Digital Commons Network^™

A Case Study Exploring Lecanemab Antibody Infusion And Reminiscence Therapy For Early Alzheimer’S Disease, Martina Masry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This case study examined whether a 12-month combined therapy (RT-L), which includes reminiscence therapy and lecanemab monoclonal antibody infusion therapy, will clear beta amyloid accumulation in the brain, slow cognitive decline, decrease depression, reduce anxiety, and increase the quality of life in a participant with mild cognitive impairment due to early Alzheimer’s dementia. The sample included one White female (age = 68) with mild cognitive impairment due to early Alzheimer’s disease who is currently being treated by a geriatrician at a facility in the Midwest. The outpatient treatment included a lecanemab antibody infusion of 10mg/kg every two weeks for 12 …

Implementing Pst In Older Adults Facing Major Surgery: A Randomised Controlled Pilot Study, Victoria Tang, Lejla Pepic, Erika Higuchi, Christina Keny, Elizabeth Macias Lopez, Ezenwa C Onyema, Harleen Sandhu, Veronica Yank, Patrick J Raue

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Depressive symptoms are common in the growing geriatric surgical population and are associated with important patient-centred surgical outcomes, including postoperative delirium, discharge to postacute care facility and decline in functional status. Few interventions have been developed to address depressive symptoms in the perioperative setting.

Methods and analysis: We designed a feasibility and acceptability study of a nine-session problem-solving therapy (PST) telehealth perioperative intervention aimed at reducing postoperative functional decline and depressive symptoms among at-risk older adults undergoing major surgical procedures. Acceptability will be evaluated using a patient-centred five-question survey, assessing participant satisfaction and perceived usefulness of the perioperative intervention. …

Metadata Analysis On The Relationship Between Sleep, Depression, And Cognition In Older Adults, Sara Miller, Kristie Stephens, Grayson Harris, Vincent Flegeance

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Metadata Analysis on the relationship between sleep, depression, and cognition in older adults

Abstract

Previous research has revealed that both sleep and depression play significant roles in influencing memory. Adequate sleep facilitates memory consolidation during rest, ultimately enhancing cognitive performance. In contrast, elevated levels of depression are associated not only with physical symptoms, but also with declines in cognitive functioning. The present study aims to determine whether the cognitive benefits of sufficient sleep duration outweigh the detrimental effects of depression on memory. We hypothesize that sleep duration will have a stronger influence on memory consolidation in older adults than depression. …

Advancing Children's Mental Health In Nevada, Kelliann Beavers, Christopher Kearney

Lincy Institute Events

Nevada ranks 51st nationally in youth mental health access and services, underscoring persistent shortages and disparities across the state. Nearly one in four youths aged 12–17 (23.5%) experienced a major depressive episode in the past year, and 73% did not receive treatment. Approximately 34,000 Nevada youths have reported suicidal thoughts—an urgent call for prevention and coordinated support.

During the 2024–2025 school year, 31.3% of Clark County School District students were chronically absent (missing 10% or more of school days), a challenge closely linked to mental health struggles and socioeconomic barriers.

This community forum provided an opportunity to generate dialogue and …

Risk Of Late-Onset Depression In Long-Term Survivors Of Breast, Prostate, And Colorectal Cancer, Melissa Taylor, Sarah Westvold, Jessica Long, Terry Hyslop, Andrea Silber, Rebecca Forman, Faiza Yasin, Tendai Kwaramba, Shi-Yi Wang, Michael Leapman, Michael Cecchini, Ira Leeds, Lisa Spees, Stephanie Wheeler, Cary Gross, Kevin Oeffinger, Michaela Dinan

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

IMPORTANCE: The prevalence of depression is higher in cancer survivors than in the general population. As the long-term cancer survivor population increases, it is increasingly important to understand risk factors for late-onset depression.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors associated with late-onset depression in long-term (5-year) survivors of breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective cohort study used 2022 linkage of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) and Medicare data to identify 5-year survivors of breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer 66 years or older who were enrolled in fee-for-service Medicare and had no previous depression diagnosis. Long-term …

Depression Polygenicity And Disease Activity And Disability Worsening In Multiple Sclerosis, Ali Manouchehrinia, Kathryn C Fitzgerald, Amber Salter, Ruth Ann Marrie, Lars Alfredsson, Charles N Bernstein, James M Bolton, Gary Cutter, John D Fisk, Lesley A Graff, Carol A Hitchon, Jan Hillert, Ingrid Kockum, Yi Lu, Fred D Lublin, Kyla Mckay, Tomas Olsson, Scott Patten, Amit Patki, Hayley Riel, Klementy Shchetynsky, Pernilla Stridh, Hemant K Tiwari, Jerry S Wolinsky, Kaarina Kowalec

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: A better understanding of factors associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity and disability is needed. Given the strong link between comorbid depression and MS disease activity and disability, we aimed to determine whether the depression genetic burden, as modelled using its polygenic score, is associated with MS disease activity and disability worsening.

Methods: In this cohort study, we used samples from neurologist-defined adult people with MS (PwMS) followed in clinical care or during a clinical trial from existing cohorts: Canada, the United States (US), and Sweden with extensive longitudinal phenotypes. We computed the depression polygenic score (PGS) and …

Opposing Roles Of Microglial And Macrophagic C3ar1 Signaling In Stress-Induced Synaptic And Behavioral Changes, Ashutosh Tripathi, Alona Bartosh, Dania Jose, Jocelyn Mata, Usama Hussein, Fernanda Laezza, Zhongming Zhao, Anilkumar Pillai

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The social deficits following chronic stress conditions are linked to synaptic dysfunction in the brain. Complement system plays a critical role in synapse regulation. Although complement has been implicated in chronic stress-induced behavior deficits the cellular substrates and mechanisms underlying complement-mediated behavior changes under chronic stress conditions are not known. In the present study, we investigated the role of complement component 3a receptor (C3ar1) in microglia and monocytes/macrophages (Mo/MΦ) in chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)-induced synapse loss and behavior deficits in mice. We found that deletion of microglial C3ar1 attenuated stress-induced social behavior deficits and changes in neuroinflammatory as well as …

The Interactive Effects Of Negative Life Events, Cortisol Reactivity, And Gender On Psychological Distress Among Emerging Adults, Li Shen Chong, Teresa Mejia, Kate L. Senich, Christy L. Olezeski, Elana B. Gordis

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Negative life events are associated with the development of psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress symptoms. Evidence suggests that individual differences in stress response system activity may alter susceptibility to psychological distress for those with exposure to negative life events. In particular, women experience greater levels of psychological distress than men. Given that emerging adulthood is characterized by stressful, significant life transitions that may constitute risks for psychological distress, this study examined whether hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and gender influenced the link between negative life events and psychological distress among emerging adults. Participants ( N = 176; mean …

Post Spinal Cord Injury (Sci) Related Depression And Anxiety, Felecia Marshall

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

This article aims to examine the prevalence, significant factors, and clinical significance of depression and anxiety in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Depression and anxiety are common after an SCI. These problems are difficult to recover from and, as such, can have a negative impact on a patient’s quality of life. This article stresses the need for early diagnosis and treatment with both cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacological treatments for those with SCI. Mental health can be improved through this method. A comprehensive search of studies in PubMed was conducted. In 10 peer-reviewed articles, researchers uncovered findings concerning the …

Problematic Smartphone Use Experiences Of Students, Gbolahan Olasina

The African Journal of Information Systems

Smartphones extend people's opportunities by improving their daily living and well-being. Hence, given the tool’s features and affordances that promote human development, smartphones facilitate the achievement of the individual liberties and freedoms of ordinary people. However, there are serious concerns about the emotional, social and cultural factors underlying smartphone usage patterns and their association with problematic use and depressive behaviors. Therefore, the overriding goal of the research reported on in this paper was to investigate how smartphone use influences individuals’ emotional wellness, interpersonal relationships and sociocultural contexts. Existing academic literature indicated that there was a need to investigate the intricate …

Program Evaluation Of Tms Treatment For Patients With Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder And Ptsd, Alec Wilson

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Nearly six million in the U.S. experience symptoms associated with the diagnoses of comorbid Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many with these diagnoses fail to respond to first line treatments that include medication and psychotherapy. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for individuals who fail to respond to first line treatments.

Methods: This program evaluation completed a retrospective chart review of adult patients with comorbid MDD and PTSD, who received TMS treatments at a private practice clinic between the time frame of September 2024 and October of 2025.

Results: All …

Psychological Impact And Severity Condition During The Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic Among The General Population In Iraq, Kawthar Nassir, Zainab Qasim, Nesif Al-Hemiary, Zahraa Al Nedawi

Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Background: the COVID-19 pandemic is a global healthcare crisis that impacts multiple body systems and is linked to various psychiatric issues.Objective: this study aims to assess psychological symptoms, sleep disturbances, and insomnia associated with infection by covid-19, examining the severity of these symptoms based on the perceived threat of infection. Patients and Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study of a convenient sample of patients, involved collecting medical data by distributing questionnaires under a psychiatrist’s supervision. The data included demographics, co-morbidities, disease severity, psychological measurements, treatment response, and prognosis. The questionnaires incorporated the Anxiety and Stress Scale, along with the Impact of …

Leveraging After School Programs As Resources To Support Adolescent Health And Wellbeing Within Underserved Communities: A Qualitative Study, Olivia Staples

Theses and Dissertations

Over the past decade, youth have shown a consistent rise in stress, major depression, anxiety, and suicide, with underserved youth (low-income, minoritized communities) at greatest risk of exposure to chronic stress, related outcomes, and less access to health services (APA, 2017). Afterschool programs (ASPs), which serve as important resources in underserved communities, can be a critical support for youth health and well-being (Afterschool Alliance, 2019). However, few studies have examined ways in which ASPs address the challenges underserved youth face across their ecosystem to promote youth resilience (Jones & Deutsch, 2011). Using qualitative interview data from staff and youth across …

Effects Of The Kcnq (Kv7) Channel Opener Ezogabine On Resting-State Functional Connectivity Of Striatal Brain Reward Regions, Depression, And Anhedonia In Major Depressive Disorder: Results From A Randomized Controlled Trial, Avijit Chowdhury, Sarah Boukezzi, Sara Costi, Sara Hameed, Yael Jacob, Ramiro Salas, Dan V Iosifescu, Ming-Hu Han, Alan Swann, Sanjay J Mathew, Laurel Morris, James W Murrough

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with available treatments often showing limited efficacy. Recent research suggests that targeting specific subtypes of depression and understanding the underlying brain mechanisms can improve treatment outcomes. This study investigates the potential of the potassium KCNQ (Kv7) channel opener ezogabine to modulate the resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) of the brain's reward circuitry and alleviate depressive symptoms, including anhedonia, a core feature of MDD.

Methods: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in individuals with MDD ages 18 to 65 years compared daily dosing with ezogabine (n= 19) with placebo (n …

Implementing A Standardized Ssri Tapering Protocol In The Outpatient Setting, Chelsea Sopo-Ngwa

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are one of the most prescribed antidepressant medications in the outpatient psychiatric setting. Abrupt discontinuation or improper tapering of these medications may result in SSRI withdrawal symptoms. Adverse effects may lead to poor patient outcomes and increase healthcare utilization. A baseline chart review and provider readiness survey within the outpatient psychiatric practice revealed inconsistency in provider documentation related to SSRI tapering plans, patient education, and follow-up planning. The gap in practice highlighted the lack of a standardized SSRI tapering protocol to guide evidence-based medication tapering practices and promote patient safety.

Aim: The …

Predicting Major Depression Among Diverse Online Gamers: The Role Of Internet Addiction And Spirituality, Lindsay Lundeen, John R. Mccall

Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study analyzed whether religious or spiritual affiliation and therapy enrollment protect against symptoms meeting Major Depressive Disorder criteria beyond demographic, Internet addiction, and described therapy enrollment. Findings illustrated one risk factor and one protective factor associated with experiencing symptoms that meet Major Depressive Disorder criteria: impairments and dysfunctional self-regulation increased participant probability and risk, while religious or spiritual affiliation decreased the probability of and protected participants from depressive symptoms. The findings underscore the complexities of Internet addiction and depression symptoms among a population of diverse online gamers, highlighting a critical need for tailored counseling interventions.

Factors Associated With Medication Adherence Among Patients With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd), Linh Nguyen, Yen-Chi L Le, Hannah Reygaerts, Todd R Johnson, Cesar A Soutullo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common behavioral health condition that impacts 5% to 8% of children and 2.5% of adults worldwide. The symptoms of ADHD are effectively managed with medication, yet patients with ADHD may inconsistently take their medication. We assessed medication adherence among patients with ADHD and identified factors associated with medication adherence that may be utilized to optimize adherence.

Method: This is a retrospective, observational study among patients aged 4 years and older with a diagnosis of ADHD at primary care and multispecialty outpatient clinics during May 2021 to May 2023. We assessed sociodemographic characteristics, stratified by …

The Consequences Of Habitual Rumination, Expressive Suppression, And Perceived Stress On Mental And Physical Health Among Older Adults, Eyal Gringart, Rodrigo Becerra, Andrea Smith

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background/Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate whether habitual rumination, suppression, and perceived stress predict poor mental and physical health as well as well-being in a group of older adults (aged 50 to 80 years) from a non-clinical community sample. Methods: The current study comprised a cross-sectional survey design with online self-report measures. It was predicted that higher levels of rumination, suppression, and perceived stress would predict lower levels of general health as well as well-being, and heightened levels of depression and anxiety. Results: Findings from the study indicated that both rumination and perceived stress significantly predicted heightened anxiety, heightened …

Happiness Among Socially Active Older Adults In Northern Thailand In The Post-Covid-19 Era, Manashakorn Pichaijumpol, Orathai Katkhaw, Taweewun Srisookkum, Tienthong Takaew, Sunanta Wongrattanakamon, Kannikar Chulong

Journal of Health Research

Background: Happiness is crucial for healthy aging, particularly in the post-COVID-19 context, as older adults face evolving social and psychological challenges. This study investigates the key factors influencing happiness among socially active older adults in Northern Thailand, focusing on income, regular physical exercise, and depressive symptoms as primary predictors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 798 socially active older adults, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected between June and July 2024 using a self-administered questionnaire, which included the Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS) and the Gross National Happiness (GNH) Questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis using the enter …

Faktor-Faktor Yang Berhubungan Dengan Gejala Depresi Pada Pasien Insomnia Usia Lanjut Di Rawat Jalan, Amalia Nur Pratiwi, Edy Rizal Wahyudi, Profitasari Kusumaningrum, Hamzah Shatri, Ikhwan Rinaldi, Rino Alvani Gani, Ika Prasetya Wijaya, Adityo Susilo, Kaka Renaldi

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Introduction. The elderly population is increasing globally, including in Indonesia, where 10.7% of the population in 2020 were elderly. Insomnia is a common health issue among older adults and has been identified as a predictor of depression. This study aims to identify factors associated with depressive symptoms in elderly outpatients with insomnia.

Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 on patients aged ≥60 years at the outpatient unit of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), Jakarta, Indonesia, using consecutive sampling to select participants. Elderly patients were screened using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and those with a score …

Hubungan Faktor Psikologis Dengan Atrium Fibrilasi: Suatu Tinjauan Kepustakaan, Arina Widya Murni, Annesa Fadella

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Psychological factors influence the onset of cardiac rhythm and dysrhythmia disorders, including atrial fibrillation (AF), which is defined as uncoordinated atrial activation resulting in ineffective contractions. Psychological factors have a bidirectional relationship with AF, as AF symptoms can lead to a decline in mental health, which in turn negatively affects the clinical course. One explanation for how psychological stress impacts the heart and contributes to AF involves the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in AF. These conditions can be assessed using standardized instruments, such as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale …

Effectiveness Of An Adapted Physical Activity Program On Anxiety, Depression, And Self-Esteem On A Heterogenous Sample: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Mathilde Plard, Claire El Jor, Rebecca Shankland, Quentin Hallez

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

In recent decades, numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Adapted Physical Activity (APA) interventions in improving the mental health of individuals. However, a limitation of these studies is their predominant focus on homogeneous groups, characterized by similar diseases or disorders and characteristics. Thus, effects associated with these groups may largely account for the observed benefits, rather than the physical activity itself. This study aimed to investigate the impact of an eight-week APA intervention on anxiety, depression, and self-esteem in a heterogeneous group of participants with diverse health conditions and ages. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group …

Relationship Between Alcohol Use And Obesity In Us Adults Aged 20 To 79, Chinwendu Echefu, Ramona Stone

Public Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Purpose: This is a secondary data analysis carried out to determine the asso- ciation between alcohol use and obesity (BMI) in US adults aged 20 to 79 while adjusting for confounding factors that are known to affect obesity. Methods: The 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was utilized to provide a weighted sample of 16,548 adults between the ages of 20 and 79 with valid information for the BMI and for the average alcohol con- sumed per day over the past 12 months. Multivariable regression was done to determine the association between obesity, measured by the Body Mass …

The Relationships Between Grief, Depressive Symptoms, Family Resiliency, And Spiritual Struggles And The Moderating Effect Of Hope Among Bereaved Fathers Following Miscarriage, Taylor Marie Sparks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Miscarriages are primarily treated as tragedies that impact women; however, the existing literature highlights that men experience similar impacts as women following the loss of their baby to miscarriage. Despite this, men widely report feeling forgotten and alone during their time of bereavement, with a lack of understanding and support in place for men who have lost a baby to miscarriage. This current study sought to fill the gap in the existing literature by investigating the relationship between spiritual struggles, family resiliency, depression, and grief levels in bereaved fathers following their wife’s miscarriage, using the moderating influence of hope on …

Athletic Coaches’ Perspective: The Intersection Of Female Collegiate Athletic Involvement, Emotional Health, And Academic Performance, Kimba P. Jackson

Student Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the mental health challenges faced by female Division I collegiate athletes. The problem addressed was the issue of poor psychological health among Division I female collegiate athletes. The pressures faced by this subpopulation can lead to psychological distress, which may manifest as anxiety, depression, and role conflict. Consequently, female athletes encounter unique challenges that can adversely affect their overall well-being and performance in athletics and academics. This research aimed to investigate the influence of collegiate athletic participation on female athletes' mental health, particularly from the perspective of coaches, who play a vital role in shaping their athletes' …

An Open Trial For Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy For Primary Care (Tbt-Pc) In Veterans With Symptoms Of Depression And Anxiety, Daniel F Gros, Stephanie Hart, Michelle Pompei, Ron Acierno

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Transdiagnostic psychotherapies were developed to address multiple diagnostic presentations via a single, easier-to-implement protocol. However, despite advances, these protocols are largely limited to longer formats designed for mental health settings. The present study investigated a version of Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy (TBT-PC) that was adapted for primary care settings. Forty-one participants with emotional disorders received 6 sessions of TBT-PC, with symptoms of depression and anxiety assessed at baseline, immediate post-treatment, and at 3-month follow-up. Medium treatment effects for symptoms of depression and anxiety were evidenced at post-treatment and sustained at follow-up. Treatment feasibility was supported by excellent attendance, treatment completion, and …

Grit, A Component Of Resident Well-Being, Nathan W. Olson, Kelly Williamson, Nicholas Hartman, Navneet Cheema, Adriana S. Olson

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Trainees experiencing burnout, depression, or career dissatisfaction challenge educators and may have patient care consequences. Grit, defined as the “perseverance and passion for long-term goals,” buffers against hopelessness and quantifies an aspect of personality shown to predict fewer career changes. Higher grit has been associated with positive outcomes in physicians, including lower burnout rates. Our objective was to determine the correlation between emergency medicine (EM) resident Short Grit Scale (Grit-S) scores and components of well-being: burnout, a positive depression screen, and career satisfaction.

Methods: This was a prospective, multicenter trial involving ten urban/suburban EM residencies. The subjects …

Efficacy Of Psychedelics Therapy Across Psychiatric Disorders: An Umbrella Review Of Meta-Analyses, Alissa A. Lopez, Ihsan Salloum, Juan C. Lopez-Alvarenga

Research Colloquium

Background: Psychedelics are gaining renewed scientific interest as a treatment for mental health conditions such as major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and addiction. Numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses suggest these substances may produce significant therapeutic effects. However, there is currently no high-level synthesis comparing how different psychedelic compounds perform across a range of psychiatric conditions. A quantitative umbrella review is needed to clarify whether psychedelics broadly improve mental health outcomes, and whether certain compounds are more effective for specific diagnoses.

Methods: The aim of this study is to conduct an umbrella review (meta-analysis of meta-analyses) to assess the …

Evaluating And Optimizing Just-In-Time Adaptive Interventions In A Digital Mental Health Intervention (Wysa For Chronic Pain) For Middle-Aged And Older Adults With Chronic Pain: Protocol For A Series Of Randomized Trials, Abby L Cheng, Joanna Abraham, Sarah M Hartz, Eric B Laber, J Philip Miller

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: On a population level, digital mental health interventions effectively reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. However, middle-aged and older adults with chronic pain and coexisting depression or anxiety have not been adequately represented in digital mental health studies.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to refine an existing mobile, digital mental health intervention (Wysa for Chronic Pain) that addresses symptoms of depression, anxiety, and coexisting chronic pain for the unique challenges and technology use patterns of middle-aged and older adults.

METHODS: Using a mixed methods, human-centered design approach and a series of randomized trials, we will test and iteratively …

Symptoms Of Anxiety And Depression In Mothers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Hawra Muhammad Khrebit, Iman Hasan Jadan

Alustath Journal for Human and Social Sciences

The current research aimed the anxiety and depression scale of (HADS, 1983). The scale consisted of (14) paragraphs, and the sample size of the research was (145) mothers of autistic children in Baghdad Governorate, both sides of Karkh and Rusafa