Psychiatry and Psychology Commons^™

Ministry Organization Response To The Mental Health Crisis, Bryn L. Wood

Senior Honors Theses

The mental health crisis has been negatively affecting individuals across the globe for about half a century, only growing in its impact each year. However, following the Covid-19 pandemic, mental health crises skyrocketed. This is especially true for youth and young adults as physical isolation has altered many facets of their lives. This thesis will explore the mental health crisis, as well as the way it has impacted youth and young adult organizations. Specifically, it will discuss research on recommended ways for these organizations to respond to the mental health crisis through unique programming and how these practices have been …

Postpartum Depression In Adolescent Mothers: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Screening Tools, Social And Cultural Interventions, Ysabella M. Co

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Pregnancies among adolescents is often an outcome of improper sex education and understanding. It is vital to provide mothers with the proper medical care and resources throughout their pregnancy and postpartum period to prevent any risks or harm from occurring. With the complexities and stressors of pregnancy at such a young age, it is important for healthcare to provide resources regarding postnatal depression diagnoses and interventions, especially to a population that is at risk for mental health issues. Objective: To provide adolescent mothers thorough medical care and lessen the risk of experiencing postpartum depression. By providing frequent …

New Insights Into The Mechanisms Of Electroconvulsive Therapy In Treatment-Resistant Depression, Ana C Ruiz, Abdul Haseeb, William Baumgartner, Edison Leung, Giselli Scaini, Joao Quevedo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains one of the most effective interventions for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), particularly in cases involving severe symptomatology, suicidality, or psychotic features. Despite advancements aimed at enhancing the safety and cognitive tolerability of ECT, concerns about cognitive side effects continue to limit its broader acceptance. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying ECT is therefore critical for refining its use and maximizing clinical outcomes. Through a narrative review of recent literature, this paper synthesizes current evidence comparing the efficacy of ECT, ketamine, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of TRD. Then, the review delves into …

Effectiveness Of Post-Discharge Interventions Following Psychiatric Hospitalization On Readmissions And Suicide Prevention Among Adolescents, Maria Paz Eladia Posadas

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Suicide is a pervasive and far-reaching issue. Psychiatric hospitalization is often used as an intervention for individuals, including adolescents, experiencing suicidal ideation and/or behavior. However, post-discharge care may lack structure or clearly defined follow-up services, which can result in rehospitalizations and increased suicidality. Objective: The goal of the proposed research study is to investigate how implementation of peer support groups for adolescents following psychiatric hospitalization can assist in reducing readmissions and mitigating suicide risk. This can also help shape strategies for managing care after discharge. Method: The proposed research study utilizes a quantitative quasi-experimental design to determine the efficacy …

Autism And The Delay Of Diagnosis In African American Communities, Kiara Loud

Theses and Dissertations

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability accompanied by a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders. ASD can affect anyone regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or ethnicity (CDC, 2025). Individuals with ASD tend to have issues with various challenges and strengths regarding how they learn, think, and solve problems. Some children with ASD have repetitive patterns of behavior, restricted interest in activities, and difficulty in communication and social interaction.

According to the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of ASD 1 in 100 children diagnosed with Autism. Additional data supplied by the CDC states that the number of children with …

Psychological Impacts In Exercise Riders And Professional Jockeys Following Injury, Kelley M. Renner

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

One of the most well-known equestrian sports, horse racing, is not only a cornerstone of Kentucky’s economy, but also a vital part of its culture, with professional jockeys playing an essential role in the local communities and traditions that define the state. Despite its popularity and financial impact, mental health challenges within the sport have continually been shrouded in silence and ignored in research (Ball et al., 2007). Equally concerning is the high injury prevalence, and psychological impact of these injuries (e.g., psychological distress, depression, anxiety, loss of identity, and self-esteem (King et al., 2022; Losty et al., 2019; McConn-Palfreyman …

Investigating The Role Of Dynamic Signaling Of Nrg3-Erbb4 In The Prefrontal Cortex In Mediating Nicotine Withdrawal Phenotypes, Emily Prantzalos

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

While several pharmacotherapies are currently available for nicotine use disorder (NUD), smoking cessation success rates remain below 10% each year. The molecular mechanisms underlying failed quit attempts continue to represent a critical gap in our knowledge. However, recent advances in understanding the genetic contributions to nicotine dependence offer a promising avenue for developing more effective cessation therapies. Prior research has identified genetic variation in Neuregulin 3 (Nrg3) and its cognate receptor ErbB4 as potential contributors to affective nicotine withdrawal (WD) phenotypes and cessation outcomes. Therefore, this dissertation aims to systematically investigate the region-specific, functional role of the Neuregulin Signaling Pathway …

Havana Syndrome: A Scientific Review Of An Unresolved Medical Mystery, Aishik Dutta

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background

Since 2016, U.S. and Canadian officials have reported Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs), or "Havana Syndrome," characterised by a strange sensory experience followed by chronic neurological, cognitive, and vestibular issues. The cause is intensely debated, with primary hypotheses pointing to either psychosocial factors or a directed-energy weapon, creating a significant medical and geopolitical puzzle.

Methods

This review critically assesses the current evidence by analysing peer-reviewed clinical studies and major institutional reports.

Results

The findings are deeply contradictory. A 2020 NASEM report identified directed, pulsed radiofrequency energy as the most plausible mechanism for a core set of symptoms. Conversely, comprehensive 2024 …

Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Preoperative Dexmedetomidine Nebulization Versus Lignocaine Nebulization In Attenuation Of Stress Response During Direct Laryngoscopy And Endotracheal Intubation In Elective Surgeries Under General Anaesthesia: A Randomised Control Study At A Tertiary Care Hospital, Mandya, Sumayya E., Kiran A V., Santhosh M C B., Shivakumar G

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Introduction: Direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation are known to provoke harmful stimuli that can lead to transient, unpredictable, and variable hemodynamic alterations, primarily due to heightened sympathoadrenal activity.¹ Various pharmacological agents have been explored to mitigate this stress response; however, none have emerged as optimal.²

Aim: This study aims to compare the effects of nebulized dexmedetomidine in comparison to nebulized lignocaine on the hemodynamic stress response during direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation, including any adverse effects in patients undergoing general endotracheal anesthesia.

Materials and Methods: Informed consent was obtained from 60 patients aged 18 to …

Study Of Maternal And Fetal Outcomes In Pregnancy Complicated By Thyroid Disorders, Sindhu Kumari, Poornima M

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background:

Thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism, are common during pregnancy and can significantly impact both maternal and fetal outcomes. Despite advancements in screening and treatment, thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy often remains underdiagnosed, especially in low-resource settings. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, outcomes and effective management strategies of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy.

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of thyroid dysfunction, including both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, during pregnancy, and their associated maternal and fetal complications.

Methods: This prospective observational study included 281 pregnant women with thyroid disorders attending antenatal care at JSS Hospital, Mysuru, from August 2022 …

Felt Need For Psychiatry Clubs In Medical Colleges To Enhance Teaching-Learning, Aditya Rao, Sheryl Agarwal, Sharanya Bose, M Kishor

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Mental health competence is critical for medical graduates, yet in India the treatment gap for common mental disorders remains substantial, with prevalence estimates indicating up to 80.4% of unmet need. Recent reforms under the Competency-based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum have expanded psychiatry training; however, deficiencies in applied skills, preventive psychiatry, and communication remain. Psychiatry clubs have been proposed as supplementary, student-led platforms to address these limitations. This cross-sectional study assessed the perceived need for psychiatry clubs among undergraduate medical students and explored their potential role in enhancing teaching–learning. A structured online survey was administered to 94 students across different phases …

Changing Climate, Changing Health: Perspectives From General Population In Mysuru, Lekhashree A, Manirsha P V, Paranthaman Chinnasamy, Srishti Arya, Sunil Kumar D

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Climate change has emerged as a major public health concern, contributing to rising morbidity and mortality worldwide. In India, increasing heat waves, unpredictable rainfall, and deteriorating air quality have intensified climate-sensitive health conditions. This study aims to assess the health impacts of climate change among the general population of Mysuru.

Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 residents of Mysuru (April–June 2024). Participants were recruited through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire via Google Forms. Analysis was performed using SPSS v26, with descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Among 400 participants, …

A Study Of Electrocardiogram And Echocardiography Parameters Of Post Covid – 19 Patients, Venkateswararao K, Durga Prasad Sadhupati

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Coronavirus Disease – 2019 [COVID-19] infection is multisystem disease not restricted to the lungs it has negative impact on Cardiovascular system by activation of ACE-2 receptors causing plaque stability, vascular inflammation and MI. ECG and 2D ECHO is a simple bed side diagnostic test can be used to assess cardiovascular disease involvement in such patients. We aimed to find out ECG and 2D ECHO abnormalities of Covid – 19 patients. To Study relation of SARS-COV-2 infection and Prevalence of Cardiovascular disease.

Methods: We perform Cross Sectional study among 500 Post Covid – 19 patients [>20 and

Results: Out …

Pregnancy-Related Delusional Beliefs In Midlife And Late-Life Women: A Case Series, Dyuksha Arora, Ashita Adarsh, Kishor M. Manohar Rao, Anand R, Soumya Rajshekar Patil, Akshatha Cj

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Pseudocyesis and delusional pregnancy represent rare but clinically significant presentations across psychiatric practice. While pseudocyesis involves a false belief of pregnancy accompanied by physical manifestations, delusion of pregnancy refers to a fixed belief of being pregnant despite clear contrary evidence. Both conditions pose considerable challenges as they involve close consultation and liaison between Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Psychiatry. There are a few studies from tertiary care general hospitals in India. Here we report two case series.

Case 1: A 43-year-old married woman from a rural background with an 8-year history of recurrent depressive disorder and dysthymia, presented with 3 months …

Subclinical Myocardial Disease: The Next Frontier In Cardiovascular Prevention., Param Darpan Sheth, Chandana S., Nimrah Rehman

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Subclinical myocardial disease refers to pathological cardiac changes that precede overt symptoms. It represents an emerging frontier in cardiovascular disease prevention; wherein early detection of myocardial dysfunction could allow timely intervention to avert heart failure (HF) and other outcomes. This narrative review summarizes the current and emerging tools for detecting subclinical myocardial disease, including advanced cardiac imaging and circulating biomarkers, and discusses their potential to improve risk stratification and preventive care in asymptomatic high-risk individuals. Novel echocardiographic measures such as global longitudinal strain (GLS) can unmask subtle systolic dysfunction despite preserved ejection fraction, while cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) tissue mapping …

One Airway, One Disease In Pregnancy: A Prospective Observational Study On The Correlation Between Upper And Lower Airway Inflammation In Pregnant Women, Durga K, Yuvarajan S

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: The well-established "One Airway, One Disease" concept recognizes the deep physiological and pathological connections between conditions affecting both the upper and lower respiratory tracts, most notably allergic rhinitis and asthma. During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes significant immunological, hormonal, and physiological changes, which can profoundly influence and modulate existing or emerging airway inflammation.

Objective: This prospective observational study was designed with the primary objective of meticulously evaluating the correlation between upper and lower airway inflammation in pregnant women. We aimed to achieve this by assessing a range of clinical symptoms, objective functional parameters, and specific inflammatory markers.

Methods: We …

Comparision Of Buprenorphine Versus Butorphanol As An Adjuvant To Intrathecal Hyperbaric Bupivacaine For Elective Infraumbilical Surgeries : A Randomised Control Study At A Tertiary Care Hospital, Mandya, Surabhi C A, Dr. Kiran A V. Associate Professor, Dr. Shivakumar G Pofessor And Hod, Umesh N P

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Introduction: Spinal anaesthesia is the most popularly performed procedure in the field of anaesthesiology. Hyperbaric bupivacaine, the local anaesthetic most commonly used, has limitation as its effect lasts only for 1.5-2 hours. Hence a lot of adjuvants have been tried to enhance the analgesic effect of bupivacaine.^[2] Opioids remain the mainstay among the various adjuvants to local anesthetics in spinal anaesthesia primarily by virtue of its various properties such as reducing the dose of local anaesthetic, minimizing side effects, and prolonging the duration of anaesthesia.^[3]

Aim: This study aims to compare the sensory and motor characteristics …

A Happy Medium?: Using Image Generators To Explore Solution-Focused Art Therapy’S Miracle Question, Daniel A. Hernried

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This mixed methods, randomized, single-session study tested whether integrating text-to-image generations into Solution-Focused Brief Art Therapy alters therapeutic rapport and short-term outcomes relative to traditional artmaking materials. Participants were assigned by coin flip to create using either a text-to-image generator or convention media (23 per group), completing immediate and three-day follow-ups. Alliance was measured using DREAM (Dimensions of Regard, Empathy, and Authenticity Metric), and problems were rated pre/post; groups did not differ significantly on DREAM total or facets, and both modalities produced reliable pre-to-post reductions in problem severity. At the same time, process differences were pronounced: the AI condition showed …

The Intersection Of Autism Spectrum Disorder And Mental Health: A Focus On College Students, Sudeepta Matha

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Rising prevalence rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), changes in diagnostic criteria, and increased public awareness have all contributed to the growing population of college students with ASD. However, many individuals - commonly referred to as the “lost generation” - go undiagnosed, due to experiencing negative interactions with mental health professionals. As a result, these individuals are not given the proper support and interventions required for a successful transition into adulthood, and often face heightened social isolation, academic problems, mental health challenges compared to their neurotypical peers. A combination of these factors can lead to increased suicidal ideation (SI) and …

The Quality-Of-Life Benefits And Risk Of Isotretinoin (Accutane) In Acne Treatment: A Systematic Review, Noelia Valencia Zuniga

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent dermatological condition, particularly affecting adolescents and young adults. While often treated as a cosmetic issue, acne can significantly impair a patient's mental health and overall quality of life (QoL). Isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, is widely regarded as the most effective treatment for severe and persistent acne. However, its use is controversial due to a range of potential side effects, including psychiatric symptoms, teratogenicity, and other systemic complications. To better understand the risk-benefit profile of isotretinoin in acne treatment, we conducted a systematic review, focusing on the QoL benefits and risks associated with its use. …

Organization And Activation Of Caffeine Expectancies, Catherine S. Forsyth

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Caffeine is the most consumed and widely used psychoactive substance in the world. Whether someone uses caffeine or not, expectations about use can be influential to some degree. Expectancies exist everywhere and are extremely influential in all aspects of life. Regarding drug use, expectancies can affect behavior, outcomes, and one’s experience with the drug. Caffeine is no exception, caffeine expectancies have been seen to play a role in several actions such as the development, maintenance, and reinforcement of caffeine use. This study examined latent use profiles of caffeine and relationships between the profiles and the activation of caffeine expectancies. Multidimensional …

Assessing The Relationship Between Perceived Psychological And Physical Pain In Adults With Orthopedic Pain, Daniel C. Karimi Dehkordi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Suicide remains a public health concern in the U.S., particularly among individuals experiencing chronic pain and psychological distress. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between perceived physical and psychological pain in 41 adults with chronic orthopedic conditions. The relationship between other risk and protective factors and perceived levels of pain distress was also examined. Results showed a significant positive correlation between psychological distress and physical pain (r(39) = 0.388, p < .05) and psychological distress and depressive/anxiety symptoms (r (39) = 0.477, p < .01). Psychological distress was moderately associated with feelings of hopelessness (r (39) = 0.403, p < .01), however, the relationship between physical pain and hopelessness was weak and nonsignificant (r (39) = -0.06, p = .71). Contrary to expectations, emotional support did not buffer the effects of psychological distress (r (39) = 0.07, p = 0.66). Mediational analysis confirmed that emotional support did not influence the relationship between physical pain and psychological distress (Beta (β) = -0.969, p = 0.572; Sobel Z = 0.5598, p = 0.575). Age was not correlated with psychological distress (r (39) = -0.24, p = 0.13) or mental health symptoms (r (39) = -0.05, p = .77). While there was no significant difference across sex, males reported higher mental health symptomatology and psychological distress scores than female counterparts. These findings underscore the direct impact of physical pain on psychological distress and challenge assumptions about the protective role of social support. The study highlights the need for integrated, multidisciplinary interventions targeting both physical and psychological pain to mitigate suicide risk among individuals with chronic orthopedic conditions. Future research should iii explore alternative support mechanisms and resilience-building strategies to address the complex interplay of pain, distress, and suicidality.

Comparative Efficacy Of Hallucinogens In Treating Mood Disorders Through A Meta-Analysis Of Symptom Reduction, Dosage, And Duration, John Marco D.F. Muniz

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Hallucinogens including psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ketamine, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) (as ayahuasca), have re-emerged as potential rapid-acting treatments for mood disorders. We conducted a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials evaluating their efficacy in depression and anxiety disorders. Methods: A systematic review identified 12 trials (Total ≈ 670) meeting inclusion criteria (randomized, placebo-controlled). Data on Cohen’s d and Hedges’ g effect sizes for depression- and anxiety-related outcomes were extracted. We computed pooled effect sizes (weighted by sample size and inverse variance), performed subgroup analyses by drug, diagnosis, follow-up duration, and outcome measure type, and assessed heterogeneity (I², Q …

Childhood Aggression: A New Conceptualization, Hannah G. Harrison

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Childhood aggression is a frequently observed behavioral phenomenon, yet lacks a precise
definition in both the DSM-5-TR and current research literature. Definitional ambiguity and
construct enmeshment continue to create construct confusion for researchers, clinicians, and
informants. This empirical review of the current literature and diagnostic criteria examines how
childhood aggression has been historically conceptualized, defined, and described. The primary
aim was to identify and clarify inconsistencies in current definitions and to address knowledge
gaps to improve diagnostic clarity. Through a thematic synthesis of recent literature, several key
issues emerged: the absence of a precise definition of childhood aggression; reliance on …

The Emotional Landscape Of Aviation Pilots: Analysis Of Online Professional Forums Using Natural Language Processing, Adrienne S. Renwick, Leo Gonzalez, Charles L. Silber, Alyson Mullen, Cass Dykeman, Adam Stewart, Jennifer C. Ross, James Geisler

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

This study investigated burnout related to emotions in three categories of pilots: commercial passenger, commercial cargo, and military. While pilot burnout has been previously studied, challenges in self-reporting limit understanding. This study extends previous research by analyzing pilots' anonymous online forum posts to gain insight into burnout-related emotions. Natural Language Processing was conducted with the RoBERTa-base-go_emotions model, which analyzed 1,130,530 online forum posts from commercial passengers, commercial cargo, and military pilots for 27 emotion categories and one absence of emotion category (i.e., neutral). An exploratory composite score reflecting burnout-related emotional expression omnibus burnout score was calculated using seven burnout-related emotions …

Residual Next-Day Effects Of Alprazolam On Psychomotor Performance And Simulated Driving In Healthy Normal Adults, Stevie C. Roszkowski, Shanna Babalonis, Marion A. Coe, Paul Nuzzo, Michelle R. Lofwall, Laura C. Fanucchi, Sharon L. Walsh

Center on Drug and Alcohol Research Faculty Publications

The prevalence of drugged driving has increased in the United States. Some drugged driving may be unintentional as prescription medications used as sleeping aids, like zolpidem, cause impairment after the predicted duration of therapeutic action has elapsed. The aim of this study was to determine if nighttime administration of alprazolam, a drug commonly prescribed off-label as a sleeping aid, impacts driving performance the following day. Participants were healthy adults (n = 15) who completed a double-blind, double-dummy, within-subjects inpatient study examining the effects of nighttime administration of alprazolam (0.5, 1, and 2 mg), zolpidem (10 mg), and placebo on driving …

Ketamine Infusion Treatment For Depression, Isabella Schwing

Capstone Showcase

Depression remains a significant public health challenge in the U.S., affecting millions of adults and contributing to both psychological and financial burdens. Major depressive disorder impacts approximately 14.5 million U.S. adults, with about 30% of cases classified as treatment-resistant depression. Traditional antidepressant therapies, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, often have delayed onset and limited efficacy, leaving a substantial portion of patients without adequate relief. Given these limitations, there is an urgent need for alternative treatment options.

Recent research has highlighted ketamine as a promising intervention for Major Depressive Disorder and Treatment Resistant Depression. Initially identified as …

Combining Internal Family Systems Therapy And Dance Movement Therapy To Treat Survivors Of Sexual Assault, Tierney O'Keefe

Scripps Senior Theses

The mammalian nervous system is primed to connect with loved ones, flee from danger, and shut down when overwhelmed. The nervous system frequently enters a state of chronic dysregulation after a traumatic event, such as a sexual assault. In order to properly heal from such trauma, treatment must address both the body and the mind. Internal family systems therapy and dance movement therapy provide two frameworks to address nervous system dysregulation and restore balance to the system as a whole. This study combines both therapies into a hybrid therapy treatment as an attempt to address the somatic nature of stored …

Weighted Family History Density Of Substance Use: Influence On Participant Substance Use Onset, Escalation, And Duration, Carleigh A. Litteral

Theses and Dissertations--Psychology

Substance use disorders impose a staggering toll on the United States (U.S.), straining healthcare systems, destabilizing communities, and profoundly impacting both individuals and families. Approximately one in six Americans aged 12 and older had a past-year substance use disorder in 2022 (Key Substance Use, 2022), and nearly one-third of adults experience a substance use disorder in their lifetime (Wu, 2010), contributing to an economic burden exceeding $400 billion annually (National Drug Threat Assessment, 2011). Family history of substance use disorders is a key predictor of vulnerability, with individuals who have affected relatives being 2–8 times more …

Assessment Of Effectiveness And Evaluation Of Perception Among Students Towards Flipped Classroom Learning: A Prospective Study., Nagaraja Prasad Sai, Vedavathi Hanumaiah, Shreenivas Prabhakar Revankar, Shruthi S. Lingesh, Avanthi Eshwar

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

BACKGROUND: Flipped learning (FL) is a teaching learning approach in andragogy. In FL students are involved in self-directed learning with the teacher acting as a facilitator and a moderator. Introduction of Competency Based Medical Education led many educators to shift from traditional teaching to blended teaching learning methods. This study was conducted to assess effectiveness and evaluate students’ perception towards FL.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To assess effectiveness of FL teaching in improvement of student scores and to evaluate student’s perception towards FL teaching.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pre-class activities included study materials in the form of PowerPoint slides …