204 non-treatment-seeking youth, ages 8–17 y (13.0 ± 2.8 y; 49.5% female), self-reported depressive …

Risk For Suicidal Behaviors Associated With Ptsd, Depression, And Their Comorbidity In The U.S. Army, Holly J. Ramsawh, Carol S. Fullerton, Holly B. Herberman Mash, Tsz Hin H. Ng, Ronald C. Kessler, Murray B. Stein, Robert J. Ursano

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Background: Suicide rates have risen considerably in the United States Army in the past decade. Suicide risk is highest among those with past suicidality (suicidal ideation or attempts). The incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive illnesses has risen concurrently in the u.s. Army. We examined the relationship of PTSD and depression, independently and in combination, and rates of pastyear suicidality in a representative sample of U.S. Army soldiers. Methods: This study used the 000 Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Military Personnel (000 HRB) (N=5927). Probable PTSD and depression were assessed with the PTSD Checklist (PCL) …

A Support Group Proposal For Women Seeking Fertility Treatment, Emily Jazdzewski

Theses and Graduate Projects

lnfertility is the inability to conceive a pregnancy. Not being able to conceive or carry a child is a devastating reality for many women. Infertility causes both physical and emotional stress that can make it difficult to cope. A literature search revealed the need for a support group for fertility patients to share their journey to decrease the incidence of depression and anxiety. A proposal to develop a support group supported by a Reproductive Endocrinology Department will be explored. The proposal will describe benefits of a support group, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation and Mindfulness techniques to promote self-soothing …

Identification Of A Treatment-Resistant, Ketamine-Sensitive Genetic Line In The Chick Anxiety-Depression Model, Stephen Walter White

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Approximately 60% of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) patients do not respond to FDA-approved antidepressants. Introducing effective pharmacotherapies for this treatment-resistant population is hindered by the lack of pre-clinical screening assays that accurately model the clinical features of TRD. The purpose of this research was to screen representatives of different classes FDA-approved antidepressants and one novel antidepressant in two genetic lines of domestic fowl chicks that have previously been identified as stress-vulnerable and stress-resilient in the chick anxiety depression model. Separate groups of socially raised Black Australorp (stress-vulnerable) and Production Red (stress-resilient) chicks were administered the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine (0-20 mg/kg), …

Trauma Exposure, Posttraumatic Stress, And Depression In A Community Sample Of First-Time Mothers, Mickey Sperlich

Wayne State University Dissertations

The adverse effects of posttraumatic stress and depression have separately been well-documented in the perinatal mental health literature. However, few studies have considered the comorbidity between trauma, posttraumatic stress and depression. This dissertation study brings attention to this comorbidity and explores implications of recent changes to diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder related to the ability to predict postpartum depression and impairments in mother/infant bonding. Following a conceptual framework which outlines the effects of violence and trauma on adverse childbearing outcomes, hypotheses were that many women with depression in pregnancy would endorse trauma and would be at risk for subthreshold …

Severe Depressive Symptoms Predict Individual And Partner Infertility-Related Distress At One-Year Follow-Up, Brennan Peterson, Camilla Sejbaek, Matthew Pirritano, Lone Schmidt

Marriage and Family Therapy Faculty Presentations

Poster presentation on whether severe depressive symptoms at baseline are a predictor of individual and partner infertility-related distress after one-year of unsuccessful fertility treatments.

Working It Out: Examining The Psychological Effects Of Music And Exercise And Exploring The Theoretical Background Of Health Behaviors, Caroline R. Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

Exercise has been linked to mood benefits, and music may increase these effects. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the psychological effects of music and exercise. Exercise was hypothesized to increase mood more significantly in those who listened to music. Listening to music while exercising was also hypothesized to lead to lower perceived exertion and higher exercise enjoyment. Participants (N = 148) completed 20 minutes of moderately-paced walking, either with or without a personal music player. Exercise significantly increased mood in all measured dimensions. Exercise enjoyment was significantly higher among participants who exercised with music and music …

Attachment Style And Perceived Social Support As Predictors Of Biopsychosocial Adjustment To Cancer, Ayşe Gül Yilmaz Özpolat, Tuğba Ayaz, Özlem Konağ, Asi̇ye Özkan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Social support is associated with a decrease in psychological symptoms and a better quality of life in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of attachment dimensions on social and psychological adjustment to cancer and to explore the social and psychological adjustments, and medical adherence, among patients. Materials and methods: The study was conducted with 68 cancer patients, between 18 and 74 years of age. The measures taken were the Demographic Information Form, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R), and Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale (PAIS-SR). Results: The results …

Sceletium Tortuosum And Mesembrine: A Potential Alternative Treatment For Depression, Rebecca Schell

Scripps Senior Theses

Major depressive disorder affects people’s productivity and ability to function in everyday life. The disorder can be attributed to neurochemical imbalances of various neurotransmitters including but not limited to serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Conventional pharmacological treatments have focused primarily on these three neurotransmitters, and have been shown to be effective in alleviating most of the major symptoms of depression. Although these treatments are effective with most patients, they are known to have adverse side effects, causing patients to seek alternative treatments. Sceletium tortuosum, a succulent plant found in the Cape region of South Africa, has been shown to have …

A Latent Profile Analysis Of Posttraumatic Stress And Depressive Symptoms In Adolescents, Shawn A. Wilson

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This study examines how posttraumatic stress (PTS) and depressive symptoms co-occur during early adolescence. Data for participants in the present study were drawn from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being. A latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted on the data from 818 adolescents aged 11 to 14 who self-identified as Black, Latino, or White. A three-class solution was selected as an optimal fit for the data based on fit indices and ease of interpretation. The LPA indicated that PTS and depressive symptoms tended to co-occur in a dimensional manner, with the classes differing only in terms of the …

A Study Of Self-Efficacy In A Group Of Hmong Refugees, Mai M. Yang

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Social cognitive theorist Albert Bandura defined resilience as the ability to organize thoughts and actions to manage prospective and unknown situations. He called it the theory of perceived self-efficacy (Bandura, 2010). The tool used to measure this construct is called the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), which assesses a broad stable sense of an individual's personal competence to efficiently deal with a variety of stressful situations. Previous research suggested that due to its positive association with mental health and well being, the GSES and theory of self-efficacy are worthy of further examination in refugees (Sulaiman-Hill and Thompson, 2011). This study examines …

Firesetting Behavior And Psychiatric Disorders, Stephanie Stockburger, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Firesetting behavior results in serious damage to lives and property every year. Firesetting has been linked to a number of comorbid psychiatric disorders including depression, substance abuse, conduct disorder, antisocial personality disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, psychotic disorder, schizoid personality disorder, and schizophrenia. Psychiatric disorders differ by gender. In addition, juvenile firesetters have history of a separate set of psychiatric comorbidities. The strong correlation between psychiatric comorbidities and firesetting behavior illustrates the need for fire service and mental health collaboration.

Effects Of Narrative Writing And Post-Writing Processing Instructions On Ptsd, Laura Mcintire

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.