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The Efficacy Of Hippocampal Stimulation In Preventing Depressive Symptoms, Timothy B. Patrick

ETD Archive

The hippocampus provides negative feedback for the Hypothalamic-Pituitary- Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is responsible for producing a response to stressful stimuli. The hippocampus is sensitive to high levels of glucocorticoids (GCs), because of its large number of GC receptors. In times of severe stress, hippocampal function is inhibited and its control over the HPA axis is diminished, leading to hyperactivity of the adrenal glands as well as hypercortisolism, typical of depression. Long-term stress and depression can eventually lead to chronic impairments in cognitive ability, as well as structural damage in the hippocampus. Exercise and environmental enrichment stimulate significant …

Inflamation And Depression, Elena Jeliazkova

Theses & ETDs

Over a century ago, Professor Julius Wagner von Jauregg received the Nobel Prize for his work on the immunological implications of psychiatry. In the past twenty years, Psychoneuroimmunology has produced novel research on the immunological implications of psychiatric disorders, such as depression. Established by the American Psychiatric Association, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, defines the depression as a depressed mood and loss of interest, insomnia or hypersomnia, fatigue, inability to concentrate, suicidality, psychomotor retardation and weight change. While no clear etiological explanation has been discovered, the pathophysiology of depression involves neurotransmitter imbalance. This review investigates the bidirectional …

Hippocampal Volume Differences In Gulf War Veterans With Current Versus Lifetime Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms, Brigitte A. Apfel, Jessica Ross, Jennifer Hlavin, Dieter J. Meyerhoff, Thomas J. Metzler, Charles R. Marmar, Michael W. Weiner, Norbert Schuff, Thomas C. Neylan

United States Public Health Resources

Background: Decreased hippocampal volume is described in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. However, it is not known whether it is a risk factor for the development of PTSD or a consequence of PTSD. We sought to determine the effects of PTSD and depressive symptoms on hippocampal volume.

Methods: Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging data were collected in a cross sectional study of 244 GulfWarveterans. Measures included lifetime and current Clinician Administered PTSD Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale, Life Stressor Checklist, and Lifetime Drinking History. Magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired with a 1.5-T scanner and analyzed with automated …

Factors Associated With Suicidal Ideation In Oef/Oif Veterans, Chad M. Lemaire, David P. Graham

United States Public Health Resources

Background: The purpose of this projectwas to examine factors associated with suicidal ideation in returning Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans.

Methods: A cross-sectional review of 1740 veterans' initial mental health screening evaluations. One-hundred and thirteen (6.5%) OEF/OIF veterans reported active suicidal ideation at the time of the interview.

Results: Prior exposures of physical or sexual abuse and having a history of a prior suicide attempt(s) were associated with the presence of current suicidal ideation, as were having a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder, a depressive disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Deployment concerns related to training (protective), …

The Impact Of Treating Major Depression During Pregnancy On The Postpartum Phase, Jamie Kent

Dissertations

Major depression during pregnancy is a risk factor for postpartum depression (PPD). Medically acceptable treatments for depression during pregnancy and postpartum are limited and many women are turning to complementary and alternative treatments. The current project examined whether treatment of major depression during pregnancy reduced the risk for PPD and explored predictors of PPD in this high-risk sample. One hundred twenty women were clinically assessed using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD17), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) at ten weeks, six months, and nine months postpartum following random assignment to one …

The Impact Of Exposure To Domestic Violence On Developmental Trajectories Of Depressive Symptoms And Antisocial Behavior Across The Transition To Adulthood, Aely Park

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Principal Aims:

The Influence Of Depressive Symptomatology And Perceived Stress On Plasma And Salivary Oxytocin Before, During And After A Support Enhancement Intervention, Wendy C. Birmingham, Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Kathleen C. Light

Faculty Publications

Oxytocin (OT) activity increases in response to stress as well as to warm social contact. Subclinical depression is associated with higher stress but less reward from social contacts. The present investigation was intended to examine whether husbands and wives with high depressive symptomatology scores have increased plasma and salivary OT that may be mediated partly by higher perceived stress, and also to assess whether an intervention to convey partner support through ‘‘warm touch’’ may reduce effects of depressive symptoms on OT. In this study, 34 healthy married couples (n = 68) ages 20—39 provided self reports of depressive symptoms (CESD) …

Romantic Involvement And Suicidality In Depressed College Students, Daniel Landauer

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Combat Deployment On Risky And Self-Destructive Behavior Among Active Duty Military Personnel, Cynthia J. Thomsen, Valerie A. Stander, Stephanie K. Mcwhorter, Mandy M. Rabenhorst, Joel S. Milner

United States Navy: Publications

Although research has documented negative effects of combat deployment on mental health, few studies have examined whether deployment increases risky or self-destructive behavior. The present study addressed this issue. In addition, we examined whether deployment effects on risky behavior varied depending on history of pre-deployment risky behavior, and assessed whether psychiatric conditions mediated effects of deployment on risky behavior. In an anonymous survey, active duty members of the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy (N = 2116) described their deployment experiences and their participation in risky recreational activities, unprotected sex, illegal drug use, self-injurious behavior, and suicide attempts during …

Surface Facial Electromyography, Skin Conductance, And Self-Reported Emotional Responses To Light- And Season-Relevant Stimuli In Seasonal Affective Disorder, Kathryn Tierney Lindsey, Kelly J. Rohan, Kathryn A. Roecklein, Jennifer N. Mahon

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Background: Learned associations between depressive behavior and environmental stimuli signaling low light availability and winter season may play a role in seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The purpose of this study was to determine whether light and season environmental cues elicit emotional responses that are distinct in individuals with SAD.

Methods: Twenty-four currently depressed SAD participants were compared to 24 demographicallymatched controls with no depression history on emotional responses to outdoor scenes captured under two light intensity (i.e., clear, sunny vs. overcast sky) and three season (i.e., summer with green leaves, fall with autumn foliage, and winterwith bare trees) conditions. Emotion …

Fit Of The Tripartite Model With Residential Youth Referred For Externalizing Problems, Eu Gene Chin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The tripartite model of anxiety and depression (Clark & Watson, 1991) has received strong support among adult, adolescent, and child populations. Clinical samples of children and adolescents in these studies, however, have usually been referred for treatment of anxiety and depression. This study investigated the fit of the tripartite model for children and adolescents in a large, inpatient facility who were referred primarily for externalizing problems. Structural Equation Modeling was used to test the tripartite model relationship between negative affect, positive affect, and mood symptoms. Multiple fit indices were used to provide a reliable and conservative evaluation of the model. …

Conflicts Of Interest In Clinical Practice Guidelines, Lisa Cosgrove, Allen F. Shaughnessy

Counseling, School Psychology & Sport Faculty Publication Series

Clinical practice guidelines are used increasingly across medical specialties and settings, making evaluation of their utility and validity a critical public health issue. In this paper, we describe some of the challenges that specialty organizations face as they try to ensure that their guidelines are trustworthy and useful. We examine the practice guidelines for Major Depressive Disorder recently published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), identify five sources of potential bias that may affect the guideline development process and offer suggestions based on our review. For example, even for mild depression, this guideline privileges pharmacotherapy over other interventions, despite questions …

Evaluation Of The Youth Development Project: A School And Community Based Intervention Program For At-Risk Youth, Mike Sherman

Theses and Dissertations

Attempts to meet the mental health needs of at-risk youth have led to the development of numerous prevention, intervention, and diversion programs. This study is the first to utilize statistical analyses to assess the treatment efficacy of the Saint John's Child and Family Development Center's Youth Development Project (CFDC-YDP), a school- and community-based treatment program for at-risk youth. The study involved analysis of data that were collected from 87 culturally diverse at-risk youth, ranging in age from 11-19 years old, who were treated by the Youth Development Project program within John Adams Middle School, Lincoln Middle School, Olympic Continuation High …

A Framework For Transparent Depression Classification In College Settings Via Mining Internet Usage Patterns, Raghavendra Kotikalapudi

Masters Theses

Depression is a serious mental health problem affecting the mind and body of people in our society. As of today, depression affects about 5 to 7% of the American population, which roughly translates to 14 million people! A particularly worrying concern these days is the increasing incidence of depression among college students. The problem is so severe that many US campuses have dedicated centers with mental health professionals catering to students needs. Although there are very effective treatments for depression, studies report that ~80% of depressed students do not seek any help due to the lack of perception of the …

An Exploration Of The Potential Interplay Between Mood Disorder And The Artistic Process, Daphne Nayar, Daphne Kaur Nayar

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to provide a deeper understanding of the complex reciprocal interplay between an artist's diagnosable mood symptoms and his or her creative process through the personal narrative of the artists. To this end, 15 artists of both solitary and performance orientated disciplines were interviewed utilizing a semi-structured open-ended interview format. These artists included painters, poets, an actor, a performing artist, vocalists and musicians, who had all considered themselves to be professional artists for at least five years. As part of the inclusion criteria, each of the artists had been diagnosed with either Depression (Dysthymia …

Does The Quality Of The Patient-Physician Relationship Moderate Predictors Of Poor Adherence In Urban, Underserved And Vulnerable Patients With Chronic Illness?, Laura Russo-Innamorato

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Escalating prevalence rates and rising economic costs of chronic illnesses necessitate a better understanding of factors affecting patient adherence in the primary care setting. Despite technological advances and evidenced-based treatments, clinical outcomes are often poor. Data drawn from archival data of the “A Healthier You” wellness program designed to serve a predominately underserved population were examined to assess whether or not positive predictors of adherence could moderate the impact of negative predictors such as depression. Limitations of the study methodology precluded significant interpretations but suggested significant discrepancies between patient and physician perceptions of trust in the relationship and the satisfaction …

Acceptability Of Behavioral Treatments For Insomnia, Daniel Bluestein, Amanda C. Healey, Carolyn M. Rutledge

Ellmer School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Behavioral treatments for insomnia are safe and efficacious but may not be embraced by patients in primary care. Understanding factors associated with acceptability can enhance successful use of these modalities. The objective of this study was to identify demographic and clinical/psychosocial correlates of behavioral insomnia treatment acceptability.

Methods: This nonexperimental, inventory-based, cross-sectional study enrolled patients from a hospital-sponsored primary care clinic and 2 urban academic family practices. Participants (n = 236) were 18 years of age or older who had clinically significant insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index score >= 8) and were recruited consecutively at these sites. A study coordinator …

Can Religious Coping, Religious Involvement, Spirituality, And Social Support Predict Trauma Symptoms At Six Months After Combat? , Justin Orton

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

No abstract provided.

Correlates Of Workplace Bullying, Depression, Anxiety, Narcissism, And Self-Esteem, Alexander M. Fireman

Honors Capstones

The following study examined the prevalence and impact of workplace bullying. To achieve this goal, a survey was administered through Amazon.com's Mechanical Turk (N = 122). To measure workplace bullying, the study used the Negative Acts Questionnaire (NAQ). Other aspects of emotional health including self-esteem, depression, and general health were assessed with corresponding scales in order to determine the impact workplace bullying has on its victims. Bivariate correlation analyses were conducted. The study found positive correlations among workplace bullying intensity, workplace incivility, and paranoia. Negative correlations were discovered between workplace bullying intensity and self-esteem. Further research on this topic should …

Children's And Parents' Depression In Relation To Family-Based Behavioral Weight Loss Treatment Outcome, Rachel Kolko

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Baseline parent-report of child depression and parent self-reported depression have been found to predict childrenΓÇÖs outcome in family-based behavioral weight loss treatment: FBT), although less is known about how child self-reported depression, changes in depression over time, and depression assessed via multiple informants is associated with FBT outcome. Two hundred and forty-one overweight children and their parents entered FBT, and 178 completed the pre- and post-FBT assessments. Depression was assessed via child and parent self-report, and parent-report on child. Linear regression examined child and parent depression: both baseline and change from baseline to post-FBT) as predictors of child FBT outcome: …

The Effect Of Biological Versus Environmental Causal Explanations On The Stigmatization Of Major Depression And Anorexia Nervosa, Briana Borenstein

Psychology Honors Papers

This study investigated how biological and environmental causal explanations affect the stigmatization of college students described to have major depression and anorexia nervosa.  Participants (38 male and 87 female college students) read a vignette about a college student with either major depression or anorexia nervosa that provided either a biological or environmental causal explanation for the disorder. Then, they completed a Social Distancing Scale; a Treatment Recommendations Scale; a Personal Responsibility Beliefs, Pity, and Anger Questionnaire; a Causal Attributions Scale; a Familiarity with Mental Illness Questionnaire; and a Demographics Questionnaire. Results indicated that participants stigmatized the target with anorexia more …

Predictors Of Body Dissatisfaction, Eating Disturbance, And Depressive Symptoms In Mothers, Steffanie Sperry

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Body image, eating disturbance, and depressive symptomatology have been examined extensively in the general population. The assessment of these variables within the postpartum period has also been a target of recent research. Unfortunately, no existing studies have examined the intercorrelations among these factors in mothers of young children, despite increasing media pressure for moms to maintain a slim, pre-pregnancy body. The current study examined predictors of body dissatisfaction, eating disturbance, and depressive symptoms in mothers of children aged 0-5. Simple correlations were followed by a series of linear multiple regressions incorporating sociocultural predictors alongside covariates identified in the extant literature. …

Meaning In Life, Depression, And Alcohol Use In A College Sample, Lindsay Wilson Schnetzer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The meaning construct has been researched over the last several decades, yielding important empirical advancements in our understanding of its impact on psychological well-being. Comdenominators among various definitions of meaning and life purpose are (1) an emphasis on the significance of life (2) an awareness of coherence, and (3) the fulfillment of unique purpose. Research suggests that meaning and depression are related yet distinct variables, that depression and alcohol abuse are comorbid, and that meaning and alcohol use are significantly associated. Because there is minimal research examining relations among all three variables, and because there have been inconsistent findings with …

Does Fish Oil Supplementation (Omega-3 Pufa) Cause Mood Improvement In Adults With Depression, Lauren Cabana

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not “Does fish oil supplementation (omega-3 PUFA) cause mood improvement in adults with depression?”

Gestational Diabetes, Depression, And The Impact On Maternal Child Health Outcomes, Mary Alice Byrn

Dissertations

Antenatal depression occurs in about 20% of all pregnancies and gestational diabetes occurs in up to 14% of all pregnancies. Although there is sufficient information on (1) depression during pregnancy and (2) depression and diabetes, there is little information about depression and gestational diabetes. This comparative, longitudinal research study was done to better understand the relationship between gestational diabetes and depression. The study aims were the following: (1) to determine whether women with gestational diabetes had more depression than women without gestational diabetes, (2) to determine whether factors predictive of depression in pregnant women with gestational diabetes were different from …

Persisiting Sensitization Of Depressive-Like Behavior And Thermogenic Response During Maternal Separation In Pre- And Post Weaning Guinea Pigs, Randi Lynn Schneider

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Early attachment disruption is thought to promote later onset of depressive illness through a process involving sensitization. Maternal separation in guinea pig pups (~21 days of age) produces depressive-like behavior and core body temperature fluctuations that appear to be mediated by proinflammatory activity. These responses are enhanced during repeated separations over several days. Here, enhanced depressive-like behavior and core body temperature responses were observed from the early pre-weaning to the periadolescent period (~10-40 days of age) and persisted for more than a week. The greatest temperature response was observed during the final separation. These results demonstrate persisting sensitization of behavioral …

Animal-Assisted Therapy: An Adjunctive Intervention For Reducing Depression And Anxiety In Female College Students With Physical Disabilities And Guidelines For Implementation Into Psychotherapy Practice And Research, Erin Nicole Armour

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

The existing literature has indicated that women with physical disabilities are at greater risk for depression and anxiety compared to men with similar limitations and their able-bodied counterparts (Nosek & Hughes, 2003). In addition to this, female college students with physical disabilities are at greater risk for attrition than able-bodied female college students (Gmelch, 1998). This dissertation discusses the benefits and criticisms of animal-assisted therapy as an adjunctive intervention for depression and anxiety in this population. It also provides guidelines for implementing it into psychotherapy practice and research.

Association Between Depression And C-Reactive Protein, Yunsheng Ma, David E. Chiriboga, Sherry L. Pagoto, Milagros C. Rosal, Wenjun Li, Philip A. Merriam, James R. Hébert, Matthew C. Whited, Ira S. Ockene

Faculty Publications

Objective. Depression has been associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, and a depression-related elevation of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has been proposed as a possible mechanism. The objective of this paper is to examine association between depression and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Methods. Subjects consisted of 508 healthy adults (mean age 48.5 years; 49% women, 88% white) residing in central Massachusetts. Data were collected at baseline and at quarterly intervals over a one-year period per individual. Multivariable linear mixed models were used to assess the association for the entire sample and by gender. Results. The …

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

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 …