Psychiatry Commons^™

Recurrent Psychosis In Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, Scarlet Louis-Jean, Shire Chaudhry

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Neuropsychological manifestations following food exposures in patients with food sensitivities are increasingly being identified in the literature, as understanding of the gut-brain axis is further improved. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) has been shown to occur in individuals without serological or biopsied evidence of celiac disease (CD), who manifest psychotic or mood disorders that resolve following elimination of gluten. In this case history, we discuss a similar manifestation in a 31-year-old woman without serological evidence of CD, whose psychiatric symptoms improve with gluten elimination.

Biopsychosocial Impacts Of Social Distancing Due To Covid-19 In People Over 65: A Literature Review, Nicole Lacap

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in January 2020, elderly populations aged 65+ have been deemed at-risk for severe symptoms and poor prognosis. Because it is important to protect this vulnerable population, policies such as social distancing and shelter-in-place orders have been implemented in the United States in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19. However, many older citizens may live alone or may not have access to technology, and therefore may be limited in their ability to maintain important relationships and social interactions throughout shelter-in-place orders and social distancing. Therefore, it is important to understand the cost …

Prevalence Of Disordered Eating In Female Athletes Of The New Jersey Athletic Conference, Desiree Brower, Joanna Petrides

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: In 2018, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry published that, 1 out of every 10 adolescent females suffer from an eating disorder in the United States. Although it is known that eating disorders have an impact on the entire population, there are currently no studies on the prevalence of disordered eating in female athletes of the New Jersey Athletic conference (NJAC). This study aims to determine how many athletes in this population are affected.

Methods: This IRB-approved project utilized a survey-based approach to assess the prevalence of disordered eating among female athletes within the NJAC. To participate, …

Development Of Schizophrenia In A Genetically Predisposed Individual Following Covid-19, Sung Kang, Jonathan Yuh, Timothy Wong

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We present a patient who is a 56-year-old female with a psychiatric history of anxiety disorder and a medical history of hypercholesterolemia and hyperthyroidism, who was admitted to the hospital after a witnessed seizure at an inpatient psychiatric facility. This patient’s family history is significant for her mother experiencing unspecified psychotic disorder that required psychiatric hospitalization. Our patient was first admitted to the psychiatric hospital after exhibiting worsening paranoid delusions and hallucinations that began several months prior. The patient had reportedly begun locking herself in the restroom and screaming “get out, they’re spying on me”, referring to her next-door neighbors …

Correlation Between Gut Biomarkers And Depression, Jianle Gao

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The correlation between the gut-microbiota- brain axis and mental state in the context of mental disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Schizophrenia, etc. has been well studied. Production of inflammatory and non-inflammatory metabolites by the gut- microbiota directly and indirectly affects the brain and mood. Therefore, colonization by maladaptive, pro-inflammatory bacteria may cause mood dysregulation and depressive features. Metabolites from these bacteria can be quantitatively analyzed for use as biomarkers of Major Depressive Disorder. Biomarkers studied include: serotonin, dopamine, butyrate, acetate, and propionate.

Effects Of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder On Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Procedure: Insights From The National Inpatient Sample, Rafail Beshai, Keri Anacker, Keith Anacker, Tony Elias, Veyola Rezkalla, Maziyar Daneshvar, Howard Weinberg

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect children and adults and is characterized by deficits in attention, self-regulation, and executive functioning. Symptoms can seriously affect daily functioning and may present as hyperactivity, inattentive behaviors, or a combination of both. There are data to suggest patients with ADHD suffer from increased rates of cardiovascular disease, however not much is known specifically regarding the relationship between ADHD and undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention. We sought to examine this relationship in greater detail by perusing the national inpatient sample database to describe in-hospital trends and outcomes among these …

Effects Of Nstemi On Patients With Eating Disorders: Insights From The National Inpatient Sample, Rafail Beshai, Keri Anacker, Keith Anacker, Tony Elias, David Halim-Banoub, Maziyar Daneshvar, Howard Weinberg

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: Eating disorders (ED) such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa have detrimental implications on the health and wellbeing of children and young adults across the country. Cardiovascular implications are known to accompany these conditions, however there is a paucity of data looking specifically on the effects of NSTEMI on patients with these disorders. We sought to analyze this relationship further by examining these disorders within the national inpatient sample database to describe in-hospital trends and outcomes among those patients.

Methods: Data were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database for the years 2019 and 2020. The NIS was searched …

Addressing The Access And Barriers To Mental Health Resources In High School Students, Tainiz Polanco, Ocean Alam, Diana Lopez, Vanessa Pizutelli

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Minority populations throughout the world are hit with obstacles that interfere with their mental health, especially high school students. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has had drastic effects on the performance of these individuals and their social engagement. As observed, there is a divide amongst different races of students that highlights the lack of mental health resources provided to them and how they are utilized. After conducting further research on such issues, we were able to determine the major barriers existing today that tend to push students away from utilizing existing resources. Some of these barriers could vary from external stress …

The Effect Of Perceived Weight Status And Bmi On Food Attitudes And Food Relationships, Sahil Patel, Ryan Gericke, Jaime Dougherty, Adarsh Gupta

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The findings of this study have shed light on the intricate relationship that exists between perceived weight status from a “non-obese/obese” perspective and attitudes towards food and the overconsumption of particular food items. Participants who perceived their weight status as “obese” despite having a calculated BMI below the CDC threshold and classification for “obesity” had poorer relationships with food, consumption behaviors, and on average consumed food items that were detrimental to overall health. Comprehending a patient’s weight status perception and conducting a thorough history of their food intake could play a crucial role in addressing the patient’s overall health and …

Impact Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Patients With Depression In Different Socioeconomic Status In Different Age Groups, Alexander Kowalski, Harsh Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on depression and how different age groups and socioeconomic classes were affected. The PHQ-9 survey was used to assess depression levels amongst 64 individuals of different age groups and socioeconomic statuses. Results indicated that the higher socioeconomic class had less impact on depression symptoms compared to lower socioeconomic classes. Younger age groups and lower socioeconomic classes were found to have a bigger impact on depression symptoms. However, the study acknowledges that numerous factors, such as lifestyle factors, financial stability, and social support, need to be considered while interpreting the results. Overall, …

Stimulant Prescriptions For Adhd Treatment In Children, Victoria Murray, Miranda Reed, Sonya Priven, Dan Rios, Jan Widerman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

ADHD has become a much more common neurobehavioral disorder in the US, but access to both psychotherapy and medication remains limited, exacerbating socioeconomic disparities in multiple life domains, including education, employment, and substance use disorder. Equity in access to care is an opportunity to substantially improve care.

Caretaker Burnout In Nj In Response To The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Study Focusing On Quality Of Life, Challenges And Coping Strategies., Abdullah Junayed, Joanna Petrides

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

There is a scarcity of literature regarding caretaker burnout in response to Covid-19, however one cross section survey study in Italy explored the perceived burden of caretakers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease during the pandemic.1 Maria G. Maggio et al showed that an increase in caregiver burden allowed for a deterioration in personal health conditions causing an increase in perceived stress levels. 1 Along with impaired management of stress and low quality of life, many caretakers were found to utilize avoidance strategies.1 However, the authors pointed out that the dysfunctional coping strategies did not affect stress levels and this study …

Exploring Risk Factors For Major Depressive Disorder For Female Patients Aged 18 Or Older Living In Ocean County, New Jersey, James Mack

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: The incidence and prevalence of major depressive disorder has been increasing worldwide, in the United States of America, and on a local level. The population of Ocean County, New Jersey, a predominantly Caucasian, female, middle-aged population, may be at increased risk of developing major depressive disorder.

Purpose: To explore the social determinants of health and risk factors for major depressive disorder for female patients aged 18 or older living in Ocean County, New Jersey.

Methods: This literature review mainly used PubMed and Scopus for journal articles and utilized governmental databases for additional population data.

Results: Analyses conducted on social …

Improving Depression Screening Completion Rates For Medicare Patients In A Primary Care Setting, Kenneth J. Haluska

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

The United States Preventative Services Task Force recommends screening the general adult population for depression (Siu et al., 2016). Despite increasing clinical practice guidelines recommending depression screening, only 40-50% of depressed older adults are recognized and treated (Phoh et al., 2017). The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to implement a medical assistant (MA) depression screening protocol, using the PHQ-9 and staff education, to improve depression screening completion rates in Medicare patients in a primary care setting. An exhaustive literature search of eight databases yielded 14 pieces of evidence that made recommendations for best practice. The evidence was …

Pathways To Care Of Maine Youth With Psychosis, Elizabeth M. Mutina, Rebecca Jaynes, Dave Weiss, Elizabeth Bernier, Kristen A. Woodberry

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2023

Study clinicians conducted semi-structured interviews to identify the timing and steps of each person’s Pathway to Care (PtC).

Psychometric Evaluation Of The Computerized Battery For Neuropsychological Evaluation Of Children (Benci) Among School Aged Children In The Context Of Hiv In An Urban Kenyan Setting, Rachel Maina, He Jia, Amina Abubakar, Miguel Perez-Garcia, Manasi Kumar, Jelte M. Wicherts

Brain and Mind Institute

Introduction Culturally validated neurocognitive measures for children in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries are important in the timely and correct identification of neurocognitive impairments. Such measures can inform develop‐ ment of interventions for children exposed to additional vulnerabilities like HIV infection. The Battery for Neuropsy‐ chological Evaluation of Children (BENCI) is an openly available, computerized neuropsychological battery specifically developed to evaluate neurocognitive impairment. This study adapted the BENCI and evaluated its reliability and validity in Kenya.

Methodology The BENCI was adapted using translation and back‐translation from Spanish to English. The psy‐ chometric properties were evaluated in a case–control study of 328 …

Prevalence, Incidence And Chronicity Of Child Abuse Among Orphaned, Separated, And Street-Connected Children And Adolescents In Western Kenya: What Is The Impact Of Care Environment?, Samuel Ayaya, Allison Delong, Lonnie Embleton, David Ayuku, Edwin Sang, Joseph Hogan, Allan Kamanda, Lukoye Atwoli, Dominic Makori, Mary A. Ott, Caroline Ombok, Paula Braitstein

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: The effect of different types of care environment on orphaned and separated children and adolescents’ (OSCA) experiences of abuse in sub-Saharan Africa is uncertain.

Objective: Our two primary objectives were 1) to compare recent child abuse (physical, emotional, and sexual) between OSCA living in institutional environments and those in family-based care; and 2) to understand how recent child abuse among street-connected children and youth compared to these other vulnerable youth populations.

Participants and setting: This project followed a cohort of OSCA in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya (2009–2019). This analysis includes 2393 participants aged 18 years and below, 1017 from …

Interaction Between Fluoxetine And Risperidone And Its Association With Clinical Outcomes In Schizophrenic Patients, Fitri Rachmaini, Dian Ayu Juwita, Rahmad Abdillah, Rezy Dwi Afrianti, Fatma Sri Wahyuni

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

The concurrent use of fluoxetine and risperidone to treat schizophrenia may result in drug interactions. This study aims to analyse the clinical outcomes of fluoxetine-risperidone therapy and the possibility of their interaction in schizophrenic patients. The clinical outcomes are patient status at the time of hospital discharge, the length of hospitalisation and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale- Excitement Component (PANSS-EC). This study was conducted prospectively in psychiatric ward of HB Saanin Mental Hospital from May to October 2021 and study subjects were selected using consecutive sampling technique with inclusion criteria. Forty-three patients were eligible for this study. Research data …

Genetic Loci Of Beta-Aminoisobutyric Acid Are Associated With Aging-Related Mild Cognitive Impairment, Einat Granot-Hershkovitz, Brian Spitzer, Yunju Yang, Wassim Tarraf, Bing Yu, Eric Boerwinkle, Myriam Fornage, Thomas H Mosley, Charles Decarli, Bruce S Kristal, Hector M González, Tamar Sofer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

We studied the genetic associations of a previously developed Metabolomic Risk Score (MRS) for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and beta-aminoisobutyric acid metabolite (BAIBA)-the metabolite highlighted by results from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of the MCI-MRS, and assessed their association with MCI in datasets of diverse race/ethnicities. We first performed a GWAS for the MCI-MRS and BAIBA, in Hispanic/Latino adults (n = 3890) from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). We identified ten independent genome-wide significant (p value <5 × 10-8) variants associated with MCI-MRS or BAIBA. Variants associated with the MCI-MRS are located in the Alanine-Glyoxylate Aminotransferase 2 (AGXT2 gene), which is known to be associated with BAIBA metabolism. Variants associated with BAIBA are located in the AGXT2 gene and in the SLC6A13 gene. Next, we tested the variants' association with MCI in independent datasets of n = 3178 HCHS/SOL older individuals, n = 3775 European Americans, and n = 1032 African Americans from the Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities (ARIC) study. Variants were considered associated with MCI if their p value <0.05 in the meta-analysis of the three datasets and their direction of association was consistent with expectation. Rs16899972 and rs37369 from the AGXT2 region were associated with MCI. Mediation analysis supported the mediation effect of BAIBA between the two genetic variants and MCI (p value = 0.004 for causal mediated effect). In summary, genetic variants in the AGXT2 region are associated with MCI in Hispanic/Latino, African, and European American populations in the USA, and their effect is likely mediated by changes in BAIBA levels.

Reflections On The Use Of Patient Records: Privacy, Ethics, And Reparations In The History Of Psychiatry, Jonathan Sadowsky

Faculty Scholarship

One of the most common questions we get asked as historians of psychiatry is “do you have access to patient records?” Why are people so fascinated with the psychiatric patient record? Do people assume they are or should be available? Does access to the patient record actually tell us anything new about the history of psychiatry? And if we did have them, what can, or should we do with them? In the push to both decolonize and personalize the history of psychiatry, as well as make some kind of account or reparation for past mistakes, how can we proceed in …

The Comorbidity Of Depression And Neurocognitive Disorder In Persons With Hiv Infection: Call For Investigation And Treatment, Karl Goodkin, Teresa H. Evering, Albert M. Anderson, Ann Ragin, Cynthia L. Monaco, Christina Gavegnano, Ryan J. Avery, Sean B. Rourke, Lucette A. Cysique, Bruce J. Brew

School of Medicine Publications

Depression and neurocognitive disorder continue to be the major neuropsychiatric disorders affecting persons with HIV (PWH). The prevalence of major depressive disorder is two to fourfold higher among PWH than the general population (∼6.7%). Prevalence estimates of neurocognitive disorder among PWH range from 25 to over 47% – depending upon the definition used (which is currently evolving), the size of the test battery employed, and the demographic and HIV disease characteristics of the participants included, such as age range and sex distribution. Both major depressive disorder and neurocognitive disorder also result in substantial morbidity and premature mortality. However, though anticipated …

Admission Rate Of Patients With Most Common Psychiatric Disorders During The 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic, Sulaiman Farooqui, Koroush Mehrazar, Marshall Johnson, Nicholas D'Angelo, Leslie Hart

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2023

No abstract provided.

Traumatization, Underrepresentation, And Identity Crises, Afsah Hussain, Marshall Johnson, Andrew Gonedes, Barbara Gracious

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2023

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between Quality Of Life And Functionality In Patients With Schizophrenia – A Preliminary Report, Vlad Dionisie, Mihnea Costin Manea, Manea Mirela, Lavinia Steluta Bonciu, Sorin Riga, Maria Gabriela Puiu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

This research aimed to investigate the relationship between quality of life and level of functioning in a group of Romanian patients with schizophrenia. A cross-sectional, observational, prospective study on 47 patients with schizophrenia was conducted. Socio-demographic and clinical data were documented and WHOQOL-BREF and Life Skills Profile-16 instruments were further administered. To examine the correlation between variables, Person correlation test was employed. The mean age of the sample was 38.32±12.32 years and 66% of the patients were males. Significant correlations were found between all aspects of the quality of life (physical health, psychological, social relationships and environmental health) and total …

Postpartum Depression; Associated Factors And Underdiagnosis, Andra Iancu, Valeria-Anca Pietrosel, Teodor Salmen, Cristina Ioana Bica, Ioana Păunică, Liliana Florina Andronache, Florentina Gherghiceanu, Cecilia Curis

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Post-partum depression is one of the most severe types of depression and can be developed at any age, no matter of cultural of social status. Objectives. To determine the factors associated with the psychological impact of pregnancy and to emphasize the psychological and psychiatric risks after giving birth for a woman. Materials and Methods. The study enrolled 35 patients diagnosed with postpartum depression that have been hospitalized in a tertiary-care center for psychiatric disorders between 2016 and 2020. Data were collected from patients’ observation charts. Results. The incidence of postpartum depression is higher in the age range 30-45 years old …

Anxio-Depressive Disorders In A Pandemic Context: A Comparative Analysis: Year 2019 Versus 2020, Andreea Roxana Droahnă, Lavinia-Alexandra Moroianu, Valeria-Anca Pietroșel, Cristina Ioana Bica, Teodor Salmen, Cecilia Curis, Emanuele Maria Merlo, Roxana Adriana Stoica, Marius Moroianu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in increased rates of anxiety and depression worldwide. Objective. To comparatively evaluate factors associated with the psychological impact of Coronavirus disease between 2019 and the pandemic year 2020. Materials and Methods. The study was performed on a group of 3224 patients, of which 197 were hospitalized, selected from Jan 1st 2019 until 30th Dec 2020 in a tertiary care center for psychiatric disorders. Data were collected from the observation charts. Results. The incidence of anxiety disorders is higher in the age range 40-70 years with an average value of 53 years old. In …

A Phenomenological Take On Mirror Self-Face Perception In Schizophrenia, Giovanni Pennisi

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Studies concerning social deficits in schizophrenia has often been restrained to exploring facial recognition. Various investigations have shown that those diagnosed with schizophrenia have difficulties in perceiving the identities and emotions of those around them merely through observing their facial features. A few others have also taken into account the issue of self-face recognition in individuals with schizophrenia, finding that their capacity to associate photos or videos of their own face to themselves is hindered due to the illness. However, to my knowledge, only a few studies have so far delved into the intricacies of how individuals with schizophrenia or …

Case Series: Continued Remission Of Ptsd Symptoms After Discontinuation Of Prazosin, Christie Richardson, Jonathan Yuh, Jing Su, Martin Forsberg

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a debilitating chronic illness that affects 6 out of 100 adults after a severe trauma. The alpha-adrenergic antagonist prazosin, which is prescribed off-label for flashbacks and nightmares due to trauma, is often continued indefinitely due to reports of symptoms returning upon discontinuation. There is no standard guidance for a trial of discontinuation of prazosin due to intolerance or side effects. In this case series, three patients are started on prazosin leading to remission of trauma-related symptoms, and symptoms continue to remit after treatment for an average of about 2 years followed by discontinuation of the medication. …

Psychology University Students’ Mental Health Status During Covid-19 Pandemic In Karachi, Pakistan, Aisha Noorullah, Mubarak Mansoor, Ayesha Zahid

Department of Psychiatry

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges in various domains of life but for low and middle-income country university students very demanding situations have emerged. University students’ psychological well-being has always been an area of concern worldwide and higher rates of anxiety and depression have been extensively reported among this cohort.
Objective: To determine the frequency of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and quality of sleep and the association of sleep quality and personality traits with anxiety and depressive symptoms among university students in Karachi, Pakistan in the context of the pandemic COVID-19.
Method: This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among …

Efficacy Of A Relaxation Scenario In Virtual Reality For The Comorbid Symptoms Of Anxiety And Asthenia In A General Hospital Setting: A Pilot Comparative Randomized Open-Label Study, Taisiya А Lepilkina, Allan G Beniashvili, Roman A Cheremin, Natalya G Malyukova, Margarita A Morozova, Mikhail A Bogdanov, Denis S Burminsky, Sergei S Potanin, Svetlana V Rodkina, George E Rupchev, Margarita N Eip

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Patients in general hospitals often display concomitant signs of mental maladjustment: low mood, anxiety, apathy, asthenia, all of which can have a negative impact on the course of the underlying disease and the recovery process. One of the non-pharmacological approaches that has gained wider acceptance in medical practice in recent years is the use of procedures based on virtual reality.

AIM: Assess the efficacy of the new domestic, virtual reality application Flow as relates to symptoms of anxiety and asthenia in patients undergoing inpatient treatment.

METHODS: The study was open-label and had a comparison group; the patients were assigned …