Psychiatry and Psychology Commons^™

Pregnant Adults' Interest In Physical And Mental Health Behavior Change Interventions Using Mobile Technology, Natalie M. Yarish, Cassidy M. Sandoval, Alicia Moulder, Meredith I. Turner, Danielle Symons Downs, Kristin E. Heron

Psychology Faculty Publications

Improving the health and well-being of pregnant adults is an important public health priority in the USA, and mobile health (mHealth) interventions may provide a scalable strategy to disseminate behavior change programs to pregnant adults. This study assessed pregnant people’s use of mobile technology, interest in making health behavior changes during and after pregnancy, and their willingness to use mHealth interventions. Participants were 133 pregnant adults (M_age = 27.86; 81% White) living across the USA recruited from social media to complete an online survey. Measures assessed mobile technology use and beliefs about improving mental/physical health in pregnancy and postpartum …

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

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

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

Brain On Drugs: The Rewarding And Punishing Effects Of Addiction And Relapse, Abby Ferrell

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Addiction is a multidimensional disorder that is heavily influenced by behavior, biology, and social interaction. These factors work together to make addiction persist and make relapse easier. Three major models of addiction are explored--behaviorism, biology, and social learning theory, which all contribute to the understanding of addiction, and their respective treatments can be individual, and when integrated. Behavior models highlight how conditioning and reinforcement contribute to addiction, while biological studies focus on dopamine changes in the brain that alter other areas of brain chemistry. Social learning theories add to the environmental cue associations that behaviorism mentions briefly. The implications that …

The Psychological Impact Of Denied Blood Transfusions By Jehovah's Witness Parents In Pediatric Patients, Jaelyn Capablanca Braganza

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that it is against God's will to receive blood from someone else, or to tamper with their own blood, influencing them to deny blood transfusions for themselves and for their children. Since minors are legally not allowed to make healthcare decisions on their own until they reach 18 years of age, this decision made by the parents to deny transfusions on the pediatric patient's behalf may create significant emotional and psychological challenges, potentially influencing family dynamics, mental health, and overall well-being. Understanding these effects, especially for the pediatric patient, is crucial for healthcare providers, social workers, and …

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

Nursing | Student Research Posters

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

The Gut-Brain Axis: Investigating The Effects Of Diet, Physical Activity, And Prior Adversity On Anxiety Via Autonomic Nervous System, Jenna L. Pennella

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Previous literature has highlighted a bidirectional relationship between the gut and brain called the gut-brain axis (de Punder & Pruimboom, 2015; Hill et al., 2008; Leistner & Menke, 2020). The current study aimed to investigate directional relations between different stressors (e.g. poor diet, vigorous activity, and prior adversity) and anxiety and how interactions with gut issues and autonomic dysfunction may impact these relationships. Based on previous literature, we examined (a) physical activity and diet as moderators of stress and anxiety as well as stress and GI symptoms, (b) GI symptoms as a mediator between various predictors (i.e., diet, stress, physical …

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

Theses and Dissertations

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

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

Forgiveness Of Self And Others: A Group Approach To The Treatment Of Ptsd And Other Trauma Related Experiences, Jarrod A. Mask

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

Forgiveness is often misinterpreted as the act of forgetting what happened or offering one’s offender the ability to redeem themselves for their wrongdoings. This is simply not the case. Rather, forgiveness is the process of the individual making the unprovoked choice to release their resentment in their own voyage towards living a free and happy life without being imprisoned from the emotions un-forgiveness produces. Forgiveness, as it may be a necessary process for the individual is to attain a sense of peaceful acceptance and liberation from their pain, is not an easy process. Providing a peer-based support system in the …

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 …

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

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

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

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

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

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

Early Adversity, Impulsivity, And Health Behaviors, Amy Lynn Meadows

Theses and Dissertations--Clinical and Translational Science

Childhood trauma and early adversity are associated with a variety of negative health outcomes, some of which may be mediated by changes to impulsivity as described by the cumulative risk model. The purpose of this project is to provide insight into the effects of cumulative adverse childhood experience on impulsivity in various populations. Three studies examine the effects of early adversity on impulsivity in normal volunteers, parents caring for a child with medical needs, and in patients with diabetes or pre-diabetes with data collected through crowdsourcing. The strongest effects for early adversity on impulsivity were seen in the patients with …

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

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Confronting Indecision, Lane Allison Murray

ENGS 15.11: Design and Education

This course aims to increase students' understanding of indecision and how to confront it. The class provides insight into how the fear of the unknown holds people back from making decisions and about understanding one's values as a means to combat indecision. Students and teachers alike explore instances of indecision and evaluate their own impulses & thought processes by reflecting on the deeper reasons for their choices. Students will increase their comfort level of asking themselves and their peers questions about the values that guide them and, in doing so, strengthen their relationships with themselves and others.

Examining The Complex Interplay Of Stress, Social Support, And Drinking Motives On Alcohol Use Behaviors: A Moderated Mediation Model Among College Students, Sabrina Perrin

Dissertations and Theses

College student alcohol use remains a public health concern, yet the psychological and social mechanisms that contribute to high-risk drinking patterns are not fully understood. Guided by the motivational model of alcohol use and stress-buffering theory, this study tested a moderated mediation model to examine how perceived stress, coping motives for drinking, and perceived social support interact to influence alcohol use behaviors. A sample of over 1,100 diverse urban college students completed measures of stress, social support, drinking motives, and four alcohol-related outcomes: binge drinking, frequency of alcoholic drinks consumed, negative drinking consequences, and use of protective behavioral strategies (PBS) …

A Spectroscopy Study Of The Brain: Exploring Sex Differences In Healthy Older Adults, Angela Gushue

CMC Senior Theses

Cognitive decline and aging-related disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, disproportionately affect patients based on sex, but the mechanisms underlying these skewed effects are unknown. This proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-MRS) study seeks to understand if sex disparities in aging exist in neurometabolite concentrations of older adult brains. Sixty-seven participants, ranging from 60 to 85 years of age, underwent the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and H-MRS of the brain. Concentrations of myo-inositol, total creatine, total NAA, and total choline were calculated in the dorsal posterior cingulate cortex, left hippocampal cortex, left medial temporal gyrus, left primary sensorimotor cortex, and right dorsolateral prefrontal …

Colorblind Racial Attitudes Mediates The Association Between The Internalization Of Model Minority Myth Attitudes And Tolerance, Talal Ali

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

The model minority myth is the belief that Asian Americans are generally more intelligent and more hardworking than other minority groups. Many studies have demonstrated the relationship between belief in the model minority myth and anti-Black sentiment in White Americans. However, there is little literature on the relationship between belief in the model minority myth and anti-Black sentiment in Asian Americans. With this in mind, we plan to determine whether the internalization of the model minority myth in Asian Americans has a relationship with anti- Black sentiment. This relationship is being measured by the IM-4 Scale (which measures the internalization …

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

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

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

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

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

Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Case Report, Anju Abraham, Kishor M, Bhawna Sharma

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests in both childhood and adulthood. It is characterized by core symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness and impairment persisting into adulthood. Adult ADHD often coexists with other disorders including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders, which complicate its diagnosis. Adults with ADHD may struggle with difficulties in focusing, organization, planning and impulsivity making it hard to sit still during exams or complete tasks efficiently. Restlessness, verbal outbursts and intrusiveness can strain relationships. These challenges impact academics, interpersonal relationships and daily functioning. Thus, there is a need …

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

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background:

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

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

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

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

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

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

Semaglutide And The Evolving Landscape Of Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, Rohan Karkra

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

The FDA approved Semaglutide (Wegovy™) on August 15, 2025, for adults with MASLD and moderate to advanced fibrosis (F2–F3), making it the second approved therapy after Resmetirom. MASLD affects up to 38% of adults and is now the leading cause of liver disease. In the phase 3 ESSENCE trial, Semaglutide achieved resolution of steatohepatitis without worsening fibrosis in 62.9% versus 34.3% with placebo, with additional benefits in weight loss and glycemic control. While long-term data remain pending and access barriers exist, this approval marks a significant advance in MASLD therapy with meaningful histologic and metabolic improvements.

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

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

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

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

Results: Among 400 participants, …

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation In Treatment Of Ataxia- A Novel Approach, Pravalya Varanasi, Akshatha C. J, Krishna K. R

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Abstract: -

Ataxia is a disabling clinical condition characterized by impaired motor coordination, balance, with restricted treatment options. There is growing evidence of Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, as a potential treatment option in various types of ataxias. We present a case series of two patients with ataxia of a paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration and a hereditary aetiology treated with rTMS. Both patients showed significant improvement in ataxia symptoms following rTMS stimulation targeting the cerebellum and motor cortex. These findings highlight that rTMS may be used as a potential treatment modality in cases of ataxia irrespective of …

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

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

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

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

Results: Out …

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

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

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

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

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

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

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

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

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

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

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

Methods: We …

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

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

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

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

Alexithymia And Impulsivity In Combat Sports – A Tale Of Three Measures, Craig A. Harms, Oliver R. Barley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The purpose of this study was to compare the psychometric properties of two measures of alexithymia – the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire (PAQ) – as well as the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11 measure of behavioural impulsivity because the psychometric properties of these scales have not been established in athletes. As part of a larger study, 298 participants completed an online survey that included the TAS-20, PAQ, and BIS 11, as well personal- (age and gender) and sport-specific (primary combat sport and level of competition) demographic measures. A unidimensional model was retained for the TAS-20. A …