Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Influence Of Nutrition On The Gut Microbiota And Psychiatric Disorders: A Review, Megha Bhagavan, Francis Jenney

Research Day

The symbiotic harboring of gut microorganisms within the gastrointestinal tract has a profound influence on host physiology, well-being, and disease pathology. More specifically, the gut bacteria are able to interact with dietary components from foods chosen by the host and consequently relay their beneficial or precarious effects locally and systemically. The gut bacteria have the capacity to maintain a healthy gut microbiome or perpetuate intestinal imbalance, known as gut dysbiosis. Gut dysbiosis has both local effects in gastrointestinal pathologies, such as intestinal bowel syndrome (IBS) and intestinal bowel disorder (IBD), as well as systemic pathologies, such as type II diabetes, …

Is S-Adenosylmethionine (Same) An Effective Drug To Help Treat Patients With Depression?, Cassidy M. Flanigan

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of the selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is Sadenosylmethionine (SAMe) an Effective Drug to Help Treat Patients with Depression?”

Study Design: A systematic review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2016-2020.

Data Sources: All three RCTs were discovered using PubMed. The articles were published in English in peer-reviewed journals and selected based on applicability to the clinical question.

Outcome Measured: A reduction in depressive symptoms was the outcome measured in all three studies using the Montgomery-Asbery Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). The mean change in baseline was calculated once intervention was received. …

Do Probiotics Decrease Depressive Symptoms In Patients With Low Mood?, Kaitlyn Talt

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine, “Do probiotics decrease depressive symptoms in patients with low mood?”

Study Design: A systematic review of three double blind, randomized control trials (RCTs) published between 2016 and 2019.

Data Sources: All three RCTs were found using PubMed and published in English in peer-reviewed journals. The articles were chosen based on their attention to patient-oriented evidence that matters (POEMS) and their relevance to the clinical question.

Outcome Measured: All three articles utilized either the Beck Depression Index (BDI) and/or the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) to measure the severity of …

The Association Between Trauma History And Body Image, Depression, Posttraumatic Stress, And Relationship Satisfaction In Postpartum Women, Kristen Hawk-Purcell, Michelle R. Lent

Research Day

The postpartum period can be a time of significant change and transition. Little is known regarding how a history of trauma may impact functioning during this critical time. The literature is consistent regarding the relationship between trauma and body image-related issues, but this has not been investigated with this population. While posttraumatic stress symptoms are considered a significant public health concern, the association between depression and interpersonal concerns has not been thoroughly explored. The purpose of this observational, cross-sectional study is to explore the relationship between trauma and body image, mood, and relationship satisfaction in postpartum women.

Proposed Methods: English …

Social Media Use, Connectedness, And Depression In Graduate Students, Marisa Gretz, Stephen R. Poteau, Robert A. Ditomasso, Michael B. Roberts

Research Day

This study will examine the relationship between social media use, sense of connectedness, and depression among graduate students. Graduate students are often disconnected from their social supports due to their program's demands; additionally, the risk of depression in this population has been established in the literature. The impact of social media on depression has been investigated, and the results are discrepant. The relationship between a sense of connection, the use of social media, and depression in a graduate student population has not yet been explored. Graduate students at The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and other universities studying psychology, …

Can Progressive Muscle Relaxation (Pmr), As An Adjunctive Therapy, Effectively Reduce Depression Symptoms In Cancer Patients?, Edward L. Nolan

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is an effective adjunctive therapy in reducing depression symptoms in cancer patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one being modified and used a case series, from peer reviewed journals, published in 2015, 2016 and 2018.

DATA SOURCES: The studies compare the effectiveness of PMR versus other therapies such as routine nursing care and weekly visits with psychologists. All studies were found using PubMed and Cochrane Library.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Depression symptoms perceived by the patient and measure by …

Do Resistance Training Exercises Help Improve Symptoms Of Depression Or Depression Scores?, Michalia Humphrey

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not resistance training exercises help improve symptoms of depression and/or depression scores.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized control trials (RTCs), all published from 2009 to present and all written in the English language.

DATA SOURCES: Data sources included peer reviewed articles that were published on PubMed and were selected based on their relevance to the research question and patient outcomes measured.

OUTCOME MEASURED: The clinical outcome of depression symptom improvement with resistance training exercises was measured in these studies using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression …

Is Ketamine Effective In Reducing Depressive Symptoms In Adults With Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder?, Andrew J. Suplicki

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not ketamine is effective in reducing depressive symptoms in adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.

Study Design: A systematic review of 3 randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trials performed in or after the year 2016.

Data Sources: All 3 studies published in peer-reviewed journals found on PubMed and Cochrane Collection.

Outcome Measures: The studies utilized quantitative scales, either the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS) or Hamilton Depression Rating Scales (HAMD) for the POEM, depressive symptoms.

Results: George et al. (Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2017;25(11):1199-1209. doi: 10.1016/j.jagp.2017.06.007) did show significant …

Is Psilocybin An Effective Treatment To Reduce Depression And Anxiety In Cancer Patients With A Diagnosis Of An Anxiety Disorder, Mood Disorder, And/Or Stress Disorder?, Brooke Reichenbach

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not psilocybin is an effective treatment to reduce depression and anxiety in cancer patients with a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and/or stress disorder.

Study design: Systematic review of three cross-over randomized placebo-controlled trials published in peer reviewed journals between 2010-2016.

Data sources: All articles were published in English and were selected from Cochrane Collaboration and PubMed based on if they were relevant to my clinical question and included patient-oriented outcomes (POEMs).

Outcomes measured: Outcomes measured included self-reported anxiety and depression via the State-Trait Anxiety …

What Are The Effects Of Curcumin, Whether Alone Or In Conjunction With Alternative Therapy, On Major Depressive Disorder?, Preeti Jain

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not curcumin, whether alone or in conjunction with alternative therapy, has an effect on Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Study Design: Systematic review of 3 primary studies, published between 2013 and 2016.

Data Sources: Three randomized control trials (RCT), two of which were double blind. These studies were found using Cochrane Systematic Reviews and PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: Outcome for all three articles are symptomatic changes of MDD. The outcomes measured were Patient-Oriented Evidence that Matters (POEMS) and were assessed using various self-rated tools.

Results: All three studies demonstrated …

Are The Use Of Probiotics An Effective Treatment For Relieving Symptoms Of Depression In Adults?, Olynda B. Mileon-Etuk

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM is to determine whether or not, “Are the use of antibiotics an effective treatment for relieving symptoms of depression in adults?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, published between 2010- 2016.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were found using PubMed- NCBI. These studies analyzed the effectiveness of probiotics in adults with symptoms of depression.

OUTCOME MEASURED: The main outcome measured was improvement of symptoms of depression after the administration of probiotic supplements. Outcomes were assessed using data from self-reported questionnaires, which include the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-90), Hospital …

Is Botox A Safe And Effective Treatment To Reduce Symptoms Of Depression?, Bradin T. Carter

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Botox is a safe and effective treatment to reduce symptoms of depression?

Study Design: The review is based on three Randomized Control Trials that were double-blind and placebo controlled clinical trials.

Data Source: All articles were researched and found using PubMed and Medline. The articles were selected based on the relevance to my clinical question and if the articles included patient oriented outcomes (POEMS).

Outcomes Measured: The outcomes were measured by the improvement of depressive symptoms (sleep disturbances, suicide ideations, change in …

Does Yoga Decrease Self-Report Of Antenatal Depression Among Healthy Pregnant Women Aged 18-40 Years Old In The 2nd And 3rd Trimesters?, Emily J. Moore

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not yoga decreases self-report of antenatal depression among healthy pregnant women aged 18-40 years old in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.

Study Design: Review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in peer reviewed journals in 2013 and one RCT published in a peer reviewed journal in 2012 were used.

Data Source: Data sources included articles published in English in peer reviewed journals found using PubMed. Articles were selected based on their relevance to my clinical question.

Outcomes Measured: All four studies measured self-report of symptoms of …

Is Dance/Movement Therapy An Effective Treatment For Depression In Students?, Jillian R. Ranker

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence-based medicine (EBM) review is to determine whether or not Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) is an effective treatment for depression in students.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three published, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) between 2005 and 2013, all English language

DATA SOURCES: Three RCTs analyzing DMT use in depression were found using PudMed

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Decrease in depressive symptoms, measured by the Beck Depression Scale, a self-rated health questionnaire, and Symptom Check List-90-Revision (SCL- 90-R)

RESULTS: DMT resulted in lessened depressive symptoms for students in all three RCTs. Jeong et al. observed a significant decrease …

Does Exogenous Melatonin Improve Quality Of Sleep In Patients Experiencing Sleep Disturbances Secondary To Chronic Diseases?, Blessen B. Thomas

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Does exogenous melatonin improve quality of sleep in patients experiencing sleep disturbances secondary to chronic diseases?”

Study Design: Three Randomized, placebo-controlled studies (RCT) published in 2010, 2013 and 2008. Data Sources: All RCTs searched and located using PubMed database.

Outcomes Measured: Clinical outcome for all three articles using quality of sleep or quality of life questionnaires such as the Leeds Sleep Evaluation. All of which evaluated POEMs, and were self reported by participants.

Results: In a randomized control study (RCT) by Serfaty et al, sleep quality …

Is Bitemporal Ect More Effective Than Bifrontal Ect In Reducingthe Symptoms Of Depression In Adults?, Talia M. Brinton

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not bitemporal ECT is more effective than bifrontal ECT in the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder. STUDY DESIGN: Review of three published randomized controlled trials, all English language. All RCTs were published after 1999 and studied patients older than 17 years old. DATA SOURCES: Three randomized control trials were found using PubMED, OVID, and Medline. Articles were selected based on relevance and that the outcomes of the studies mattered to patients. OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression- 24 item completed by practitioner. RESULTS: The …

Is Crocus Sativus L. As Effective As Fluoxetine For The Treatment Of Mild To Moderate Depression In Adults Aged 18-55?, Mobina A. Noory

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this EBM review is to determine whether or not Crocus Sativus L. is as effective as Fluoxetine for the treatment of mild to moderate depression in adults aged 18-55.

Study Design: Systematic review of three English language, double-blind randomized controlled trials published between 2005-2007.

Data Source: Three double-blind randomized controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals comparing the effectiveness of Crocus Sativus L. vs. Fluoxetine or placebo for the treatment of mild to moderate depression in adults were found using PubMed and Ebscohost.

Outcomes Measured: In all three articles the outcomes measured were improvement in depression symptoms …

Does Black Cohosh Improve Anxiety/Depression Symptoms In Women Who Are Postmenopausal?, Priya Patel

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine is Black Cohosh effective for reducing anxiety/depression symptoms in postmenopausal women?

DESIGN: Review of three English language primary randomized controlled studies published from 2005-2009.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trials comparing Black Cohosh to placebo or hormonal therapies were found using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the three trials assessed the efficacy and clinical improvement in anxiety symptoms with the use of Black Cohosh. Studies utilized to measure change in anxiety symptoms included Harrison Anxiety Rating (HAM), Symptom Rating Test (SRT), and Kupperman Test.

RESULTS: Two …

Do N3 Fatty Acid Supplements Effect Depressive Symptoms Post Cardiovascular Event In Men And Women Ages 40 And Older?, Lindsey G. Caton

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not n-3 fatty acids have an effect on depressive symptoms post cardiovascular event in men and women ages 40 and older.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language random controlled trials published between 2011-2012.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials published after 2011 comparing the effects of n-3 fatty acid supplementation on depressive symptoms post cardiovascular event and one randomized controlled trial comparing n-3 fatty acid supplementation effects on depressive symptoms in elderly patients with diagnosed depression. The studies were obtained using the …

Is Animal Assisted Therapy With Dogs Effective In Improving Psychosocial Variables Of Mood In Hospital Patients?, Kelsey A. Morris

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not animal assisted interventions with dogs are effective in improving psychosocial variables of mood in hospital patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two English language randomized control trial published in 2008 and 2007, and one English language clinical trial published in 2009.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized, controlled trials comparing animal assisted interventions to absent animal interaction, interaction with a human being, engaging in another interactive activity, or no treatment were found using PubMed and Cochrane System Reviews.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Anxiety was measured by POMS …

Does The Use Of Varenicline For Smoking-Cessation Therapy Create Or Increase Depression In Patients Without Existing Depressive Illness?, Brett R. Brown

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of varenicline for smoking-cessation therapy creates or increases depression in patients without existing depressive illness.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two randomized controlled trials published in 2011 and one observational cohort study published in 2009, all English language.
DATA SOURCES: Two randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials comparing varenicline to placebo in smoking cessation, and one observational cohort study comparing varenicline use within subjects. All articles were found using PubMed and EBSCO.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Changes in depression was evaluated using the MontgomeryÅsberg Depression Rating Scale …

Is The Use Of Animal Assisted Therapy/Activity Effective In Improving Quality Of Life Through Self-Efficacy, Self-Perceived Health, Sense Of Coherence And Mood?, Kendra B. Keene

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of Animal Assisted Therapy/Activity is effective in improving quality of life through self-efficacy, self-perceived health, sense of coherence and mood.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language randomized control trials, two published in 2008, and one published in 2009.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized, controlled trials comparing Animal Assisted Therapy/Activity to restricted or absent animal contact or alternative control therapy were found using PubMed Health and Cochrane Systematic Reviews.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Depression measured via BDI (Beck Depression Inventory), Anxiety measured via BAI (Beck Anxiety …

Is Pramipexole Safe And Effective In Reducing Depressive Symptoms In Patients With Mild To Moderate Parkinson’S Disease And Depression?, Corinne J. Kern

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not pramipexole (Mirapex) is a safe and effective drug to treat depression in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson’s Disease (PD).

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary randomized controlled trials and one randomized prospective, observational study published between 2003-2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials and one randomized prospective, observational study comparing the efficacy of pramipexole to placebo, sertraline (an SSRI) and other dopamine agonists (pergolide) in the treatment of PD related depression symptoms were found using PubMed.

OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: Each of the …

Does Laughter Therapy Improve Symptoms Of Depression Among The Elderly Population?, Audrey L. Shaw

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or
not laughter therapy improves symptoms of depression among the elderly population.

STUDY DESIGN: A review of three studies written in the English language published between 2007 and 2011.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials and one pilot study comparing the effect of laughter therapy on depression were found using PubMed, Medline, OVID, and Cochrane databases.

OUTOMES MEASURED: Outcomes measured in the studies included depression, quality of life, and life satisfaction.

RESULTS: Laughter therapy was shown to be beneficial as both an independent …

Is Hypnotherapy An Effective Treatment For Depression?, Simone Youssef

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this EBM paper is to determine whether or not hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for depression.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two English language randomized controlled trials and one case study published in 2007, 2009, and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials and one case study reviewing the effectiveness of hypnotherapy on depression were found using PubMed, Medline, and CINAHL.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Depression was measured through the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI- II), which is a 21-question multiple choice self-report inventory based on scores of 0-63, with higher scores signifying more severe depressive …

Are Anti Depressants Effective In The Treatment Of Depressed Patients Who Do Not Seek Psychotherapy?, Joseph D. Mcgluinness

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not anti depressants are effective in the treatment of depressed patients who do not seek psychotherapy.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of all English language primary randomized controlled trials published from 2000-2009.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials were found using OVID, Medline, EbscoHost, Pubmed, and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The three trials measured the change in the severity of depression symptoms using different outcomes: The Montgomery Asburg Depression Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and Hopkins Symptom Checklist Depression Scale.

RESULTS: Hermens et al. found that the use of …

Is Music Therapy Effective In Improving The Quality Of Life In Dementia Patients?, Tricia Gilson

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not music therapy is effective in improving the quality of life in dementia patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published between 1996 and present.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, controlled clinical trials (RCTs) analyzing music therapy and dementia were found using PubMed and OVID.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The main outcome measured was quality of life, which included depression, anxiety and cognitive change.

RESULTS: Music therapy resulted in several beneficial effects for dementia patients including improvements in self-esteem, depressive symptoms, anxiety, depression, and cognitive change.
Participants who …

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?”