Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons^™

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 …

Assessing The Need For Mental Health Screenings In A Student-Run Free Clinic And A Family Medicine Office, Sahil Parikh, Emily Forester, Alisha Basak, Jennifer Walpow, Rebecca Chae, Sahiba Gill, Tara Pellegrino

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: The US Preventive Services Task Force provides strong evidence that early screening helps identify depression in primary care settings, promotes intervention, and facilitates treatment. The Rowan Community Health Clinic (RCHC) in Lindenwold, NJ is a student-run free clinic who serves patients regardless of patient gender, race, income or insurance status. This study aims to determine if there is a need to build internal infrastructure at RCHC for depression and anxiety management.

Methods: This is an IRB-approved study that began in June 2021. Data was collected from Rowan Community Health Center and Rowan Family Medicine patients. Patients were administered mental …

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, …

Analyzing The Effects Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Mood Disorders In Patients, Alexa Golub, Joanna Petrides, Meagan Vermeulen

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about restrictions on social interactions, altered work settings/job losses, decreased access to groceries and essentials, and more

With strict prevention measures and isolating quarantine experiences, it was anticipated that the lockdown would have psychological effects

Some contributing psychological stressors included duration of quarantine, fear of infection, boredom, lack of supplies, inadequate information, and finances

This study aimed to quantify and evaluate any change in mood disorder diagnoses since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic

The Effect Of Covid-19 On Depression In Hispanic Vs. Non-Hispanic Populations In South Jersey, Rana Cheikhali, Daniel Casal

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for Americans and the world as a whole. It has especially taken a toll on mental health. Studies show that the incidence of depression in the United States was three times greater during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic times. One specific community in the United States that has been greatly affected by the pandemic is the Hispanic American community. Many Americans across the country have received federal surveys that aim to determine the social and economic impacts of COVID-19. Results revealed that the Hispanic population had the greatest rise in mental illness, with 40% …

The Need For Depression And Anxiety Screenings At A Student-Run Clinic, Shayna Peterzell, Sahil Parikh, Alicia Podwojniak, Vibha Chauhan, Riya Tandra, Emily Forester, Saumil Parikh, Jessica-Sophie Horoschak, Patrick Pearce, Roma Padalkar, Sobiah Khan, Tara Pellegrino

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

General anxiety and major depressive disorder are common and treatable mental health disorders. The US Preventive Services Task Force provides strong evidence that early screening helps identify depression in primary care settings, promotes intervention and facilitates treatment. Many medical offices use validated screening tools, GAD-7 and PHQ-9, to measure symptom severities and further help guide treatment modalities for patients with anxiety and depression, respectively. The Rowan Community Health Clinic (RCHC) in Lindenwold, NJ is a student-run free clinic that serves patients regardless of patient gender, race, income, or insurance status. This study aims to determine if there is a need …

Preferences For Support Resources Among Loved Ones Of Adults Prescribed Opioid Medications, Mansi Patel, Desta M. Pulley, Daniel Manvich

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The opioid epidemic continues to be a leading cause of overdose and related deaths in America. While most interventions are focused on the individuals with opioid and substance use disorder (OUD/SUD); the impact caregivers and family can have on the treatment of patients with OUD is non-existent. The purpose of this study is to collect pilot data on peers, friends, and family members of patients with SUD/OUD to understand the barriers in psychosocial support and maintaining treatment retention; barriers to accessing medication assisted therapy (MAT) and naloxone; and caregiver fatigue and barriers for caregivers. The collected data will be used …

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

Mental Health Outcomes At A Student-Run Free Clinic, Jessica-Sophie Horoschak, Riya Tandra, Sahil Parikh, Shayna Peterzell, Roma Padalkar, Tara Pellegrino

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

In this project we aim to:

1. Assess the outcomes of screening, management, and diagnosis for patients at the Rowan Community Health Center (RCHC).

2. Compare the outcomes of screening, management, and diagnosis between different groups (gender, race, income, insurance status) using validated surveys.

3. There is a need for accessible and affordable primary care in the South Jersey area, which the RCHC is hoping to meet.

Hypothesis:

The quality of mental health care available to patients at the RCHC is comparable to that at other insured practices.