Psychiatry and Psychology Commons^™

Relationship Identification Between Triggers And Changes In The Brain And The Overall Human Electrophysiology During Migraines, Dominic Sandell, Jonah Dematto, Gianpiero Lara, Jasmine Rosales, Legacy Wilson, Zachary Young

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

One of the most common neurological conditions in the world is migraines; nearly 1/4th of the working population suffers from this condition and exhibits a large variety of triggers. The current treatment method for migraine uses few different medications for all migraines, regardless of triggers. Our hypothesis is that there is a specific relationship between the triggers of migraines and the electrical changes in the brain during migraines. It is known that electrical activity in the brain occurs during migraines; it is unclear whether these changes differ across triggers. The study incorporates two different data collection methods: electrophysiological tests (Electroencephalogram …

Exercise Intensity And The Effects On Mood And Wellbeing, Emily Amortegui, Ashley Albert, Riley Ensor, Keyanna Keyanna Jackson

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

With many students dealing with anxiety, sadness, and high levels of stress, mental health issues among college students have grown in intensity. A lot of research has been done on the possible benefits of physical activity for mental health, but most of it focuses on correlations rather than the biological mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of varying exercise intensities on physiological stress markers and mood in college students ages 18 to 25. To assure precise intensity levels, participants from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will work out at low, moderate, and high intensities while wearing heart …

Effects Of Sleep Duration And Perceived Stress Of Reaction Time In Undergraduate Students, Caitlin Wescott, Edna Urrutia, Ryan F. Rednick, David Still

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Sleep deprivation and psychological stress are common among undergraduate students and can negatively affect cognitive performance. Reaction time is an important indicator of attention and processing speed and plays a critical role in both everyday activities, such as driving, and high-performance environments where rapid responses are required. This study aims to examine how sleep duration and perceived stress levels influence reaction time in undergraduate students. Participants will report their sleep duration and perceived stress levels through short surveys and wearable sleep data, while reaction time will be measured using a standardized computerized reaction time test. By comparing reaction time across …

Uncovering The Path To Diagnosis Among Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Mini-Study, Jeffrey D. Whitaker, Rick Zoucha, Melissa Kalarchian

Graduate Student Research Symposium

Abstract

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often persists into adulthood, yet many adults are first diagnosed only after years of functional strain, compensation, and alternative explanations for their difficulties. Purpose: This study explored how adults first diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood described navigating the process of obtaining a formal diagnosis. Methods: A constructivist grounded theory mini-study was conducted with seven adults, ages 27 to 43, who reported receiving their first formal ADHD diagnosis at age 18 or later. Participants completed semi-structured Zoom interviews focused on early experiences, symptom interpretation, help-seeking, and formal assessment. Data were analyzed using initial, focused, and theoretical …

Premenstrual Disorders In Females With Neurodevelopmental Conditions: A Systematic Review, Akhila Archakam, Nikhila Archakam, Harshal Parmar, Wesley Kim

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are prevalent conditions associated with substantial functional impairment and psychiatric morbidity. Symptoms are driven by heightened sensitivity to cyclical fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone rather than absolute hormone levels. Individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), may exhibit altered neurobiological and emotional regulation pathways that increase vulnerability to these hormonal changes; however, this relationship has not been systematically synthesized.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from 2000–2026 for studies evaluating associations between ADHD, …

Evaluation Of Possible Suicide Attempt And Treatment Of Chronic Serotonin Syndrome: A Case Report, Lalitya Karra, Colin Villarin

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

No abstract provided.

Light Therapy Vs. Pharmacotherapy In Improving Quality Of Life In Seasonal Affective Disorder, Hitanshi Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a pattern of depressive episodes triggered by seasonal changes. Light therapy involves exposure to artificial bright light by stimulating the production of serotonin. Pharmacotherapy primarily requires careful consideration of side effects and patient response times. Findings indicate that light therapy not only leads to significant improvements in depressive symptoms but also long-term enhancement in quality of life. Pharmacotherapy, while effective for some, often involves delays in response and potential adverse effects that can diminish overall satisfaction.

Schizophrenia And Multiple Dka Episodes Leading To Neurocognitive Deficits In A 37yo Patient, Andrew Harmon D.O.

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Patient is a 37 year old female with a PPHx of schizoaffective disorder and PMH of type 1 Diabetes who has had numerous admissions to the ICU due to uncontrolled blood sugars in the setting of continued delusions and medication noncompliance. With continued episodes of DKA, patient continued to psychiatrically decline over the course of multiple years. Studies have shown that anti-psychotic treatment in schizophrenia can help improve cognitive functioning.

When Biomarkers Disagree: Diagnostic Challenges In Alzheimer’S Disease, Hayya Ali, Omar C. Chishti

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is commonly diagnosed using a combination of clinical evaluation and biomarkers, including amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and tau protein levels. However, discordant biomarker findings can complicate diagnosis and clinical decision-making. We present a case study of a patient with progressive cognitive decline who demonstrated positive amyloid PET imaging but negative tau biomarkers. The objective of this case report is to demonstrate key diagnostic challenges in Alzheimer’s disease and highlight the need for a comprehensive, multimodal diagnostic approach. This case underscores the limitations of relying on a single biomarker modality and highlights the potential for overlap …

Cannabis Use Disorder And Executive Function - A Literature Review, Jonathan Perumpail

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is recognized as a psychiatric condition characterized by persistent and problematic cannabis consumption that leads to marked functional impairment. Growing evidence suggests that chronic CUD exerts significant effects on executive functions such as inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, goal-directed behavior, and decision-making. This literature review integrates findings from 25 studies focusing specifically on individuals with objectively diagnosed CUD to explore the effects on cognition in this patient population. Across studies, deficits in executive function are consistently observed, with adolescents and early-onset users demonstrating increased vulnerability. Neuroimaging studies reveal structural and functional alterations in the prefrontal cortex and …

When Flashbacks Don’T Return: Lasting Ptsd Remission After Utilization Of Alpha-1 Adrenergic Antagonists, Priyal Pritesh Shah, Tara Young, Danah Atassi, Afshan Khan, Christie Richardson, Martin Forsberg

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction

Research has indicated that potentially 90% of older adults have undergone at least one potentially traumatic event in their lifetime. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric illness that follows a traumatic life event where the person is exposed to death, threatened death, actual or threatened serious injury, or actual/threatened sexual violence. This event triggers symptoms including flashbacks, recurrent nightmares, hypervigilance, dissociative reactions, and physiologic reactions to traumatic cues. Some recent reports in PTSD treatment have indicated the potential for the use of centrally-acting alpha-1 antagonists, such as prazosin and doxazosin, as effective treatments for PTSD-associated flashbacks and nightmares. …

Refractory Catatonia In Schizoaffective Disorder (Bipolar Type) Successfully Treated With Electroconvulsive Therapy, Shreya Kadi, Victoria Coles

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome

associated with mood and psychotic disorders and may

become life-threatening if untreated. While benzodiazepines

are first-line therapy, some cases are refractory and require

electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Hypothesis: Early use of ECT in refractory catatonia leads to

improved clinical and functional outcomes.

Methods: We present a retrospective case analysis of a 62-

year-old female with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type,

who developed severe catatonia during inpatient psychiatric

hospitalization. Clinical course, Bush–Francis Catatonia Rating

Scale scores, and response to treatment were reviewed.

Results: The patient presented with severe catatonia (Bush–

Francis score 19) and elevated creatine kinase …

The Use Of Prazosin In Individuals With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Scoping Review Protocol, Priyal Pritesh Shah, Marisa Riebesell, Afshan Khan, Amanda M. Carey, Emily Balog, Martin Forsberg

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent and debilitating condition, and is most often associated with sleep disturbances such as nightmares, flashbacks, and heightened arousal. Prazosin, an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist, has been widely used for PTSD symptoms, however findings across studies are variable and limited, and the scope of existing evidence is not well established.

Objective: This scoping review aims to systematically map the literature on the use of prazosin in individuals with PTSD across diverse populations, settings, and study designs.

Methods: The scoping review will be conducted in accordance with JBI methodology and reported following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A …

Assessing Medical Trainees Knowledge Of Secondary Traumatic Stress Before And After Clinical Experiences At The Cares Institute: A Literature Review, Anastasiya Matveyenko, Sarah Kleinle, Paul Furtaw, Rachel Silliman Cohen

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) has been positively correlated with burnout in healthcare professionals through numerous studies. It is defined as the natural consequent behaviors and emotions resulting from knowing about a traumatizing event experienced by another individual. Medical students experience high level of STS due to exposure to trauma during multiple clinical rotations. Child Abuse Research Education and Service (CARES) Institute treats children who have experiences of abuse, neglect, and other forms of trauma. As part of the current curriculum, Rowan SOM students rotate at the CARES Institute for at least a day for up to a month and might …

Worsening Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Ocd) With New Onset Dementia, Melvin D. Ways Jr

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic psychiatric condition typically characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors with preserved insight. Dementia, a progressive neurocognitive disorder, is frequently associated with behavioral and psychiatric symptoms; however, its impact on pre-existing OCD is less well understood.

Subject of study includes evaluation of neurodegenerative processes to exacerbate pre-existing OCD symptoms. Evidence suggests that dysfunction in shared fronto-striatal circuits—particularly involving the orbitofrontal cortex and basal ganglia—may underlie this relationship. Additionally, cognitive impairment may reduce the ability to inhibit intrusive thoughts, further reinforcing compulsive behaviors. Emerging research also indicates a bidirectional association, with OCD linked to an …

Physician Bedside Communication Posture (Sitting Versus Standing) In Relation To Patient Satisfaction: A Focused Literature Review And Areas For Potential Research, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background:

Sitting during patient encounters is commonly recommended in communication training, with the assumption that it improves patient satisfaction. However, the empirical evidence supporting this recommendation in Emergency Department (ED) settings appears limited.

Objective:

To review the existing literature examining physician posture (sitting versus standing) and its association with patient satisfaction and perceived communication quality.

Methods:

Narrative review of ED and non-ED studies evaluating posture during clinical encounters, with attention to study design, sample size, setting, and outcome measures.

Results:

ED-specific evidence remains heterogeneous. Some studies demonstrate that sitting increases patients’ perception of time spent at bedside without increasing actual …

Comparative Efficacy Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy And Intranasal Oxytocin In Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa, Nikhila P. Archakam, Akhila P. Archakam, Wesley A. Kim, Harshal Parmar, Iram Fatima

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe and potentially life-threatening psychiatric disorder with the highest mortality rate among psychiatric illnesses affecting adolescents.¹ It is characterized by extreme restriction of caloric intake driven by an intense fear of weight gain or negative body image perception.¹ Mortality results from medical complications of starvation and an increased prevalence of suicide risk.¹ Although AN can occur at any point across the lifespan, it most commonly first presents during adolescence.¹ This developmental period is marked by significant hormonal, biological, and psychosocial changes. Early-onset AN is associated with stunted growth, pubertal delay, and long-term cognitive and emotional …

Impostor Phenomenon In Healthcare: Prevalence, Implications, And Educational Responses, James Espinosa, Robin Lahr, Sergey Medlenov, Swet Patel, Nicholas Tomasello, James Lee, Neel Parikh, Alan Lucerna, Henry Schuitema

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The impostor phenomenon describes persistent self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud despite objective evidence of competence. The term 'impostor phenomenon' is preferred over the term "imposter syndrome" because it is not a psychiatric diagnosis and avoids pathologizing normal developmental uncertainty. The original authors used the term 'phenomenon' (Clance & Imes, 1978), and contemporary scholarship increasingly adopts this terminology.

First described by Clance and Imes (1978), the construct has since been studied across diverse professional domains, including medicine, nursing, and academic leadership. Subsequent research demonstrates that impostor experiences occur across genders, training levels, and healthcare roles (Bravata et …

In School Age Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Does Academic Achievement And Social Development Improve In Inclusive Classroom Environments?, Ashley A. Macquaid

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social skills, communication, and sensory processing 1. ASD affects approximately 1 in 100 children internationally 2. With the growing prevalence, classroom inclusivity of individuals with autism has emerged as a priority in education. However, current literature presents a range of positive and negative factors without clear indication of effective classroom placement for students' specific needs. This research aims to determine if inclusive classroom environments improve academic achievement and social development for school-age children with ASD. A systematic search on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases yielded studies published between …

Beyond First-Break: Uncovering Medical Contributors In Adolescent Psychosis, Jacob De Castro, Adrian Cuesta Gonzalez, Justin Scarano, Celeste Antoinette Pinto, Alexandra Cruz-Mullane, Zulfiya Tashpulatova, Nardin El-Shammaa

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The patient an 18-year-old male presenting with first-episode psychosis ("first- break") with atypical features, including auditory hallucinations localized to his ear without hearing loss, severe malnutrition, neuroimaging abnormalities, and endocrine dysfunction. This case study highlights the importance of evaluating medical etiologies in presumed primary psychosis rather than assuming a primary psychiatric disorder.

Cultural Influences In Psychiatry, Kavita Bhavsar, Mayuri Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The patient is a 26-year-old female presenting with unspecified hallucinations, delusional thinking, concerns for catatonia and potential sex-trafficking. This case study highlights the importance of approaching each patient through their unique cultural lens while examining and minimizing our own biases while navigating each patient holistically and individually.

A Single Administration Of Psilocybin Is Ineffective In Reversing Ptsd-Like Sequelae In A Rat Model Of Stress-Enhanced Fear Learning, Kylie M. King, Marisa J. Savini, Noelle M. Molnar, Evelynn J. Schneider, Savannah E. Straub, Joe Parker, Lillianna P. Puppel, Aleece K. Al-Olimat, Allison M. Bach, Phillip R. Zoladz

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Single treatments with psychedelics produce rapid, long-lasting antidepressant effects. Psychedelics may also exert anxiolytic effects and be useful in treating more complex psychiatric conditions, such as PTSD. However, less is known about the impact of these agents on PTSD-related symptoms. Thus, we aimed to determine whether a single administration of psilocybin could reverse PTSD-like sequelae induced by stress-enhanced fear learning in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were placed in Context A (circular, white conditioning box) and exposed to several uncontrollable footshocks (Stress) or no footshocks (No Stress). The next day, the rats were placed in Context B (square conditioning box with clear …

Psilocybin And The Related Tryptamine, Norbaeocystin, Exert Acute Anxiogenic Effects That Depend On Sex, Marisa J. Savini, Kylie M. King, Noelle M. Molnar, Evelynn J. Schneider, Savannah E. Straub, Joe Parker, Lillianna P. Puppel, Aleece K. Al-Olimat, Allison M. Bach, Andrew Jones, Phillip R. Zoladz

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Single treatments with psychedelics have demonstrated rapid, long-lasting antidepressant effects. However, psychedelics often produce unfavorable psychoactive effects that could worsen existing psychological distress. Thus, we compared the effects of psilocybin and the related tryptamine, norbaeocystin, on anxiety-like behavior in male and female rats. In Experiment 1, rats were treated with 1 mg/kg psilocybin (PSIL), 1 mg/kg norbaeocystin (NOR), or vehicle 30 min before a 5-min trial on an elevated plus maze (EPM) or in an open field test (OFT). On the EPM, PSIL led to decreased open arm time and fewer arm entries in males and females. NOR led to …

Mindfulness-Based Therapy For The Treatment Of Anxiety In Adolescents, Alicia Lemaster

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Abstract

Adolescent anxiety disorders represent a significant and growing public health concern, with increasing prevalence and associated functional impairment. Traditional treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacologic interventions, are effective but often limited by barriers such as access, stigma, and adherence. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as a promising alternative or adjunctive approach to address anxiety symptoms in adolescents. The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the effectiveness of structured mindfulness-based therapy programs in reducing anxiety symptoms among adolescents compared to usual care. A systematic literature search was conducted using databases including PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, focusing …

Adolescent Depression, Telepsychiatry, And Access, Dustin Strickland

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Adolescent depression is prevalent, undertreated, and associated with long-term morbidity if left untreated. Several structural barriers impede timely access to specialty mental health care in this age group. Telepsychiatry, including therapist delivered videoconference psychotherapy and internet delivered cognitive behavioral therapies (ICBT) have been developed to expand access and continuity of care for adolescents. This modality, however, has not been thoroughly evaluated to determine the effectiveness of telepsychiatry in improving access to services and its ability to reduce depressive symptoms in adolescence. A structured literature review identified six primary studies and four complementary systematic reviews evaluating this topic. Randomized trials show …

Evaluating Sensory Sensitivities Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder In An Adaptive Gymnastics Program, Aicha Kaouss, Bradley Eppinger, Austin Ebbrecht, Kailash Ram, Kaitlin P. Hardy Md

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

Introduction: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) participate in physical activity at lower rates than their neurotypical peers1. Sensory sensitivities, reported in approximately 75–95% of children with ASD, may contribute to this disparity2. Gymnastics environments involve bright lighting and loud noise, which can precipitate sensory overload. The impact of specific sensory features on participation in adaptive gymnastics remains underexplored.

Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited caregivers of children aged 3–12 years with an ASD diagnosis enrolled in the EVMS Adaptive Gymnastics Program. Caregivers completed the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire–Third Edition (SEQ-3)3 and supplemental survey items on Redcap which assessed environmental triggers and …

Impact Of Acute Flight Training Stress On Cardiovascular Health, Toni Butler, Noah Robbins, Sophia Vaden, Bryan Hinton

Student Research Symposium (SRS)

Student pilots face a unique set of stressors that are a part of their flight training. These acute stressors can have immediate and long-term impacts on their physiological and psychological well-being. Using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to measure vascular endothelial function (a marker of cardiovascular health), this investigation will help us understand how the stressors involved in acute flight training affects the cardiovascular health of student pilots. We will test the hypothesis that acute flight training stress obtained from a single bout of flight training reduces cardiovascular function as shown by a reduced post-occlusive reactive hyperemic (PORH) response. Cardiovascular health will …

Mental Health First Aid Training In K-12 Schools, Jenna L. Workman, Brianna L. Schierberg, Grace H. Sullivan, Erin Robinson

Posters-at-the-Capitol

The increasing prevalence of mental health challenges among school-aged children has become a rising public health concern. Recent data indicates that nearly 70% of schools report heightened mental health problems among students, with anxiety and depression being most common (National Center for Education Statistics, 2024). The purpose of this capstone project is to raise awareness of mental health issues in K–12 public schools and to increase faculty and staff confidence in recognizing and assisting students experiencing mental health difficulties through nurse-led Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. Using Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory as a guiding framework, this project emphasizes the …

Learning And Satisfaction, Ainsley Smith

Scholars Week

Learning and Satisfaction

Motivation, especially in the world of psychology, is quite the broad and overarching term that relates to various aspects of life. Whether it be motivation in the workplace, classroom, sports, or relationships, our intrinsic and extrinsic motivations drive us to do our best on what we set forth to accomplish. Although there is extensive research on methods of learning in correlation to motivation as well as levels of satisfaction impacting these levels, there has yet to be much exploration into the impact an emotional component or personal connection may have on these factors. The purpose of this …

Psych Assessment In The Er, Bailey J. Thompson, Addie Cowger, Hailie Hollis

Scholars Week

An immense amount of patients who enter the emergency department, whether for a psychiatric illness or not, struggle with mental health challenges. By creating a standardized routine and checklists for the care of high-risk psychiatric patients, the new quality and consistency can enhance patient experiences. This process will start at the triage stage and continue throughout their stay. Presenting the supportive research to the emergency department staff and introducing these changes gradually will help with staff buy-in and become a more sustainable process. Finally, with a structured approach, psychiatric patient outcomes will benefit significantly.