Psychiatry and Psychology Commons^™

The Use Of Glp-1 Agonists In Alcohol Use Disorder And Reducing Alcohol Consumption: A Scoping Review, Alec Birnbaum, Yashas Sattur, Akash Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) reigns as one of the most pressing issues in the United States with high rates of complications, morbidity, and mortality. Recent studies have exhibited the potential for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists to decrease alcohol cravings or alcohol-related adverse events through human and animal studies via reward and satiety signaling pathways. To investigate the ability of GLP-1 agonists to decrease alcohol use, alcohol cravings, and alcohol-related adverse events, this study conducted a scoping review of the current literature to uncover the potential benefit of GLP-1 agonists in patients with AUD. A systematic search across 6 databases was …

Effects Of The Non-Stimulant Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor, Atomoxetine, On Cognitive Flexibility In Healthy Adult Long-Evans Rats, Noah A. Ivak, Samantha Walkow, Christopher Knapp, Eleni Papadopoulos, Barry D Waterhouse, Rachel L Navarra

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Executive function is the control of multiple higher order cognitive processes that include attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility is the ability to shift behavioral strategies

in response to changing environmental demands and task complexity. This cognitive modality is often impaired in many neuropsychiatric disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Deficits in cognitive flexibility are associated with dysregulation of the catecholamines, norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) within the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Atomoxetine (ATX), a non-stimulant NE reuptake inhibitor, elevates levels of NE and DA in the PFC by inhibiting the norepinephrine transporter (NET). ATX is used to …

How Does Exposure To Early-Life Stressors Shape Eating Behaviors In Adulthood?, Surabhi Panda

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The objective of this literature review is to explore the relationship between early-life stress and the development of disordered or dysregulated eating in adulthood. A search was conducted across PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycINFO databases. Results from each study were compared and synthesized. Twelve studies were analyzed including case reports, systematic reviews, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies. Research indicates that childhood emotional abuse, often more prevalent than other forms of maltreatment, is a significant risk factor for eating pathology, with studies investigating psychological mediators such as anger, anxiety, and dissociation in this relationship. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and early life …

Understanding Obesity Risk In Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities: Key Diagnoses And Factors, Elizabeth Kolaski, Wendy Aita, Jennifer Lecomte, Andrea Iannuzzelli

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background:

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have obesity rates nearly twice those of the general population, leading to higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and reduced quality of life.¹ Genetic syndromes such as Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Down syndrome (DS) feature distinct mechanisms driving weight gain.² The burden of obesity in IDD exacerbates health disparities and strains caregivers and healthcare systems.³ Yet, comparative obesity prevalence and its drivers across specific IDD diagnoses remain poorly characterized.⁴

Hypothesis:

Obesity prevalence and underlying risk factors differ among IDD diagnoses …

Effects Of Social Isolation On Cecum Opioid Receptor Expression And Affective Behavior, Jordan Riser, John Tkaczynski, Nicole Shellenbarger, Maya Patel, Daniel Chandler, Daniel Manvich

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND

Psychological stress can induce gastrointestinal symptoms and exacerbate existing gastrointestinal disorders, indicating an interaction between the central and enteric nervous systems. Central nervous system activation of opioid receptors stimulates sympathetic outflow to the enteric nervous system, delaying motility and reducing gastrointestinal secretions, producing a similar clinical presentation to IBS.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesize that social isolation induces anxiety states, disrupting homeostatic noradrenergic activity in the brain and gut, leading to neurophysiological changes in the cecum characterized by altered expression of opioid receptors.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were housed in either group (control) or socially isolated conditions. Affective behavior was assessed using …

Cardiovascular Risk Factors In The Autism Spectrum Disorder Population, Christian C. Iannuzzelli, Andrea L. Iannuzzelli

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The population of patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have multiple risks and barriers that may make access to proper health care more difficult. After extensive research, some of these barriers may have been identified that pose greater risks to generating proper care for those with ASD. Some of these barriers include medical complexity, more sedentary lifestyles, poor food choices, as well as health comorbities. Some of these health comorbidities include hypertension, metabolic dysfunction, sleep apnea, and inflammation. This study aims to understand what barriers and risks for CVD are present in those with ASD.

Patient Education And Health Literacy Effects On Statin Use And Adherence, Ian M. Smith, Richard G. Olarsch, Alison M. Mancuso

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: While the use of statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) plays a significant role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, it is estimated approximately 60% of patients who would benefit from a statin are receiving these medications. Current research suggests that a preference for life-style intervention over medical management, concern over medical adverse reactions, and a lower perceived risk of cardiovascular events is associated with statin non-adherence.

Methods: An IRB-approved paper survey was administered to patients aged 18 to 89 at an ambulatory primary care clinic for non-acute visits. Qualtrics was utilized to collect, store, and process data. Information elicited from …

Eating Behavior Differences Across Dementia Diagnoses: The Roles Of Behavioral Symptoms And Anticipatory Physiological Responses, Charlie J. Lorkovic

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Objective: To determine how behavioral symptoms and impairment of the preparatory physiological response contribute to disordered eating behaviors in dementia, particularly frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods: This secondary analysis utilizes data from 242 patients (191 FTD, 51 AD) who took part in a collaborative study between the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California, San Francisco. Preparatory physiological responses were measured as heart rate increases from a baseline to an instruction period, when participants were informed that they were about to watch an emotional film. Behavioral symptoms, including eating behaviors, were assessed using the Neuropsychiatric …

Exercise As An Intervention For Postpartum Depression (Ppd), Kylie P. Mistretta

Honors Scholar Theses

Objective: To illustrate the applications of exercise for preventing the development of postpartum depression (PPD) and addressing associated risk factors identified in the literature. Data Sources: PubMed and EBSCO: Academic Search Premier were accessed using the search terms exercise OR physical activity OR yoga AND postpartum depression OR postnatal depression. A secondary search of PubMed was conducted using the search terms exercise AND pregnancy AND depression OR gestational diabetes OR weight gain OR sleep quality.

Study Selection: Studies selected for inclusion were peer-reviewed, published after January 2012, written in English, and relevant to the PPD risk factors examined. Only clinical …

A Narrative Review Of Military Reverse Triage., Daniel J Hurst

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

INTRODUCTION: Military reverse triage has been described at several points in the literature. However, an extensive review of the concept and any gaps that may exist has not been conducted. This narrative review seeks to understand how reverse triage is used in the military literature and how it might be implemented in practice, as well as the documented historical applications of reverse triage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four databases were searched manually for English-language articles: PubMed, SCOPUS, JSTOR, and Worldwide Political Science Abstracts. In addition, a manual search of references, U.S. DoD, and NATO doctrine, as well as other published works …

Reevaluating Informed Consent: Integrating Shared Decision-Making Into Spinal Surgery For Better Patient Outcomes., Jeffrey N Wang, Mohamed A Elhakeem, Matthew J Mesimer, Paul G Mastrokostas, Salman Ahmad, Tim Reed, Brandon Klein, Lucas E Bartlett, Adam D Bitterman, Andrew Megas

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Study Design: Narrative review.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to answer the following questions: (1) What is the quality of informed consent in spine surgery, including both neurosurgery and orthopaedic spine surgery? (2) What limitations impede the ability of surgeons to engage in effective shared decision-making (SDM) and obtain adequate informed consent? (3) What strategies and solutions may improve the quality of informed consent and SDM? (4) What factors decrease the incidence of litigation in spine surgery?

Methods: N/A.

Results: SDM is a collaborative process where patients are involved in their treatment choices through open communication about risks, …

Physiological Indicators Of Social Anxiety In Preschoolers With The Fragile X Premutation, Olivia Cyburt

Senior Theses

The Fragile X premutation (FXpm) is a common genetic disorder often characterized by psychiatric impairments, including anxiety. It results from a trinucleotide repeat expansion (CGG) of 55-200 repeats on the FMR1 gene. Despite its association with psychiatric symptoms, there is limited research regarding the relationship between FXpm and anxiety, particularly social anxiety. Early detection of social anxiety is essential for timely intervention, yet it remains challenging to identify in young individuals with FXpm due to limited research. The present study aimed to bridge this gap by examining social anxiety in preschoolers with the FXpm, utilizing both a physiological and behavioral …

Effects Of Social Isolation On Locus Coeruleus Opioid Receptor Expression And Affective Behavior, John Tkaczynski, Jordan Riser, Maya Patel, Nicole Shellenbarger, Jin Park, Daniel Manvich, Daniel J Chandler

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Social isolation is a stressor that impairs homeostatic neuroendocrine functions and is associated with the development of several mood disorders characterized by persistent negative affect. Persistent feelings of loneliness have been growing public health concerns for several years and were greatly exacerbated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The problem has grown so severe the U.S. Surgeon General recently declared loneliness to be an epidemic health concern that is associated with poor mental and somatic health outcomes. Therefore, identifying mechanisms of neuroadaptation that contribute to the development of persistent negative affect is a critical step in the identifying better …

Protocol And Design Of The Repose Study: A Double-Blinded, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial To Evaluate The Efficacy Of Suvorexant To Improve Postoperative Sleep And Reduce Delirium Severity In Older Patients Undergoing Non-Cardiac Surgery, John Michael Fallon, Mona Hashemaghaie, Christy E. Peterson, Dieplinh Tran, Sophie R. Wu, Jonathan M. Valdes, Nicole M. Pedicini, Melissa E. Adams, Marjorie Soltis, Wissam Mansour, Mary Cooter Wright, Karthik Raghunathan, Miriam M. Treggiari, Cina Sasannejad, Michael J. Devinney

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative delirium occurs in up to 40% of older surgical patients and has been associated with prolonged hospital stays, long-term cognitive impairment and increased 1-year postoperative mortality. Postoperative sleep disturbances may increase the risk of delirium, but studies investigating pharmacotherapies to improve postoperative sleep to prevent delirium remain limited. Suvorexant is a selective antagonist of orexin 1 and 2 receptors and is approved for insomnia pharmacotherapy by the Food and Drug Administration. It has the potential to improve postoperative sleep and reduce postoperative delirium rates, but randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to determine the efficacy of postoperative suvorexant …

Awareness On Environmental Air Pollution Among Adults In Rural Mysuru, Rakesh M, Jesymol Joy, Sunil Kumar D

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Introduction

Air pollution is a major environmental threat and one of the main cases of death among all risk factors known so far. Health effects also include preterm and low-birthweight, asthma as well as cognitive and neurological impairment basically having the potential to impact our whole body, way beyond our lungs. The proposed study focusses on to assess the awareness on air pollution and factors associated with it among adults in South Mysuru which can put a light on the preventive measures and policies to be taken by the individuals as well as the authorities.

Methodology

A Community-based cross-sectional study …

Alcohol And Cannabis Use For Pain Management: Translational Findings Of Relative Risks, Benefits, And Interactions, Sumin Lee, Scott Edwards

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Chronic pain affects over 20% of the global population and contributes to the vast burden of psychiatric illness. While effective treatments for chronic pain remain limited, both alcohol and cannabis have been used for centuries to manage pain and closely associated negative affective symptoms. However, persistent misuse of alcohol and/or cannabis in such a negative reinforcement fashion is hypothesized to increase the risk of severity of substance use disorders (SUDs). The current review describes neurobiological evidence for the analgesic efficacy of alcohol and primary cannabis constituents and how use or co-use of these substances may influence SUD risk.

Assessing The Effects Of Long-Covid On Mental Health In The United States: A Population Based Study, Anusua Datta

School of Business Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: While most individuals recover fully from COVID-19, a significant proportion of survivors experience prolonged symptoms lasting three months or more, a condition commonly referred to as long-COVID. Long-COVID conditions have been associated with reduced quality of life. By utilizing a nationally representative sample of nearly a million Americans, this study provides insights into the prevalence and impact of long-COVID on anxiety and depression in the U.S.

METHODS: We utilize the Household Pulse Survey data, which provides the first population-based sample on the prevalence of long-COVID, beginning with its June 2022 wave. This survey also includes questions on respondents' mental …

The Unfolding Story Of Protein Misfolding Causing Alzheimer Disease In Recipients Of Human Pituitary Growth Hormone, Evan G. Graber, Sayed M. Hadi Hosseini, Darrell M. Wilson, Alan D. Rogol

Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Faculty Papers

Human growth hormone (hGH) has been in clinical use for children with GH deficiency (GHD) since the late 1950s. The original formulations were considered very safe with few adverse events reported. That changed remarkably in 1985 when the first patients with GHD, who had been treated with cadaveric hGH, were diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Fortunately, that same year a robust supply of recombinant hGH was released to the market whose adverse event profile did not include CJD. Patients who had received National Hormone and Pituitary Program hGH have been continuously followed since 1985. It is clear that prions are …

Exploring The Relationship Between Psychiatric Illness And Dermatological Disorders: A Narrative Review, Alan D. Kaye, Rahib K. Islam, Abigayle M. Castine, Grace C. Wester, William T. Barham, Catherine G. Nguyen, Elena Plakotaris, Bradley Dorius, Julian Kim, Patricia Griffin, Amber Edinoff, Sahar Shekoohi, Giustino Varrassi

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

The interplay between psychiatric conditions and dermatological disorders is complex and multifaceted, often resulting in significant challenges for both diagnosis and treatment. This narrative review examines associations between specific psychiatric conditions, trichotillomania, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and various dermatological disorders. The present investigation delves into pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical presentations, and management strategies of these comorbid conditions. Psychiatric disorders can exacerbate dermatological conditions through mechanical trauma, medication side effects, and stress-induced exacerbations, while dermatological disorders can lead to significant psychiatric morbidity. The biopsychosocial approach, emphasizing the importance of integrated care involving dermatologists and mental health professionals, is crucial …

Clozapine Induced Eosinophilic Pleural Effusion With Peripheral Eosinophilia After Two Years: A Case Report And Literature Review, Emiliya Boriskina, Christopher J. Etterle

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

There has been a steady increase in reports of clozapine causing eosinophilic pleural effusions (EPEs). For an effusion to be classified as eosinophilic it must have greater than 10% eosinophils, and is commonly associated with peripheral eosinophilia. Numerous etiologies exist for EPEs, and symptoms include dry cough, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, and acute to chronic sputum production. The effusions are usually exudative and unilateral. When considering medication-induced EPEs, an extensive work-up should be done as it is a diagnosis of exclusion. If suspected, then the Naranjo probability scale can be applied. Despite the growing list of implicated medications, …

Ethnic Disparities In Hba1c And Hypoglycemia Among Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: Beyond Access To Technology, Social Deprivation And Mean Blood Glucose, J. Pemberton, Zhide Fang, Stuart Chalew, S. Uday

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Introduction The UK national pediatric diabetes audit reports higher HbA1c for children and young people (CYP) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) of Black ethnicity compared with White counterparts. This is presumably related to higher mean blood glucose (MBG) due to lower socioeconomic status (SES) and less access to technology. We aimed to determine if HbA1c ethnic disparity persists after accounting for the above variables. Research design and methods A retrospective analysis of participants who received structured education in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) use was conducted at a tertiary center. HbA1c was paired with glucose metrics from 90-day CGM data. The …

Case Report On Endocrine Induced Paralysis - " Unraveling The Impact Of Thyrotoxicosis On Potassium Homeostasis.", Srujith Pullipudi, Basava Chethan, Srinath K. M, Savitha Vijayakumar, Meghna B.S.

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism, marked by episodes of muscle weakness and hypokalaemia. Although it predominantly affects young Asian men, it can also occur in females and individuals from non-Asian ethnic groups. TPP is a treatable form of hypokalaemic periodic paralysis and can often be the first indication of thyrotoxicosis. Triggers such as a high-carbohydrate diet, strenuous exercise, emotional stress, and steroid use can provoke TPP attacks. During an acute episode, the key diagnostic indicators are hypokalaemia along with elevated levels of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Treatment consists of two phases: promptly correcting hypokalaemia …

Assessment, Decision, Adaptation, Production, Topical Experts-Integration, Training, And Testing (Adapt-Itt) Framework To Tailor Evidence-Based Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Treatment For People With Hiv To Enhance Engagement And Adherence: Qualitative Results From A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial, Cristina M. Lopez, Angela D. Moreland, Stephanie Amaya, Erin Bisca, Christin Mujica, Tayler Wilson, Nathaniel Baker, Lauren Richey, Allison Ross Eckard, Patricia A. Resick, Steven A. Safren, Carla Kmett Danielson

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Individuals with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and HIV are at high-risk for negative HIV-related outcomes, including low adherence to antiretroviral therapy, faster disease progression, more hospitalizations, and almost twice the rate of death. Despite high rates of PTSD in persons with HIV (PWH) and poor HIV-related health outcomes associated with PTSD, an effective evidence-based treatment for PTSD symptoms in PWH does not exist. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the adaptation and theater testing of an evidence-based intervention designed for people with co-occurring PTSD and HIV. METHODS: The Assessment, Decision, Adaptation, Production, Topical experts-integration, Training, and Testing (ADAPT-ITT) …

A Case Of Biopsy-Proven Atopic Dermatitis Perpetuated By Psychosomatic Factors, Henry Lim, Jamie Y. Choe, Marshall Hall, Arianne Felicitas, Christian Scheufele, Garrett Furth, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Psychodermatology is an interdisciplinary branch of psychosomatic medicine that addresses interactions between the psyche and skin. Stress is often a key exacerbating factor and highlights the bidirectional relationship between psychological factors and skin disorders. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin condition affecting pediatric and adult populations with an estimated global prevalence of approximately 2.6%, or approximately 204 million people. AD classically presents with a red, scaly, pruritic rash. Here, we present a case of biopsy-proven AD induced by stress-associated behaviors related to patient-identified obsessive-compulsive habits. Case Presentation: A 61-year-old female presented for persistent itching and white discoloration in …

Case Report Of Tricyclic Antidepressant Toxicity With Prolonged Qt/Qtc And Widened Qrs On Ekg, Alexandra Doan, Joshua Wilkes, Jonathan Leggett, Jarratt Lark

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Presenting As Alopecia Anxiety: A Case Report, Henry Lim, Paige Loux, Arianne Felicitas, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Garrett Furth, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) involves a preoccupation with a nonexistent or insignificant physical defect that causes clinically significant distress and impacts a patient's daily functioning. We present a case of a patient with body dysmorphia that manifested as anxiety about hair loss. Case Information: A 48-year-old otherwise healthy female presented to the dermatology clinic with the chief complaint of 8 months of hair loss. She had been seen previously by 2 other dermatologists. She brought 28 pages of paperwork to her first appointment detailing previous work-up, including four separate skin punch biopsies consistent with androgenetic, non-cicatricial (non-scarring) alopecia. Other …

Prevalence Of Depression And Its Coping Strategies Among Rural And Urban Geriatric Population, Mohit Negi, Smitha M C

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Aging is a natural process, and older age is a period in which most aspects of life require support from others. Globally, Depression is a serious public health concern among elderly populations. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of depression and its coping strategies among geriatric population and to evaluate the association between socio-demographic factors and level of depression.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 study participants in both rural and urban areas. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was used to measure the depression and brief-COPE (28-items) scale was used to measure the coping …

Hemifacial Spasm Due To Dolichoectasia Of Vertebral And Basilar Arteries, Meena Iyer, Shasthara Paneyala Dr.

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Dolichoectasia refers to the non-focal dilatation and tortuosity of arteries, primarily affecting the vertebral and basilar arteries due to severe tunica intima degeneration. It is associated with genetic predisposition and atherosclerosis, leading to vessel wall weakening. Patients may remain asymptomatic or develop neurological deficits due to mass effect. We report a case of a 60-year-old male presenting with hemifacial spasm secondary to vertebral artery dolichoectasia. Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) revealed ectatic and tortuous basilar and vertebral arteries, with the left vertebral artery compressing the left facial nerve complex. Using Smoker’s criteria, a diagnosis of dolichoectasia was confirmed. Dolichoectasia-induced hemifacial spasm …

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis In Pediatric Asthma : A Diagnostic Challenge Mimicking Tuberculosis, Praveen Das, Santosh Kondekar, Surbhi Rathi

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a rare hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus, more commonly observed in adults and patients with cystic fibrosis. It can, however, present in pediatric asthmatics with refractory symptoms, leading to diagnostic challenges due to overlapping features with other pulmonary diseases, including tuberculosis. ABPA should be considered in children with uncontrolled asthma and atypical radiologic features, especially when unresponsive to standard therapies. Early recognition and appropriate management are critical to prevent irreversible lung damage and improve quality of life.

Distinguishing Narcolepsy Hallucinations From Drug-Induced Hallucinations In An Adolescent With Comorbidities, Avidor Gerstenfeld, Biwy Emmanuella Cadet, Salma Alkhatib, Annette Santiago

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.