Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons^™

Single Case Experimental Design Examining Cognitive Behavioural Therapy For Post-Stroke Depression, Liam Alexander Mackenzie Myles, Emma Jones

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Background. Post-stroke depression (PSD) is common in older-age adults and is typically treated with cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). However, research has ascertained mixed findings regarding the efficacy of CBT for PSD in older-age adults, with limited evidence in people from global majority backgrounds. Materials and Methods. This case study used single case experimental design methodology to examine the effectiveness of CBT for PSD in a black, older-age man. The effects of health conditions, cohort beliefs, transitions in role investments, socio-cultural context and early experiences on the client’s thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviours were formulated, before behavioural activation was used to …

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors And Pharmacological Resetting Of The Mind, Ion G. Motofei, David L. Rowland

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Mental activity is capable of processing analytical data (mathematics, physics, socio-political science, philosophy, etc.) similar to computer software. At the same time, mental activity largely depends on the brain, which works like a hard component of a computer. While the computer stores data on a physical medium, mental activity and data are supported by physiological mechanisms that are constantly operating (both in wakefulness and sleep). For this reason, the lack of brain oxygenation even for short periods of time (5-10 minutes) causes the loss of all data, including the disappearance of the individual's existence as a mental entity. This means …

Sprint Performance Following Plyometric Conditioning Activity In Elite Sprinters, Kinga Huminska-Lisowska, Aleksandra Strońska-Pluta, Aleksandra Suchanecka, Myosotis Massidda, Grzegorz Trybek, Carla Maria Calò, Agata Rzeszutko-Bełzowska, Remigiusz Recław, Anna Grzywacz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This study investigates an association between the human dopamine receptor 2 gene DRD2 Taq1D rs1800498 polymorphism and personality traits among athletes, exploring the genetic underpinnings of sports performance and psychological characteristics. It aims to understand how genetic factors related to dopamine reception influence athletic predispositions and behaviors. Materials and Methods: An association study was conducted with 391 male participants, comparing 159 sports subjects with 232 non-trained controls. Personality traits were assessed using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory, while the DRD2 Taq1D rs1800498 polymorphism was genotyped through real-time PCR. Results: Significant differences in the DRD2 Taq1D rs1800498 genotype and allele frequencies …

Hubungan Tingkat Stres, Kecemasan, Dan Depresi Dengan Konstipasi Fungsional Pada Mahasiswa Kedokteran, Khafifah Z, Wilson Wilson, Agustina Arundina Triharja Tejoyuwono

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Introduction. Stress, anxiety, and depression are factors associated with functional constipation that affect students’ quality of life. Stress, anxiety, and depression are often experienced by first-year medical students, but studies assessing these three variables with functional constipation are still limited.

Methods. This study used a cross-sectional analytical design. Study was carried out in July 2023 involving 88 first-year medical students from the Tanjungpura University Medical Study Program. Analysis of relationship tests was carried out using Kendall’s Tau-B tests.

Results. Most students were in the normal category of stress, anxiety and depression levels, however 21 students were in …

Balancing The Medical, Psychiatric, And Ethical Considerations In The Inpatient Treatment Of Extreme Anorexia Nervosa: A Case Report, Carter A. Schulz, Carolyn A. Kennedy

Aesculapius Journal (Health Sciences & Medicine)

Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric illness characterized by restricted energy intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and a disturbance in body image. A 2011 meta-analysis estimated the mortality rate for anorexia nervosa to be over 5 times that of the general population, with one-fifth of deaths in AN patients being due to suicide. Treating this disease is notoriously difficult, and treatment is complicated by these patients’ characteristically poor insight.

Case summary: Here we present the case of a 37 year old woman who visited the ED with complaints of nausea and weakness; she was admitted due to hypoglycemia, …

A Helping Hand Out Of The River: Refugee Perspectives For Provider Engagement, Brian L. Isakson, Elizabeth R. Stein, Alexandra Olson, Destiny Waggoner, Jill Holtz, Sara Ali, Suha Amer, Martin Ndayisenga

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: A growing number of refugee groups are seeking care within the U.S. health care system for medical, psychological, and social needs. Research is limited in understanding refugee-specific conceptualizations of helping relationships and provider characteristics that improve interactions in health systems. This study aimed to identify provider characteristics that facilitate engagement and helpfulness in a refugee-specific population from refugee participant voices to inform future practices of health care clinics.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews with refugee participants were conducted to assess 1) experiences moving on from difficult experiences, 2) engagement with the health system, and 3) provider characteristics that facilitated engagement and …

Slow Surgical Correction Affects More Than Just The Bowels, Emilia M. Clementi

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

Reflection on how delayed colostomy reversal affects a patient's mental and physical well-being.

Barriers And Facilitators To Achieving Well-Being In Pediatric Providers, Whitney Marvin, Jillian Harvey, Natasha Ruth

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Physician well-being has become increasingly important for health systems across the country due to the strong ties between quality, safety, and overall patient outcomes. Burnout has increased steadily and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study seeks to successfully identify factors that both enhance and detract from well-being in a cohort of pediatric faculty and advanced practice providers (APPs).

Methods: This study utilized a multimethod approach including surveys and a total of 8 semi-structured, virtual focus groups of pediatricians and advanced practice providers (orchestrated through Microsoft Teams) to understand perspectives on burnout and well-being. Each …

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 …

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 …

Management Of Anxiety And Depression In Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery, Mansour Jannati, Amir Aslani

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Depression and anxiety are common events in 30-40 percent of post coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients. Depression symptoms in patients with CAD are expected to be significantly more, comparing the public incidence rate. Impaired remedy after coronary artery events may partly be attributed to depression and anxiety. If anxiety continues, it may lead to elevate metabolism and oxygen consuming. High level of anxiety increases the pain sensation in post CABG patients. This paper aimed to review results and findings of previous studies in the field of anxiety and depression management of post coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Up …

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 …

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 …

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss - A Life Changing Condition For Women, Denisa Oana Balalau, Fernanda-Ecaterina Augustin, Delia-Maria Bogheanu, Alin-Gabriel Negulescu, Romina-Marina Sima, Anca Silvia Dumitriu, Stana Paunica, Liana Ples

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is estimated to occur in 2.5% of women trying to conceive. Definition of RPL varies depending on used guideline. In Europe, RPL is defined as two or more lost pregnancies before 24 weeks’ gestation. Although many factors have been associated with a higher risk of recurrent miscarriage, the aetiology is unknown in about half of cases. Several factors have been related to recurrent pregnancy loss, such as: environmental, behavioral, genetic, endocrine, metabolic, autoimmune, anatomic, thrombophilia and male factor. Given the multitude of etiopathogenic factors, RPL frequently requires an interdisciplinary approach for diagnosis and treatment. By its …

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 …

Geriatric Depression Screening And Chief Complaint: What Is The Risk For 30- And 90-Day Readmission?, Eric James, Joan Michelle Moccia, Victoria Lucia

Journal of Geriatric Emergency Medicine

Abstract

Background:

Readmission to the hospital within 30-days has a high cost and represents a gap in care for older adults. Older adults are at significant risk for depression, particularly given their medical comorbidities and social factors such as isolation due to SARS-CoV-2. Many patients who screen positive for depression may have no known history of depression. This investigation examines the relationship between a positive geriatric depression screen and chief complaint as a function of 30- and 90-day readmission risk.

Methods:

We examined the electronic medical record of 329 older adults aged 65 and older from February 1, 2020, to …

Skin Stories And Family Feelings: The Contradictions Of Skin Picking In Mother And Daughter, Katrina Jacinto

Crossings: Swarthmore Undergraduate Feminist Research Journal

Skin picking, otherwise known as dermatillomania, is considered to be a medical disorder by the DSM-5. However, the embodied experiences of skin picking in myself and my mother do not align with the neat definitions offered by psychiatry. Through autoethnographic material and an ethnographic interview with my mother, I argue that skin picking is a bodily technique that is pathologized through stigma. In particular, I suggest that skin picking reveals the body as a polyvalent entity, in which the same features and practices take on different meanings in different bodies. This frames the discrepancies between mine, and my mother's, experiences. …

Living With Brain Cancer: From Researcher To Patient, Stephen P. Chelko, Daniel L. Fay Ph.D.

Patient Experience Journal

As an academic researcher, my work-life revolves around testing the efficaciousness of pharmaceutical drugs on the prevention of cardiac dysfunction, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death in animal models of heart disease. I never thought I would go from someone studying a life-threatening disease to a patient living with one in twenty-four hours. Yet, that transformation occurred October 8, 2019. I was just appointed to Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (JHUSOM), yet after sitting for my professional headshot I had a grand mal seizure. I cannot recall this event, but I bit the tip of my tongue …

Fear Of Covid-19, Anxiety, Depression And Suicide Among Elderly Patients With Chronic Physical Or Mental Diseases, Vasiliki Holeva, Vasiliki Aliki Nikopoulou, Eleni Parlapani, Konstantinos Karkaletsis, Styliani Kokkoni, Dimitrios Nouvakis, Patroklos Theocharis, Ioannis Diakogiannis

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Older age renders individuals vulnerable during public emergency crises. Considering that older adults are a highly heterogeneous and continuously growing demographic subgroup, this study aimed to assess the mental health impact of COVID-19 on two groups of older patients: a group of chronic physical disease and a group of chronic mental disease. A total of 102 patients completed the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, the Brief Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and several questions regarding demographic characteristics. Suicidality was assessed by the 9th item of the PHQ-9. According to the results, older chronic disease patients showed higher …

Eating Disorders In Men: A Comprehensive Summary, Connor James Spratt, Liam Alexander Mackenzie Myles, Emanuele Maria Merlo

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Eating disorders (EDs) have detrimental effects on an individual’s physical and mental health, along with significant interpersonal, social and economic effects. Furthermore, men who are suffering with an ED face unique challenges with this. Men suffering with EDs have historically received little attention within ED research, diagnosis and intervention. However, the number of men suffering with these issues is significant and growing. Understanding of EDs tend to ignore male experiences, meaning many are left to suffer in silence until the ED has developed to a critical point. However, many now recognize the need to understand the issues facing men suffering …

Dental Fear, Anxiety, And Phobia; Causes, Diagnostic Criteria And The Medical And Social Impact, Nadya Avramova

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Despite technological advances in modern medical science and practice, many people still associate dental treatment with unpleasant emotional sensations and pain. According to the current literature, dental fear and anxiety are psychological barriers that negatively affect frequency of patient attendance which results in avoidant behavior and poorer oral health-related quality of life.

This paper was therefore aimed at discussing basic theoretical aspects concerning diagnostic criteria, causes, and impacts of dental fear, anxiety, and phobia. Clarifying their differential diagnostic characteristics, clinical features and specific causes may play an important role in proper diagnosing, positive influencing, and management of this group of …

Associations Between Cannabis, Psychosis, And Schizophrenia In Adolescents, Lauren Moment

Academic Leadership Journal in Student Research

The effects of cannabis use on the brain, mind, and body have been studied for decades. The developing brain, particularly the adolescent and young adult brain, undergoes critical development that makes it especially susceptible to the effects of cannabis use. Among the adverse effects of cannabis use in adolescence and young adulthood, psychosis and psychotic disorders (e.g., schizophrenia) have been examined. The association of cannabis use with schizophrenia was first elucidated in a Swedish study of army conscripts. Specifically, conscripts reported their cannabis use exposure and were followed longitudinally to assess the emergence of schizophrenia. The authors found that those …

Virtual Behavioral Health Treatment Satisfaction And Outcomes Across Time, Mindy R. Waite, Sara Diab, James Adefisoye

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have major and long-lasting impacts on health care delivery and mental health. As health care shifted to telehealth, legislation was adjusted to expand telehealth allowances, creating a unique opportunity to elucidate outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess long-term patient and clinician satisfaction and outcomes with virtual behavioral health.

Methods: Data were obtained over 16 months from surveys to patients and clinicians receiving/providing virtual treatment. Outcomes data also were collected from medical records of adults receiving in-person and virtual behavioral health treatment. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Groups were compared using …

Consumer Experience Of Mental Health Services During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Evidence From An Australian Mental Health System, Sarah Kelshaw, Jason Boyd, Irene Gallagher, Grant Sara

Patient Experience Journal

COVID-19 has increased the need for mental health care but disrupted its delivery. We examined impacts of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumer experience of NSW hospital and community mental health services, compared to their pre-COVID baseline. We also examined whether increased telehealth use was associated with changes in the quantity or experience of community mental health care. Data were 73,488 Your Experience of Service (YES) surveys from state mental health services in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, grouped into three periods: pre-COVID (January 2018 to March 2020), early-COVID (April to June 2020) and stable-COVID (July to …

Erratum To: Teachers’ Views On Preparation For Employment Of Young Autistic People, Biranavan Thavapalan, Emanuele Maria Merlo

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Background. Contemporary literature indicates that there is significant support and assistance provided by schools for young autistic people, with a positive impact on the accessibility of jobs. Nevertheless, the employment rate of autistic people is unacceptably low in the UK. The current study investigated teachers’ views on the preparation for employment of young autistic people in the UK. Methods. Interviews were conducted with individuals from the educational field and thematic analysis was used to explore the teachers’ views regarding the factors that could have an impact on the preparation for employment of young autistic people. Results. Four main themes emerged …

Decreased Cognition Is Associated With Altered Cardiovascular Autonomic Functions And Decreased Baroreflex Sensitivity In Women With Premenstrual Syndrome, Jothi Marie Feula, Dhanalakshmi Yerrabelli, Gopal Krushna Pal, Soundirarajan Subhashri

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a clinical entity of concern in women of reproductive age group with its onset during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle that typically resolves within a few days after the onset of menstruation. Female reproductive hormones stimulate the gene promotor region of Gonadal steroids, which are modulators of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, in association with the autonomic nervous system (ANS), form the stress system, which regulates the homeostatic mechanisms of the body. Disruption of this mechanism can lead to sympathovagal imbalance and cognitive deficits. Objectives: This study was aimed to compare the autonomic functions and …

The Vespa Project: Virtual Reality Interventions For Neurocognitive And Developmental Disorders, Emanuele Maria Merlo, Liam Alexander Mackenzie Myles, Salvatore Marco Pappalardo

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

VESPA is a financed project supported by the Sicilian Regional Research and Development funds, and it is structured by the development, research and validation of Virtual Reality (VR) based application for the diagnosis and treatment of neurocognitive conditions. In particular, this article presents its characteristics, referred to as the first (2013-2015) and second (2021-ongoing) generations of VESPA, with particular reference to literature regarding the VR technology application and development, the VR treatment of neurocognitive conditions and prior versions of this intervention. Through a comprehensive review of the research conducted over the last 5 years, evidence has emerged supporting VESPA’s aim …

Intelligent Malingering In The Setting Of Porphyria Variegata: A Rare Occurrence On Both Fronts, Gersham J. Rainone, Oleg E. Reznik, Mahrukh Majeed, Alina Popa

Transformative Medicine (T-Med)

Malingering can be a difficult diagnosis to discern, especially in patients with well-crafted stories presenting with signs and symptoms that align directly with the literature. This can further become a challenge when a patient is malingering in the setting of a rare disease, where many complaints can be subjective in nature and not entirely testable by physical exam alone. Malingering is responsible for billions of dollars of healthcare waste every single year, and this report can serve as a guide of history elements, signs and symptoms to look out for with patients malingering in the setting of the porphyrias. It …

Alzheimer's And Patient Caregiver Burnout: A Review Of The Literature, Madeline Hekeler

James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal (JMURJ)

The term “silent epidemic” is fitting for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as its negative impact is widely felt but rarely discussed. Burnout among AD caregivers has become an epidemic of its own as caregivers experience an increase in health risks, stress, and financial burden. This literature review focuses on caregiver burnout and how imperative it is that caregivers are better supported in their role. Researchers have developed instruments to assess and intervene in caregiver burnout that have shown effectiveness among caregivers and their families.Nevertheless, further longitudinal research is warranted regarding more effective interventions, including stress management and social support mechanisms.

Hallermann-Streiff Syndrome And Psychosis: A Case Report, Tarvis Peacock, Ubaid Khokhar, Jaclyn Murphy, Zach Murphy

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Hallermann-Streiff syndrome is a rare genetic congenital disorder, with fewer than 200 cases reported to date, that is characterized by brachycephaly with frontal bossing, micrognathia, a “bird-like” beaked nose, microphthalmia with congenital cataracts, dental abnormalities, hypotrichosis, skin atrophy, and short stature. There is limited data on psychosis in individuals with Hallermann-Streiff syndrome; the information available depicts mania rather than psychosis. This case report reviews the presentation and treatment of psychosis in a 32-year-old male with Hallermann-Streiff syndrome who was involuntarily admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit for persecutory delusions and hallucinations. The patient’s psychosis responded well to risperidone with a …