Psychiatry and Psychology Commons^™

Examining The Mediating Effects Of Symptoms Of Depression, Anxiety, And Perceived Stress On The Association Between Bereavement And Inflammation, Kylee Faith Behringer

Master's Theses

Bereavement is a stressor that impacts the psychological well-being of an individual and their physical health. This study aimed to develop a more nuanced understanding of the association between bereavement and its psychological and biological consequences, and the potential mediating role of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress within the relationship between bereavement and inflammation. Data was collected through Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Refresher 1, a longitudinal study that examines social, psychological, and biological vulnerabilities associated with potential health outcomes (Weinstein et al., 2019). The study consisted of 863 participants (bereaved=373, non-bereaved=490) who completed an in-person study visit …

Maternal Dysbiosis Produces Long-Lasting Behavioral Changes In Offspring, Jacob Hudobenko, Claudia M Di Gesù, Patrick R Mooz, Joseph Petrosino, Nagireddy Putluri, Bhanu P Ganesh, Kristen Rebeles, Frank W Blixt, Venugopal R Venna, Louise D Mccullough

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Advanced maternal age (AMA) is defined as a pregnancy in a woman older than 35 years of age. AMA increases the risk for both maternal and neonatal complications, including miscarriage and stillbirth. AMA has also been linked to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders in the offspring. Recent studies have found that age-associated compositional shifts in the gut microbiota contribute to altered microbial metabolism and enhanced inflammation in the host. We investigated the specific contribution of the maternal microbiome on pregnancy outcomes and offspring behavior by recolonizing young female mice with aged female microbiome prior to pregnancy. We discovered that pre-pregnancy colonization …

Biopsychosocial-Based Exercise Model For Rheumatic Diseases Via Telerehabilitation: A Case Series With A One Year Follow Up, Nazlı Elif Nacar, Nur Banu Karaca, Zeynep Irem Bulut, Erkin Oguz Sarı, Senem Bulut, Yavuz Yakut, Sevim Oksüz, Sedat Kiraz, Edibe Unal

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aims to examine the sustainability of the biopsychosocial exercise performed by telerehabilitation on individuals with rheumatic disease, with and without supervision, and investigate the effect of the biopsychosocial-based exercise model on biopsychosocial status, general health status, and anxiety-depression levels of individuals. Method: Twenty patients with rheumatic diseases performed a biopsychosocial-based exercise model Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach via telerehabilitation with physiotherapist-supervised and unsupervised exercises who continued for three sessions per week for 12 months. Outcome measures were Health Assessment Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach -Biopsychosocial Questionnaire. Patients were assessed at baseline, 3rd, …

Perinatal Mood And Anxiety Disorders (Pmads): A Scoping Review, Christina Willis Bsn, Rn, Nia Wells Bsn, Rn, Miranda Smith Bsn, Rn, Kate Fouquier Cnm, Phd, Facnm

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), including postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis, significantly impact maternal and infant health. This scoping review consolidates current literature on PMADs, emphasizing prevalence, risk factors, screening, and treatment. The primary aim is to identify research gaps and inform clinical guidelines to enhance perinatal care.

Methods A literature search followed PRISMA guidelines from August 2022 to November 2024. Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar, using terms such as "perinatal mood disorders" and "maternal mental health." Inclusion criteria were English-language studies from the past decade addressing PMADs during pregnancy and up to one …

Effects Of Acute Stress On Executive Functions In Depression, Generalised Anxiety And Borderline Personality Disorder, T. M. Scott, Joanne M. Dickson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Acute stress adaptively alters executive functions (EFs) essential for emotion regulation. Emerging systems of psychiatric classification, such as the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) and the Research Domain Criteria, emphasise the underlying mechanisms and dimensional nature of psychopathology. Distress disorders—a subfactor within the HiTOP model including major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and borderline personality disorder—are characterised by altered stress reactivity, impaired emotion regulation, and modest responsiveness to first-line psychotherapies. This systematic review sought to examine whether distress disorders and their related symptoms confer heightened vulnerability to transient EF impairment under conditions of acute stress. Methods: A comprehensive search …

Brain Functional Connectivity And Anatomical Features As Predictors Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Outcome For Anxiety In Youths, André Zugman, Grace V. Ringlein, Emily S. Finn, Krystal M. Lewis, Erin Berman, Wendy K. Silverman, Eli R. Lebowitz, Daniel Samuel Pine, Anderson M. Winkler

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Because pediatric anxiety disorders precede the onset of many other problems, successful prediction of response to the first-line treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), could have a major impact. This study evaluates whether structural and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging can predict post-CBT anxiety symptoms. Methods: Two datasets were studied: (A) one consisted of n = 54 subjects with an anxiety diagnosis, who received 12 weeks of CBT, and (B) one consisted of n = 15 subjects treated for 8 weeks. Connectome predictive modeling (CPM) was used to predict treatment response, as assessed with the PARS. The main analysis included network …

Examining The Impact Of Depression And Anxiety On The Trajectory Of Executive Functioning And Processing Speed In Mild Cognitive Impairment (Mci), Luke Vaartstra

Clinical Psychology Dissertations

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediary state between normal aging and dementia which is growing in prevalence in the older adult population. Trajectories for MCI are variable and can result in a variety of outcomes including a rescinding of the MCI diagnosis, progression to dementia, or a new state of cognition. The current study examined the impact of depression and anxiety on the cognitive domains of executive functioning and processing speed in MCI trajectories. Data was used from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center’s Uniform Data Set and included a sample of 2886 participants with and MCI diagnosis. Hierarchical linear …

Connections Between Co-Occurring Symptoms Of Eating Disorders, Gut Dysbiosis, Anxiety, And Depression, Erin L. Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Eating disorders (ED) are a pervasive mental health condition that puts individuals at risk for long-term physical consequences or even death, and current treatment methods typically do not offer long-term efficacy. The current study aims to examine relationships between co-occurring symptoms of EDs, gastrointestinal distress, anxiety, and depression to add to the scientific literature and point towards directions that may increase the benefits of treatment efforts. A total of 72 participants were asked to complete an online survey that consisted of measures from each variable and took about 20 minutes to finish. Participating individuals had to be at least 18 …

Harmony In Healing: Investigating The Impact Of Music Therapy Reduction, Literature Review, Joshua K. Mcelliott, Nina Mourao, Bethany Woolman, Shizue Mito, Ney Alliey Rodriguez

Research Symposium

Background: Various treatments exist for treating anxiety disorders, and a therapy that appears to show promise is music therapy (MT). This includes using methods such as listening to music, structured musical activities, and improvisational musical activities. MT has shown efficacy in a wide range of settings including individuals with severe mental illness, cancer patients1,2, children, adults, in-patient care, and out-patient care.

Methods: This literature review aimed to evaluate current research on the efficacy of music therapy for treating anxiety. The guidelines for selecting which studies to review are as follows:

1. Publication date: only studies published after 2000 were included to …

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

School of Business Faculty Papers

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

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

Increased Depressive And Anxiety Symptoms Predict Increased Severity Of Functional Impairment After Five Years: A Nationally Representative Retrospective Cohort Study, Elisabeth C. Demarco, Samantha Zocher, Blake Miyamoto, Leslie Hinyard, Divya S. Subramaniam

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Performing self-care and domestic life tasks are key aspects of functional independence for older adults. While both depression and anxiety symptoms are correlated with increased functional limitation, these disorders are often studied separately, despite frequent co-occurrence and plausible interaction, and without the consideration of social health. This study examined the impact of comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms, controlling for social participation and loneliness, on severity of functional limitation in a nationally representative sample of older adults to improve patient-centered care.

Methods: The National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) Rounds 2 and 3 data were utilized. Primary outcomes …

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 …

Reducing Stress Related To Injection Therapy: A Zen Bundle Approach, Valoree Bowen

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: Needle fear and stress are common barriers preventing adults from seeking necessary medical treatments, including intramuscular (IM) injection therapy. Research highlights the need for evidence-based interventions to mitigate this fear and improve patient experience.

Objective: This evidence-based pilot project included a Zen Bundle—an intervention incorporating shared decision-making, aromatherapy, and distraction—to evaluate the impact on stress reduction and patient satisfaction in a retail vitamin shop in North Texas.

Methods: The project utilized a pre-and post-intervention design over eight weeks. Participants completed pre-surveys assessing stress levels using a Visual Analog Scale before choosing an intervention (aromatherapy, distraction, or both) during IM …

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 …

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

North Texas Research Forum 2025

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

The Relationship Between Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, And Anxiety Levels Among College Students In Saudi Arabia, Tahani Aljuaid

Dissertations

Problem

Anxiety is one of the most common psychological issues affecting youth globally and is particularly prevalent among Saudi adolescents and college students. Studies in Saudi Arabia have reported anxiety rates ranging from 48.9% to 66.2% among adolescents and high levels of generalized anxiety among university students, especially females (Aldosary et al., 2023; Alhabeeb et al., 2023). Poor emotion regulation has been identified as a key factor associated with anxiety and other mental health difficulties. In recent years, mindfulness has gained attention as a protective factor that promotes better emotion regulation and reduces anxiety symptoms. Despite this growing recognition, there …

A Multilevel Framework For The Promotion Of Maternal Mental Health And Well-Being During The Perinatal Period, Jenn A. Leiferman, Jessica Walls Wilson, Charlotte V. Farewell, Chelsea Walker-Mao, James F. Paulson

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background: Depression and anxiety are prevalent in the perinatal period and may contribute to adverse maternal and child health outcomes. A focus on multilevel protective factors may be effective in promoting well-being and increasing quality of life (QOL) in the perinatal period while simultaneously reducing or preventing depression and anxiety symptoms. We tested a conceptual model that posits specific personal, social, and community factors affecting depression, anxiety, and QOL among pregnant and postpartum individuals.

Methods: Four hundred and thirty-eight pregnant or postpartum individuals completed a 121-item cross-sectional survey composed of validated tools that assessed multilevel protective factors, health behaviors, and …

Investigating Protective And Risk Factors And Predictive Insights For Aboriginal Perinatal Mental Health: Explainable Artificial Intelligence Approach, Guanjin Wang, Hachem Bennamoun, Wai Hang Kwok, Jenny Paola Ortega Quimbayo, Bridgette Kelly, Trish Ratajczak, Rhonda Marriott, Roz Walker, Jayne Kotz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Perinatal depression and anxiety significantly impact maternal and infant health, potentially leading to severe outcomes like preterm birth and suicide. Aboriginal women, despite their resilience, face elevated risks due to the long-term effects of colonization and cultural disruption. The Baby Coming You Ready (BCYR) model of care, centered on a digitized, holistic, strengths-based assessment, was co-designed to address these challenges. The successful BCYR pilot demonstrated its ability to replace traditional risk-based screens. However, some health professionals still overrely on psychological risk scores, often overlooking the contextual circumstances of Aboriginal mothers, their cultural strengths, and mitigating protective factors. This highlights …

Use Of Cigarettes And E-Cigarettes, Impulsivity, And Anxiety: Influences On Suicidal Ideation Among Youth And Young Adults In Texas, Anna V Wilkinson, Baojiang Chen, Alan C Swann, David P Graham, David A Nielsen, Thomas R Kosten, Alexandra Loukas, Dale S Mantey, Bara S Bataineh, Melissa B Harrell

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: Cigarette use and smoking intensity increase risk of suicidal ideation. Less is known about e-cigarette use. Here we examine direct influences of cigarette versus e-cigarette use on suicidal ideation among 16- to 23-year-olds in Texas.

Aims and methods: Since 2019, the Texas Adolescent Tobacco and Marketing Surveillance Study collected data on suicidal ideation every 6 months covering the previous 2 weeks. Youths answering that they had "thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself" on more than 2 of 14 days were categorized as having suicidal ideation. Generalized linear mixed-effects logistic regressions examined the influence …

The Level Of Anxiety Associated With Coping Mechanisms In First Year Physician Assistant Students, Julianna Paczewski, Heidi Uvodich

Physician Assistant Capstones, 2020-current

No abstract provided.

An Integrative Review Of Trauma Informed Care With Pediatrics To Minimize Psychological Sequelae Post Discharge, Amber Lee, Courtney Heinzelman

Master's Projects

Each year, a significant number of children sustain injuries requiring hospitalization, and while many recover physically, some face long-term psychological challenges such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. This integrative review focuses on adolescents aged 13–18 who have experienced accidental trauma, exploring how trauma-informed care (TIC) in nursing compares to traditional approaches in reducing psychological impacts after discharge. Research suggests that many young patients report mental health symptoms for months following traumatic events. Trauma-informed care prioritizes principles such as safety, trust, peer support, and empowerment, aiming to reduce emotional distress and promote recovery. This review examines the application of these …

Investigating The Impact Of Mindfulness Practice On Quality Of Life And Anxiety Levels In College Students, Ope L. Oyeyemi

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Anxiety disorders are becoming more common among college students, seriously affecting their academic performance and overall well-being. This study sought to investigate how current mindfulness practices and willingness to engage in mindfulness relate to psychological outcomes in college students. Participants (N=432) were students ≥ 17 years old recruited from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). Analyses compared differences in levels of anxiety, quality of life, depression symptom severity, cognitive dysfunction, and stress based on participant self-reported willingness to engage and current time spent engaging in mindfulness practices. It is expected that students who currently engage in more mindfulness will …

Domestic Violence And Mental Health In Pregnant Women, Arabella M. Co

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Domestic violence can include verbal, emotional, and physical abuse, which can lead to long-term mental health disorders such as stress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Purpose: This research includes a literature review, as well as a proposed research design to examine the significance of intimate partner violence in relation to mental health by implementing screening methods and interventions. Method: Participants will be recruited from prenatal clinics around the Bay Area. A quantitative, randomized, controlled-trial cohort study will investigate the effectiveness of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring Systems (PRAMS). A screening tool used in determining intimate partner violence within the …

Act With Cf: A Randomized Trial Of Acceptance And Commitment Therapy Vs Supportive Psychotherapy For Adults With Cystic Fibrosis, C. Virginia O'Hayer, Patrick J. Smith, Christopher F. Drescher, Heather Bruschwein, Chelsi N. Nurse, Hallie M. Kushner, Krista Ingle, Michael J. Stephen, Jeffrey B. Hoag

Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: Psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, is common among adults with CF, associating with poor quality of life, lung function, and healthcare utilization. This 3-year, multi-site, telehealth-delivered randomized trial sought to determine whether Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT with CF) is superior to supportive psychotherapy (SP), in improving psychological functioning for adults with CF.

METHODS: One hundred twenty-four adults with CF and elevated anxiety and/or depressive symptoms were recruited coincident with the first COVID lockdown, from Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, University of Virginia, Augusta University, Duke University Medical Center, and social media. Participants were randomized to 6 weeks of …

Iron Deficiency And Internalizing Symptoms Among Adolescents In The National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey, Dimitri Fiani, Solangia Engler, Yang Ni, Sherecce Fields, Chadi Calarge

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Iron Deficiency (ID) affects two billion people worldwide, predominantly adolescent girls, and may be associated with increased psychopathology. The associations between ID and symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescents were examined using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized Americans.

Methods: The current analysis included survey cycles where both iron-related markers and mental health-related outcomes were collected in adolescents 12 to 17 years old. Acute and serious medical conditions, acute inflammation, and abnormal birth weight led to exclusion. Linear multivariable regression analyses examined the association …

Exploring The Barriers Colleges Face Implementing Positive Psychology Interventions To Reduce Depression, Anxiety, Or Stress In College Students, Margaret U. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative collective case study was to understand the barriers that colleges face implementing positive psychology interventions (PPIs) to reduce depression, anxiety, or stress (DAS) in college students. The problem was the lack of utilizing PPIs to reduce DAS in college students, despite increased reports of symptoms among this population. Several research studies have supported the use of PPIs to reduce. DAS in college students. However, no prior research was identified regarding barriers to initiating these interventions. The three research questions that guided this study were fueled by previous empirical studies that revealed three barriers to implementing …

Perceived Anxiety Disorder Stigma: A Predictive Analysis, Shawn Nabors, Richard J. Cicchetti, Gary Michael Szirony, Craig R. Blum, Sri Banerjee

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Anxiety remains one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders. Systemic barriers to mental health treatment persist. Research on anxiety is robust, although research on perceived anxiety disorder stigma is limited. The purpose of this quantitative analysis was to determine whether factors including age, gender, level of education, and presence of a diagnosable anxiety disorder condition would predict perceived anxiety stigma in a population of adults from the Midwestern region of the United States who were in treatment for anxiety. Based on Goffman’s framework, we used the Generalized Anxiety Stigma Scale (GASS) to determine the presence and level of …

The Prevalence Of Depression And Anxiety In Patients With Metastatic Disease To The Spine, Caleb Yeung, Jeremy Heard, Yunsoo Lee, Michael Mccurdy, Rajkishen Narayanan, Samantha Kolowrat, Liam Gibbons, Tim Hagan, Jose A. Canseco, Alan S. Hilibrand, Alex R. Vaccaro, Gregory D. Schroeder, Christopher K. Kepler

Rothman Institute Papers

Introduction:

The prevalence of depression and anxiety in cancer patients is approximately 15% and 20%. Unfortunately, depression has been demonstrated to negatively impact patients after spinal fusion surgeries and is associated with worse overall survival in cancer patients. The rates of depression and anxiety have yet to be reported in patients with metastatic spine disease. The objective of this study was to determine the rate of depression and anxiety in patients with metastatic spine disease.

Materials and Methods:

Patients >18 years of age at our institution who presented with metastatic spinal disease between 2017 and 2022 were identified through query …

The Performance Relationship Between The Eq-5d-5l Composite "Anxiety/Depression" Dimension And Anxiety And Depression Symptoms In A Large, General Population Sample, Emily Stella Scott, Erica I. Lubetkin, Mathieu F. Janssen, John N. Yfantopolous, Gouke J. Bonsel, Juanita A. Haagsma

Publications and Research

Purpose

This cross-sectional study aims to understand the relationship between responses on the Anxiety/Depression (A/D) dimension of the EQ-5D-5L and symptoms of anxiety and depression on the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 instruments. In doing so, we investigate the comparative performance of the dimension between diagnostic groups (i.e. anxiety (GAD-7); depression (PHQ-9); anxiety & depression versus none). We additionally investigate the discriminatory performance between sub-populations based on gender, age, education and self-reported chronic conditions.

Methods

19,902 general population participants completed a health survey in May/June 2020, from five European countries and the United States. Performance of A/D was calculated using the Area …

Exploring The Relationship Between Cognitive Inflexibility And Anxiety In Youth On The Autism Spectrum, Farah Mahmud

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Anxiety symptoms are prevalent among autistic youth but frequently get overlooked due to issues of diagnostic overlap and atypical presentations of anxiety (Kerns et al., 2014; Wood & Gadow, 2010). Emerging literature suggests that cognitive differences specific to autism, such as cognitive inflexibility, may be associated with vulnerability of developing and maintain anxiety symptoms (Stark et al., 2021). Cognitive flexibility (CF), the ability to shift thinking and attention according to situational demands, is thought to be impaired in many autistic children, given the behavioral rigidity observed in this population (Geurts et al., 2009). However, further work is needed to tease …