Psychiatry and Psychology Commons^™

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Does Black Cohosh Improve Anxiety/Depression Symptoms In Women Who Are Postmenopausal?, Priya Patel

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine is Black Cohosh effective for reducing anxiety/depression symptoms in postmenopausal women?

DESIGN: Review of three English language primary randomized controlled studies published from 2005-2009.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trials comparing Black Cohosh to placebo or hormonal therapies were found using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the three trials assessed the efficacy and clinical improvement in anxiety symptoms with the use of Black Cohosh. Studies utilized to measure change in anxiety symptoms included Harrison Anxiety Rating (HAM), Symptom Rating Test (SRT), and Kupperman Test.

RESULTS: Two …

Is Propranolol Administration Following A Traumatic Event Effective In Reducing Symptoms Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?, Timothy J. Goulet

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not propranolol administration following a traumatic event is effective in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials published in 2002, 2007, and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials found using PubMed and Cochrane Library databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The incidence of PTSD symptoms was measured in patients following traumatic events after the administration of propranolol. This was done using The Screening Tool for Early Predictors of PTSD, the Clinician …

Do N3 Fatty Acid Supplements Effect Depressive Symptoms Post Cardiovascular Event In Men And Women Ages 40 And Older?, Lindsey G. Caton

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not n-3 fatty acids have an effect on depressive symptoms post cardiovascular event in men and women ages 40 and older.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language random controlled trials published between 2011-2012.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials published after 2011 comparing the effects of n-3 fatty acid supplementation on depressive symptoms post cardiovascular event and one randomized controlled trial comparing n-3 fatty acid supplementation effects on depressive symptoms in elderly patients with diagnosed depression. The studies were obtained using the …

Is Animal Assisted Therapy Using Dogs An Effective Treatment For Positive And Negative Symptoms For Adult Inpatient Schizophrenics?, Brian Davidson

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) using dogs is an effective treatment for positive and negative symptoms for adult inpatient schizophrenics.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of 3 articles published in English in peer reviewed journals between 2005-2009

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials and one allocation by minimization controlled trial comparing the effects of AAT using dogs on positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia to control groups. All articles were found using PubMed and PROQuest

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Focused questionnaires were given before and after …

Is The Use Of The Drug Buprenorphine And Naloxone (Suboxone) As Effective In Suppressing Opioid Dependency And Its Withdrawal Symptoms, Or Is It Simply A Surrogate For The Opiate With The Addictive Results?, Christina T. Lekas

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of the drug Buprenorphine and Naloxone (Suboxone) is effective in suppressing opioid dependency and its withdrawal symptoms, or is it simply a surrogate for the opiate with the same addictive results.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three primary studies in the English language published in 2010 and 2011.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, controlled and double blind clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of Suboxone in signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal were found using the EBSCO Host and Lexi-Comp databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Likability …

Are Antidepressants Effective For Smoking Cessation In African American Smokers Aged 18 And Older?, Jennifer M. Myskowski

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not antidepressants are effective for smoking cessation in African American smokers aged 18 and older.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two randomized controlled trials published in 2002 and 2011 and one pilot randomized control trial published in 2011, all English language.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized, double-blind, controlled trials comparing bupropion to a placebo group and one pilot randomized controlled trial comparing varenicline with adherence support for smoking cessation to the control without adherence support. All articles were found using Medline, PubMed, and OVID.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: …

Is Animal Assisted Therapy With Dogs Effective In Improving Psychosocial Variables Of Mood In Hospital Patients?, Kelsey A. Morris

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not animal assisted interventions with dogs are effective in improving psychosocial variables of mood in hospital patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two English language randomized control trial published in 2008 and 2007, and one English language clinical trial published in 2009.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized, controlled trials comparing animal assisted interventions to absent animal interaction, interaction with a human being, engaging in another interactive activity, or no treatment were found using PubMed and Cochrane System Reviews.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Anxiety was measured by POMS …

Does Supplementation Of N-3 Fatty Acids Containing Dha Throughout Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Improve Child Cognition?, Bianca E. Parenti

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the supplementation of N-3 fatty acids containing DHA throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding improve child cognition.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three double blind randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) published in 2003 and 2011.

DATA SOURCES: Three peer-reviewed RCTs were found using PubMed and Medline. These studies compared DHA supplementation against various placebos.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: enhanced child cognition was assessed via various exams, including the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) and Fagan tests. Significant outcomes were evaluated through the use of SD, Mean …

Does Epigallocatechin Gallate Improve Mood In Heathly Adults?, Bethany J. Wong

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) improves mood in healthy adults.

STUDY DESIGN: A review of three peer-reviewed journal articles written in the English language published between 2009 and 2012.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies comparing the effect of EGCG to placebo on mood were found using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Outcomes measured in the studies included change in mood. Patient ratings of mood were measured using Mood Visual Analog Scales (Mood VAS), the University of Wales Institute of Science and …

Is Melatonin An Effective Treatment For Sleep Problems In Autism?, Andrew J. Winkler

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not melatonin is an effective treatment for sleep problems in Autism.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language, randomized controlled blinded trials published within peer-reviewed journals from 2006-2010 evaluating the efficacy of Melatonin as an oral sleep supplement in diagnosed autistic children.

DATA SOURCES: A double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial; a randomized controlled crossover trial; and a randomized controlled trial found using Cochrane, PubMed, and DynaMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Total night’s sleep duration, number of awakenings, and sleep latency time were all measured …

Is Music Therapy A Complementary Treatment Option For Perinatal Women Experiencing Stress And Anxiety?, Samantha L. Wallace Mph

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not music therapy is a complementary treatment option for perinatal women experiencing stress and anxiety.

STUDY DESIGN: Literature review of three English language studies, published between 2006 and present.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were found using a search of Pubmed, Medline, OVID, and Cochrane databases. These studies analyzed the use of a music therapy intervention among pregnant or postpartum women suffering stress, anxiety and/or depression.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes of interest include stress, anxiety and severity of depression symptoms. Outcomes …

Does The Use Of Varenicline For Smoking-Cessation Therapy Create Or Increase Depression In Patients Without Existing Depressive Illness?, Brett R. Brown

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of varenicline for smoking-cessation therapy creates or increases depression in patients without existing depressive illness.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two randomized controlled trials published in 2011 and one observational cohort study published in 2009, all English language.
DATA SOURCES: Two randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials comparing varenicline to placebo in smoking cessation, and one observational cohort study comparing varenicline use within subjects. All articles were found using PubMed and EBSCO.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Changes in depression was evaluated using the MontgomeryÅsberg Depression Rating Scale …

Does Laughter Therapy Improve Symptoms Of Depression Among The Elderly Population?, Audrey L. Shaw

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or
not laughter therapy improves symptoms of depression among the elderly population.

STUDY DESIGN: A review of three studies written in the English language published between 2007 and 2011.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials and one pilot study comparing the effect of laughter therapy on depression were found using PubMed, Medline, OVID, and Cochrane databases.

OUTOMES MEASURED: Outcomes measured in the studies included depression, quality of life, and life satisfaction.

RESULTS: Laughter therapy was shown to be beneficial as both an independent …

Is Modafinil (Provigil®) Effective In Improving Cognitive Function In Adults With Narcolepsy?, Stephanie V. Bui

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not modafinil (Provigil®) is effective in improving cognitive function in adults with narcolepsy.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of all English language primary randomized controlled trials from 1996 to 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Double-blind, randomized controlled trials that compared modafinil (Provigil®) to a visually matched placebo were found using OVID, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Databases.

OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: Each of the three trials assessed the effect of modafinil on cognitive and executive function by Low-Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA), and the following assessment tools: Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Multiple Sleep …

Is Horticultural Therapy A Safe And Effective Treatment In Reducing Agitation For Dementia Patients In Nursing Homes?, Renee J. Chiodo

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not horticultural therapy is a safe and effective treatment in reducing agitation for dementia patients in nursing homes.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published between 2008 and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized control trials and a case series, which compare horticultural therapy to the use of traditional therapy methods.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The primary outcome measured in all three studies focus on the level of agitation in dementia patients. Secondary outcomes also included efficacy of sleep as well as level of cognition. …

Is Yoga An Effective Management Strategy For Disordered Eating?, Patricia G. Byrne

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether yoga is an effective management strategy for disordered eating.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published in 2007, 2009, and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized control trials that evaluated yoga as a treatment intervention for disordered eating found using Medline@OVID and PubMed.

OUTCOME MEASURED: Outcomes were interpreted by eating disorder severity as measured on the Eating Disorder Examination, Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale, and Binge Eating Scale. Secondarily, there was an assessment of associated attitudes and behaviors towards eating, including body satisfaction, physical activity level, …