Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Mindfulness-Based Interventions For Prenatal Stress, Anxiety, And Depression, Fiona Kate Rice

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Pregnant people in the United States (US) face myriad barriers to resource accessibility when seeking support, including financial gatekeeping, discrimination, and cis-gendering of the process. Commodification of prenatal support is exhaustive and contributes to a growing exclusivity of traditionally accessible interventions designed to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and to promote positive fetal outcomes and parent-child bond. Mindfulness-based interventions are particularly appropriate for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression in pregnancy. Mindfulness-based interventions are intersectional, accessible means of pregnancy and childbirth support with evidence-based outcomes of positive birth experiences and results. Mindfulness is defined as nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment. …

Making The Case For Psychedelics: Comparing Alternative Treatment Options For Depression, Nicole Amavisca

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Given the number of people who are treated for depression each year and the knowledge that treatments work differently for everyone, there is a pressing need to provide a variety of treatment options. Although psychedelic research had been halted for a few decades due to recreational abuse, there has been revived interest due to its therapeutic potential in the treatment of mood disorders and addiction. As an example, the hallucinogen ketamine has recently been approved as a treatment for depression, which has opened the door for broadening the discussion on psychedelic research. Although the research is limited, psilocybin mimics ketamine …

Vegetarian Diets, Maybe Not As Healthy As You Think, Darryl Goh, Debbie Chan, Merson Hoo, Ian Wong

Introduction to Research Methods RSCH 202

Many are approaching vegetarianism as a viable diet option in recent years, presuming that adopting a vegetarian diet would provide health benefits. This paper explores the possibilities of physical and mental effects that vegetarianism may have on humans and its extent by the use of regression analysis. To measure the possible impacts vegetarian diets may hold on both the physiology and physical aspects of humans, we have utilized the measures of life expectancy and prevalence of depression respectively. Cross-sectional data were examined from sources such as the World Health Organization, Our World In Data and the World Bank, with figures …

Inflammation, Diet, And Depression, Kareem F. Hamada

College Honors Program

Although it is well established that inflammation contributes to cardiovascular disease (CVD), this thesis considers the potential for dietary-induced inflammation to also play a role in the development of depression. Even though the association between inflammation and depression was initially proposed over 100 years ago, treatment of depression has focused on psychopharmacological and psychotherapy. In addition to the increases in the chronic diseases that are the leading causes of death, including CVD, diabetes, and several forms of cancer, consumption of meat, dairy, and highly processed foods have also increased dramatically in recent decades. The resulting Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) is …

Rates Of Anxiety And Depression Are High Among Young Adults During Covid-19, Xiaoyan Zhang

Population Health Research Brief Series

This data slice uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey to compare the percentage of U.S. young adults (ages 18-29) who reported experiencing anxiety or depression during a two-week period in late March 2021 by race/ethnicity. The brief shows much lower rates of self-reported anxiety among Non-Hispanic Blacks than among other racial/ethnic groups but no significant racial/ethnic differences in self-reported depression.

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, …

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 …

The Effect Of Implementing A Generalized Anxiety Disorder Protocol For Anxiety And Depression Symptoms In The Primary Care Setting, Bailey J. Hinman

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is very prevalent in the United States with 5.7% of citizens affected (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2017). This number is expected to be even higher because individuals avoid care due to stigma of mental illness (Andrews et al., 2018). GAD can have significant implications such as decreased ability to function, decreased quality of life and increased risk of suicide (Fong, 2018; Lizarondo, 2018). The purpose of this project was to improve outcomes for adult patients with GAD in the primary care setting by improving treatment to follow best practice recommendations. The Johns Hopkins Evidence …

Improving Depression Awareness And Screening In A Community College, Shelly Baldwin

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Depression is a serious and disabling mental health problem impacting nearly 265 million people worldwide. Approximately 17.3 million U.S. adults aged 18 or older suffered at least one major depressive episode in the last year. Of those afflicted, individuals 18-25 years of age had the highest prevalence of depression. Undiagnosed or untreated depression can lead to long-term disability or suicide which is the 2^nd leading cause of death for 10–34-year-old persons. Early recognition of depressive symptoms can improve long-term outcomes of individuals by enhanced connection to mental health services. The overall goal of this project was to improve depression …

Implementation Of A Mental Health Screening In A Gastroenterology Office, Kayla Craig

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The growing prevalence of depression in gastrointestinal patients is the reason why outpatient offices, gastrointestinal offices included, need to screen for mental health problems in their appointments. Many outpatient settings don't have a standard tool to screen for depression in patients, and therefore many patients are not being treated or diagnosed with depression in the process. The PHQ-9 has been shown to have strong validity and specificity in diagnosing depression in the outpatient setting.

The Prevalence Of Postpartum Depression In Black And Hispanic Women In New Jersey, Courtney Chineme, Rachel Shmuts, Chris Canlas

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Postpartum depression (PPD) is defined as symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) within one month of giving birth with the prevalence in the United States being 10-15%. There are well documented instances of racial differences and their effects on maternal outcomes including infant, maternal mortality and postpartum mood disorders. In New Jersey, there are monitoring systems that explore the relationships between maternal characteristics such as race, age, education level, insurance status, and racial bias and how they may correlate with higher incidences of Postpartum Depression (PPD) in these communities of women. The purpose of this comparative study is to analyze …

The Role Of Primary Care Physicians In Post-Partum Depression (Ppd), Elizabeth Bowman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

• Symptoms of depression lasting longer than 2 weeks following birth
• 10-15% of new mothers affected yet 50% of cases go undiagnosed
• Long-lasting consequences for the mother, baby, and father
• Multi-factorial condition

Conclusion

• Primary care providers are the first-line defense against PPD
• Many providers are resistant to PPD screenings
• Interventions from primary care providers are effective

Alzheimer's Patients’ Mental Health During The Covid 19 Pandemic, Maryanna Schweininger, Yvonne Maduka, Ajh'shana Collins

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disease caused by β Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which results in memory loss and cognitive decline. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 50% of those with AD experience some degree of depression during the course of the disease, which has been shown to accelerate functional decline, institutionalization, and even mortality.

Many who cannot care for themselves live in an assisted living facility or retirement home. Since the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic, people have been urged to social distance in order to decrease the …

Perceived Stress May Mediate The Relationship Between Antenatal Depressive Symptoms And Preterm Birth: A Pilot Observational Cohort Study, Sharifa Bashir Lalani, Aliyah Dosani, Ntonghanwah Forcheh, Shahirose Sadrudin Premji, Sana Siddiqui, Kiran Shaikh, Ayesha Mian, Ilona S Yim Ilona S Yim, Maternal-Infant Global Health Team (Might) Collaborators In Research

School of Nursing & Midwifery

Background: Screening for changes in pregnancy-related anxiety and depressive symptoms during pregnancy may further our understanding of the relationship between these two variables and preterm birth.
Objectives: To determine whether changes in pregnancy-related anxiety and depressive symptoms during pregnancy influence the risk of preterm birth among Pakistani women; explore whether perceived stress moderates or mediates this relationship, and examine the relationship between the various components of pregnancy-related anxiety and preterm birth.
Methods: A prospective cohort study design was used to recruit a diverse sample of 300 low-risk pregnant women from four centers of Aga Khan Hospital for Women and Children …

Decreasing Suicidal Risks Among Military Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Or Major Depression, Manpreet K. Sheabat

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Suicide is a major cause of death in the United States. Some populations, such as the veterans and active duty military personnel are at a higher risk of committing suicide compared to the general population. The risk is exacerbated by mental health conditions such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and major depression. Few reviews have explored the effects of the recommended psychotherapeutic interventions on suicidal ideations and suicide rates for these two disorders, focusing on the veteran population. To address this, a literature search was performed using a comprehensive search through electronic databases, applying the search criteria and keywords aimed …

Child Maltreatment And Neglect In The United Arab Emirates And Relationship With Low Self-Esteem And Symptoms Of Depression, Syed M. Shah, Gul Nowshad, Fatima Al Dhaheri, Mariam H. Al-Shamsi, Alfan M. Al-Ketbi, Alaa Galadari, Priyam Joshi, Heba Bendak, Michal Grivna, Danilo Arnone

Department of Family Medicine

Objectives: To our knowledge, this study is the first in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to investigate the prevalence of child maltreatment in relation to depressive symptoms and self-esteem.
Study design: Exposure to physical maltreatment, emotional abuse and neglect was evaluated in 518 adolescents (86% response rate) randomly selected from schools in Al Ain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Rosenberg self-esteem scale and the Beck Depression Inventory were used to measure self-esteem and depressive symptoms by using multivariate logistic regression analyses.
Results: The mean age of study participants was 14.3 years. Emotional abuse was the most frequent form …

Comparing Outcomes Of Online Application Therapy Versus Standard Psychotherapy In Patients Suffering From Mental Illness, Jenna Zwiers

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) in comparison to standard cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of depression and anxiety. The quality, safety, therapist-response, and cost of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy was also studied. This review utilized multiple databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Clinical Key, Cochrane Library, and PsychINFO from 2015 to 2020. The literature reviewed consisted of peer-reviewed studies, randomized controlled trials, and systematic review. Sources that were excluded from the study included those prior to 2015, studies with small sample sizes, and those that involved children. Thirteen resources were …

The Relationship Between Mothers’ Negative Emotional Symptoms And Mother-Infant Interactions During The Covid-19 Pandemic., Kolbie A Vincent

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between mothers' negative emotional symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress) and mother-infant interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected in the early months of the pandemic, when daycares were closed, through an online survey of parents and infants. Participants included 54 mothers of infants 3-34 months of age living in Kentucky. Well-being was measured with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale – 21 (DASS 21). Questions related to parent-infant interactions included time spent interacting with the infants by reading, singing, playing freely with no set goal, engaging in a meaningful …

Examining The Mental Health Of Older Hispanic/Latino Adults: Relationship Between Psycho-Social-Cultural Factors And Depressive Symptomatology, Anna Prado

Theses and Dissertations

The most prevalent disorders affecting the older adult population worldwide are dementia and depression. Ethnic minorities are disproportionately more likely to be affected by these two distressing and debilitating conditions. Hispanic/Latino older adults encounter numerous psycho-social-cultural factors that influence health behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs in positive and negative ways. Presently, research on the influence of these factors on Hispanic/Latino mental health is highly inconsistent. The purpose of the present study is to examine the relationship between selected psycho-social-cultural factors and the mental health of older Hispanic/Latino adults. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, the association between the Hispanic/Latino …

Exploring Online Mental Health Services: A Qualitative Study For First-Year College Students, Leandrian J. Wright

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

American first-year college students are faced with mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, which can have a negative impact on their academic performance. Research shows that students who suffer from mental illness, such as anxiety and depression, fear their condition will be perceived negatively by their peers and professors. The literature also suggests that U.S. colleges and universities can be more proactive in offering students resources for their mental health concerns to decrease anxiety and depression. It appears that absent or limited mental health resources have failed to address rising cases of student mental illness, and more specifically, …

An Evaluation Of Care Coordination In Reducing Depression Symptoms And Emergency Room Visits, Stacy Sumpter

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Individuals living with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) account for 26% of the population; however, they consume 84% of healthcare resources, are three times more likely to have depression than healthy individuals, and have increase emergency room (ER) visits and healthcare resource use. This population requires coordinated health care to reduce unnecessary spending and the misappropriation of healthcare resources. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the efficacy of care coordination (CC) and the support system it provides in lowering depression symptoms and ER visit frequency as a viable measure to reduce overall healthcare costs.

Methods: The healthcare providers, …

Associations Between Family-Based Stress And Dietary Inflammatory Potential Among Families With Preschool-Aged Children, Valerie Hruska, Nitin Shivappa Mbbs, Mph, Ph.D., James R. Hébert Scd, Alison M. Duncan, Jess Hines, David W. L. Ma

Faculty Publications

Chronic stress is known to influence dietary choices, and stressed families often report poorer diet quality; however, little is known about how family-based stress is linked with dietary patterns that promote inflammation. This study investigated associations between family-based stress and the inflammatory potential of the diet among preschool-aged children and their parents. Parents (n = 212 mothers, n = 146 fathers) and children (n = 130 girls, n = 123 boys; aged 18 months to 5 years) from 241 families participating in the Guelph Family Health Study were included in the analyses. Parents reported levels of parenting distress, depressive symptoms, …

A Workout A Day Keeps Depression Away, Hannah Voss

BU Well

The issue of mental health in adolescent females is vastly growing in America, especially depression. Depression is largely treated by pharmacologic therapy, but that can result in many side effects and is associated with a harsh stigma that can deter the patient from continuing their medication regimen. With this said, it remains important to look at other means to treat depression, and one of the best alternative solutions right now is exercise. This article presents research that shows how exercise can greatly improve and prevent depressive symptoms, while also decreasing the stigma associated with treating depression, particularly among adolescent females.

Eating For Health, Tanya Reese

Theses and Graduate Projects

As anxiety and depression have increased exponentially, researchers have discovered a link between nutrition and incidences of anxiety and depression. The communication between the gut and the brain is imperative for mental health. The inflammatory process that is initiated in the intestinal tract can change the chemistry of the brain resulting in anxiety and depression. Newman’s Theory, Health as Expanding Consciousness, helps people to identify patterns in their food choices and change those patterns to choose healthier foods. This scholarly project was implemented to teach youth and adults living in a rural community about the link between food and anxiety …

A Patient-Centered Study Examining Self-Identification Of Mental Health Challenges Among Female Military Officers, Rosellen Roche, Joel Manzi, Katelyn Bard

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Due to the expansion of leadership roles in the military for women, female military personnel now face stressors equal to, and yet unique from, their male counterparts. This pilot study surveyed 73 female U.S. Army officers regarding their experiences of leadership and mental wellness within the military. A mixed-methods survey was distributed via 2 private Facebook groups for female Army officers following an anonymized convenience sampling. This anonymous, patient-centered protocol was used to protect against known stigma surrounding disclosing mental health concerns in the military. Respondents were asked a series of questions including perceived mental health status and access to …

Urbanization And Mental Health: The Power Of Green Space, Emma Rosenthal

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Annual Conference

In this presentation, I will review the negative impacts of urbanization on mental health and the positive role of green space on mental well-being. Moreover, I will provide examples of projects being conducted to increase the amount of green space in urban communities.

Mental Health Affects Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, Mia Kepler

English Department: Research for Change - Wicked Problems in Our World

Over the past year worldwide everyone has experienced the Covid-19 pandemic in one way or another. As time evolves during the pandemic mental health is getting worse every day. People are experiencing feelings of loneliness and uneasiness. Mental health professionals are trying to find solutions to this major issue in today's society. Change is needed to prevent people's mental health from worsening during these unprecedented times and to help the people who are already suffering.

Drug Addiction & Mental Health, Tyler Burkholder

English Department: Research for Change - Wicked Problems in Our World

Drugs have a serious effect on our mental health, and mental health has a major effect on drug abuse and addiction. There is a reason so many drug users usually need to keep going back to rehab. It is because drugs affect mental health to a point where you aren’t the same person during and even after drug addiction. Poor mental health also can be a major cause influencing people to start doing drugs. People with depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders are more prone to drug use. That is why we need to make it a public policy to screen …

Physician Burnout: Stress Within The Health Care System, Aidan Hauser

English Department: Research for Change - Wicked Problems in Our World

As our nation’s healthcare system expands, more stress and responsibility are placed on our physicians and frontline healthcare workers. The pressures of the daily job often prove extremely damaging to the employee’s mental and physical health. Physician and worker burnout is a growing epidemic that is damaging our care providers more and more every day. Burnout effects not only workers, but all of those surrounding them as well. This plague is not going to be repaired by one single change, but it is clear that many adjustments must be made to reform our healthcare system.

Mental Health And Covid-19, Haley Thiel

English Department: Research for Change - Wicked Problems in Our World

The recent pandemic has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health. Transitioning to full freedom and opportunity to lockdown with no human interaction was a huge adjustment. The global pandemic especially hit home to college students and had a significant impact on universities. In this paper we discuss and analyze how the pandemic has shifted college students mental health and the negative toll it had. We will examine how anxiety, depression, and other general mental health disorders have skyrocketed in college students during the pandemic. The need for reform and attention on college campuses to preserve students mental health is …