Psychiatry and Psychology Commons^™

Is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (Tens) An Effective Treatment For Pain Caused By Knee Osteoarthritis?, Zuhra Nassery

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “is TENS an effective treatment for pain caused by knee osteoarthritis?”.

Study Design: A systematic review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2012 and 2019.

Data Sources: All RCTs were discovered utilizing PubMed. The articles were published in English in peer-reviewed journals and selected based on applicability and pertinence to the clinical question as well as the incorporation of patient-oriented outcomes.

Outcome Measured: Knee pain was the outcome measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), which requires participants to draw a mark between the …

Is Acetyl-L-Carnitine Effective And Safe In Treating Children With Adhd?, Kirstie Dominique

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to see how effective and safe is Acetyl-L-Carnitine in treating children with ADHD.

Study Design: This systematic review evaluated 3 randomized, controlled and double blind articles all published in English, which were published in peer-reviewed journals. The articles were found on PubMed through PCOM’s library website.

Outcomes measured: This review assessed how safe and effective ALC would be in treating children with ADHD. The outcomes were measured using the Parent and Teacher ADHD Scale IV, Conners’ Global Index-Parents Scale, Conners’ Global Index – Teachers Scale and the Vineland scores …

Does Sertraline Decrease Depression In Patients Who Suffered A Traumatic Brain Injury (Tbi)?, Christina Costantino

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Does sertraline decrease depression in patients who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English between 2009-2016.

DATA SOURCES: One RCT and two double-blind, placebo-controlled, RCTs found via PubMed evaluated the benefit of the antidepressant drug, sertraline (Zoloft), in decreasing depression in patients who suffered a TBI.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Main outcomes were measured using the DSM-IV, Hamilton Rating Score for Depression (HAM-D)6 , Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)6 , and the Life-3 quality of life (QOL)6 , …

Is Curcumin An Effective Treatment For Major Depressive Disorder?, Virginia Hoptman

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not curcumin is an effective treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of three peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2017.

DATA SOURCES: Two of the studies were randomized, double-blind, and placebo controlled. The third study was a randomized controlled trial. All three studies were chosen due to relevance to the clinical question and if they included patient oriented outcomes. The studies were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes of the studies were measured using self-report scales on each patient’s mood. The …

Is The Use Of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids As Adjunctive Therapy Effective In Reducing Symptom Severity In Adult Schizophrenia Patients?, Desiree Goenaga

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) as adjunctive therapy is effective in reducing symptom severity in adult schizophrenia patients.

STUDY DESIGN: A selective review of three peer-reviewed, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials published between the years of 2008 and 2016.

DATA SOURCES: All three randomized control trials were published in English and were selected from peer-reviewed journals via EmBase and PubMed based on relevance to the clinical question posed above and that the outcomes measured in the studies mattered to patients, or were “patient oriented.” …

Does Metacognitive Training Improve The Quality Of Life In Patients With Schizophrenia?, Amy Wei

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Does metacognitive training (MCT) improve the quality of life in patients with schizophrenia?”

Study Design: Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in peer-reviewed journals between 2010-2014, all in the English language; two of which were published in 2014 and one in 2010.

Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials found using PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: Quality of life with a focus on social relationships was assessed using the Brief Quality of Life Questionnaire of the World Health Organization (WHOQOL-BREF) or Quality of Life Scale (QLS). …

In Adult Patients With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Ocd), Is The Amino Acid N-Acetyl Cysteine (Nac) Effective In Reducing Severity Of Ocd?, Sabrina M. Toles

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “In adult patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), is the amino acid N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) effective in reducing severity of OCD?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, published between 2015-2017.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were found using PubMed-NCBI. These studies analyzed the effectiveness in reducing the severity of OCD in adults with OCD. OUTCOME MEASURED: The main outcome measured was a reduction of OCD severity after taking N-Acetyl Cysteine. Outcomes were measured using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). Participants …

Attitudes About Future Genetic Testing For Posttraumatic Stress Disorder And Addiction Among Community-Based Veterans., Michelle R. Lent, Stuart N Hoffman, H Lester Kirchner, Thomas G Urosevich, Joseph J Boscarino, Joseph A Boscarino

PCOM Scholarly Works

This study explored attitudes toward hypothetical genetic testing for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction among veterans. We surveyed a random sample of community-based veterans (n = 700) by telephone. One year later, we asked the veterans to provide a DNA sample for analysis and 41.9% of them returned the DNA samples. Overall, most veterans were not interested in genetic testing neither for PTSD (61.7%) nor for addiction (68.7%). However, bivariate analyses suggested there was an association between having the condition of interest and the likelihood of genetic testing on a 5-point scale (p < 0.001 for PTSD; p = 0.001 for …

Is Hypnotherapy An Effective Treatment In Smoking Cessation In Comparison To Alternative Methods?, Dana Luciano

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not hypnotherapy is an effective treatment in smoking cessation in comparison to alternative methods?

Study Design: Systematic review of 3 English language primary studies, published between 2013-2014.

Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published on/after 2013 comparing the use of hypnotherapy to alternative methods in the treatment of smoking cessation. The other methods include nicotine replacement therapy, relaxation therapy and single versus group hypnotherapy and were obtained using the Cochrane Library and PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: The outcome of each study measured the effects of hypnotherapy by …

The Effects Of A Trauma-Informed Care Training Program On Mental Health Professionals Knowledge, Skills, And Attitudes With The Smi, Angelina Pelletier

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Trauma has been found to be highly prevalent among individuals diagnosed with SMIs. Mental health professionals have been reported to misdiagnose or avoid addressing trauma in this population. There is a need to provide information about trauma and to foster awareness among mental health professionals who are treating individuals diagnosed with SMIs. With a TIC approach, operating from a recovery-oriented philosophy, there have been interventions created to address trauma and SMIs with the aim of developing awareness about trauma and the impact it may have on someone’s life. With these factors in mind, mental health professionals should be competent in …

Is Flibanserin A Safe And Effective Treatment To Increase Sexual Desire In Premenopausal Women With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder?, Rebecca Lee

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Flibanserin is a safe and effective treatment to increase sexual desire in premenopausal women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled trials published in 2013, 2012, and 2012; selection was based on their relevance to the clinical question and if they contained patient oriented outcomes.

DATA SOURCES: Three peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials comparing the use of Flibanserin to placebo in the treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder were found on PubMed.

OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: For each trial patients were divided into two …

Is Yoga An Effective Treatment For Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd)?, Marissa Ionna

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is Yoga An Effective Treatment For Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?”

Study Design: Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in peer reviewed journals between 2010-2014, all English language.

Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials were found using PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: All three studies measured improvement in PTSD symptoms through yoga therapy using self-reported patient questionnaires, visual analog scales, and vital signs.

Results: Studies by Telles et al. and van der Kolk et al. found that yoga therapy significantly improved symptoms in patients with Post-Traumatic …

Is Listening To Music While Exercising Effective In Reducing Stress?, Teresa Penetar

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine (EBM) review is to determine whether or not listening to music while exercising is effective in reducing stress.

Study Design: Review of three English language randomized control trials published in 2011 and 2013

Data Sources: The double-blind placebo-controlled randomized control trials were obtained via PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: Pretest-posttest surveys included the SF-36 Health Survey to assess self-reported health-related quality of life, the Activation- Deactivation Adjective Check List (AD-ACL) to measure mood, and a 9-item measure to assess emotion.

Results: Listening to music while exercising increased pleasant emotions in all 3 studies. …

Does Cognitive Remediation Therapy (Crt) Improve The Neuropsychological Function In Patients With Anorexia Nervosa?, Lindsay M. Padden

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) improves the neuropsychological function in patients with anorexia nervosa.

STUDY DESIGNS: Review of two randomized controlled trials and one non-randomized case series, published in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

DATA SOURCES: The three studies used in this review were published in English and found in PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: For all studies, neuropsychological function, such as memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility, were measured using pre- and post-treatment questionnaires. One study used a computerized task-shifting paradigm to determine cognitive flexibility.

RESULTS: Brockmeyer et al. and …

Does Yoga Decrease Self-Report Of Antenatal Depression Among Healthy Pregnant Women Aged 18-40 Years Old In The 2nd And 3rd Trimesters?, Emily J. Moore

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not yoga decreases self-report of antenatal depression among healthy pregnant women aged 18-40 years old in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.

Study Design: Review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in peer reviewed journals in 2013 and one RCT published in a peer reviewed journal in 2012 were used.

Data Source: Data sources included articles published in English in peer reviewed journals found using PubMed. Articles were selected based on their relevance to my clinical question.

Outcomes Measured: All four studies measured self-report of symptoms of …

Does Exogenous Melatonin Improve Quality Of Sleep In Patients Experiencing Sleep Disturbances Secondary To Chronic Diseases?, Blessen B. Thomas

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Does exogenous melatonin improve quality of sleep in patients experiencing sleep disturbances secondary to chronic diseases?”

Study Design: Three Randomized, placebo-controlled studies (RCT) published in 2010, 2013 and 2008. Data Sources: All RCTs searched and located using PubMed database.

Outcomes Measured: Clinical outcome for all three articles using quality of sleep or quality of life questionnaires such as the Leeds Sleep Evaluation. All of which evaluated POEMs, and were self reported by participants.

Results: In a randomized control study (RCT) by Serfaty et al, sleep quality …

Does The Use Of Oral Amphetamines Reduce Cocaine Use In Cocaine-Dependent Individuals?, Kevin M. Strate

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of oral amphetamines reduces cocaine use in cocaine-dependent individuals.

Study Design: Review of three English language randomized control trials (RCTs) published in 2001, 2003 and 2004.

Data Sources: 3 randomized controlled trials published after 1999 were obtained using PubMed, OVID, and Medline.

Outcomes Measured: The efficacy of using d-amphetamine to promote cocaine use cessation in cocaine-dependent individuals, determined using immunoassay and mass spectrometric analysis to identify cocaine metabolites in the participant’s urine.

Results: Grabowski et al (2004) found a significant reduction in the use …

Is Dance/Movement Therapy An Effective Treatment For Depression In Students?, Jillian R. Ranker

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence-based medicine (EBM) review is to determine whether or not Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) is an effective treatment for depression in students.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three published, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) between 2005 and 2013, all English language

DATA SOURCES: Three RCTs analyzing DMT use in depression were found using PudMed

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Decrease in depressive symptoms, measured by the Beck Depression Scale, a self-rated health questionnaire, and Symptom Check List-90-Revision (SCL- 90-R)

RESULTS: DMT resulted in lessened depressive symptoms for students in all three RCTs. Jeong et al. observed a significant decrease …

Is Incidence Of Nausea Influenced By Brintellix In Patients Over The Age Of 18 With Major Depressive Disorder?, Juris Eyler

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The Objective of this selective EBM review is to determine where or not, “Is Incidence of Nausea Influenced by Brintellix (Vortioxetine) in Patients over the Age of 18 with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, published between 2011 and 2013

DATA SOUCES: Three double blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Sources were found on PubMed and Cochrane Library databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: To measure the incidence of nausea in patients over 18 who are diagnosed with major depressive disorder taking Brintellix compared to a placebo.

RESULTS: The randomized controlled studies results found that Brintellix …

Trauma In Patients With Serious Mental Illness: The Acceptability And Impact Of A Brief Psychoeducational Intervention For Trauma In The General Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Setting, Kevin E. A. Giangrasso

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Prevalence rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMIs) are high, with an estimated 49% to 100% being exposed to potentially traumatic events. The consequences of these disorders are serious and lasting, with PTSD being the costliest of mental health disorders. At the same time, established evidence-based treatments for PTSD are often not feasible in treatment settings utilized by individuals with SMIs, namely the general acute inpatient psychiatric hospital. Psychoeducational approaches have been incorporated as a component of evidence-based interventions for trauma and have been feasibly implemented in the general acute inpatient psychiatric hospital. The …

Inventory Of Cognitive Distortions: Validation Of A Measure Of Cognitive Distortions Using A Community Sample, Michael B. Roberts

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine and evaluate further the psychometric properties of a self-report inventory of cognitive distortions using a nonclinical, community sample. A group of 474 individuals were contacted via the social networking site, Facebook, and through a college list-serve and were asked to complete multiple measures and also to send the link to other individuals, thus utilizing a snowball sample. The measures used included the Inventory of Cognitive Distortions (ICD), Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and a brief questionnaire to collect demographic information on each participant. Results revealed positive psychometric properties for …

The Effectiveness Of A Computer-Assisted, Cognitive-Behavior Program For Treating Anxiety Symptoms In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jennifer A. Zabel

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex and multifaceted, neurodevelopmental disorder that severely impacts children and families across a variety of settings. Prevalence rates of ASD are continuing to increase rapidly, with sizeable intervention and treatment costs placed on families and society. Further complicating the matter, many individuals with ASD also evidence co-occurring anxiety symptoms or disorders and tend to be at a higher risk for developing such problems when compared to other clinical populations or typically developing children. This study investigated the effectiveness of a computer-assisted CBT program, Camp Cope-A-Lot (CCAL), in regards to reducing anxiety symptoms in four …

Impact Of Group Cognitive Behavior Therapy On Adolescents With Deficits In Inhibition, Jessica L. Morley

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Existing literature connects impulse control dysfunction to high-risk behaviors and negative life outcomes. Evidence-based interventions for children and adolescents who are at-risk or who are displaying significant levels of impulsive behavior are necessary in order to promote self-control, and in turn, positive life outcomes. This study investigated the impact of an eight-week, school-based GCBT intervention on cognitive inhibition and behavioral impulsivity in adolescent participants. The intention of the study was to evaluate the trend in inhibition and impulsivity from baseline to post-intervention assessments across five middle school students dually enrolled in a residential treatment facility and a center-based emotional support …

Developing Executive Functions Through Mindfulness Training In School-Aged Children, Ashley Black Adams

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Well-developed executive functions are necessary for successful classroom functioning. Students with executive function deficits can fall behind academically as well as socially and emotionally, relative to their same-aged peers. Effective interventions for developing executive functions within the school environment are essential for addressing this issue. This study examines changes in students’ executive functions as a result of their participation in a mindfulness training intervention. Participants included four ten-year old elementary school boys who took part in a ten-week mindfulness training intervention. The data were generated through pre and post assessments with an executive function teacher rating scale and a Goal-Attainment …

The Anxiolytic Effects Of Self-Selected Music Among Primary Care Patients, Jennifer West-Gavin

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The primary care setting is commonly referred to as the first line of medical treatment sought for health related services. Anxiety is one of the most frequently encountered mental health issues in primary care. The purpose of this study was to examine the level of state anxiety experienced among primary care patients, attending for routine and nonroutine appointments; its further purpose was to examine if self-selected relaxing music accounts for the greatest reductions in state anxiety among primary care patients, as compared with investigator-selected (classical) music, audio commercials, or no music. Patients included a primarily underserved primary care population between …

The Relationship Between Adhd And Trait Facets Of The Five-Factor Model, Todd William Bennett

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Facets of the Five-Factor Model (FFM) were examined in order to understand its interaction with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-symptoms. By utilizing archival data, in a correlational design, adults between the ages of 18-66 were tested for the presence of ADHD, which was then compared with data gathered from the NEO-PI-R. Comorbid psychiatric conditions often associated with ADHD were accounted for in the design. Results partially supported the hypotheses, specifically, that altruism was inversely related to Impulsivity, as predicted. However, other findings largely did not support a relationship between other specific NEO-PI-R facets and ADHD. Other significant relationships that were …

Impacts Of Objective And Subjective Social Inclusion On The Quality Of Life Of Individuals With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders And Major Depressive Disorder, Katie A. Johanning-Gray

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Increased social inclusion and enhanced quality of life for individuals with severe mental illnesses (SMIs) are goals of the recovery movement. The present study examined the differences in reported subjective social inclusion (SubSI) and objective social inclusion (ObjSI) between individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) and those diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Furthermore, the amount of variance in quality of life (QOL) which can be predicted by type of diagnosis, SSDs or MDD, symptom severity, and SubSI and ObjSi was determined. An archival data set was used. Participants were 337 individuals whose primary diagnosis was an SSD or …

Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Effectively Decrease The Severity Of Chronic Pain In Patients With Motor Vehicle Accident (Mva) Associated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd)?, Reanna Gibbs

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not cognitive behavioral therapy effectively decreases the severity of chronic pain in patients with motor vehicle accident (MVA) associated post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of two randomized, controlled clinical trials published in 2009 and 2012, respectively, and one primary research case study published in 2003.

DATA SOURCES: Three published studies comparing patient reported reduction in pain severity following treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The extent of pain reduction experienced by the patient after receiving treatment. Recording …

Is Crocus Sativus L. As Effective As Fluoxetine For The Treatment Of Mild To Moderate Depression In Adults Aged 18-55?, Mobina A. Noory

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this EBM review is to determine whether or not Crocus Sativus L. is as effective as Fluoxetine for the treatment of mild to moderate depression in adults aged 18-55.

Study Design: Systematic review of three English language, double-blind randomized controlled trials published between 2005-2007.

Data Source: Three double-blind randomized controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals comparing the effectiveness of Crocus Sativus L. vs. Fluoxetine or placebo for the treatment of mild to moderate depression in adults were found using PubMed and Ebscohost.

Outcomes Measured: In all three articles the outcomes measured were improvement in depression symptoms …

Does The Addition Of Piracetam Safely And Effectively Improve Behavioral And Or Cognitive Functions In Schizophrenia?, Dieu Linh Nguyen

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine (EBM) review is to determine whether or not the addition of piracetam safely and effectively improve behavioral and or cognitive functions in schizophrenia.

STUDY DESIGN: The selected review from all English language, primary literature sources that were published between 1979 and 1999.

DATA SOURCES: Three double blind randomized controlled trials (RCT) and one case controlled clinical study that compared piracetam to a visually matched placebo was selected and found using Medline, PubMed, Ebscohost, and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the trials assessed the effect of Piracetam on behavioral and …