Mental Disorders Commons^™

Probiotic Intervention In Managing Chronic Stress, Bianca Opdenbosch

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

Chronic stress can induce gut dysbiosis which contributes to the dysregulation of the gut-brain axis and leads to anxiety and depressive-like symptoms. The gut-brain axis relies on nervous, immune, and endocrine interactions. Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance within the gut microbiome, disrupts gut-brain communication, impairing gut barrier integrity, inflammation regulation, and hormonal and neurotransmitter production. These gut changes contribute to mood disorders resulting from stress, and thus it is important to implement dietary interventions, like probiotics, to help mitigate these effects. Research highlights the potential of probiotics to act as an intervention to combat stress-induced gut dysbiosis and replenish beneficial bacteria …

Faktor-Faktor Yang Berhubungan Dengan Gejala Depresi Pada Pasien Insomnia Usia Lanjut Di Rawat Jalan, Amalia Nur Pratiwi, Edy Rizal Wahyudi, Profitasari Kusumaningrum, Hamzah Shatri, Ikhwan Rinaldi, Rino Alvani Gani, Ika Prasetya Wijaya, Adityo Susilo, Kaka Renaldi

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Introduction. The elderly population is increasing globally, including in Indonesia, where 10.7% of the population in 2020 were elderly. Insomnia is a common health issue among older adults and has been identified as a predictor of depression. This study aims to identify factors associated with depressive symptoms in elderly outpatients with insomnia.

Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 on patients aged ≥60 years at the outpatient unit of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), Jakarta, Indonesia, using consecutive sampling to select participants. Elderly patients were screened using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and those with a score …

Use Of Eagala Model–Based Psychotherapy For Youth Psychological Disorders, Kimberley D. Ryan, Tammy L.B. Mckenzie

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Global youth psychological disorder prevalence has increased exponentially. Therefore, a drastic increase in mental health care utilization is expected. Since traditional approaches to the treatment of adult psychological disorders are ineffective with youth, alternative approaches to treatment of youth psychological disorders must be considered. One such approach is equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP), a person-centered, experiential approach using horses during the treatment of psychological disorders and the basis of the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (Eagala) model–based programming. This article presents the quantitative research findings of a study investigating the effectiveness of the Eagala model–based EAP programming in the treatment …

A Clinical Pathway For Differential Diagnosis Of Adhd Vs Trauma: Early Childhood Recognition And Intervention, Maria Neiers

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Distinguishing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) from Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) presents significant diagnostic challenges due to overlapping symptom presentations, shared neurobiological impacts, and frequent comorbidities. This paper explores the nuanced clinical differentiation between ADHD and C-PTSD, and other trauma disorders, in pediatric populations, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed assessment, early identification, and integrative clinical reasoning. The discussion highlights how structured diagnostic reasoning can reduce uncertainty, enhance diagnostic clarity, and support effective treatment planning. As a central contribution, this paper introduces an original clinical reasoning flowchart and a case conceptualization to illustrate its practical application in real-world diagnostic dilemmas. The need …

Enhancing Research Training Curricula Through The Ethical Integration Of Ai-Powered Tools: Opportunities And Challenges For Counselor Educators, Joshua C. Watson, Chris Leeth, Kevin Wong, Justen Schroeder

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

This article reviews existing training models used to teach research courses and facilitate researcher identity development in counselor education curricula and suggests how generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) can be incorporated into these courses as an instructional aid that improves researcher efficiency. Various GenAI tools used across stages of the research process are introduced with a discussion of their ethical implications and how they can be integrated into exiting lesson plans.

Counselor-In-Training Perceptions Of Artificial Intelligence: Implications For Counselor Education, Leo Gonzalez Jr., Deija Mccalla

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

This study examined the perceptions of counselors-in-training (CIT) on artificial intelligence (AI) in counseling practice and training. 31 CIT responded to three open-ended questions about the benefits, drawbacks, and overall attitudes of integrating AI into counseling practice and education. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the responses. The findings showed that CIT perceive AI as a clinical support tool, especially for tasks such as diagnosis and treatment planning. Additionally, CIT voiced concerns of potential overreliance on AI, ethical risks, confidentiality concerns, and the possible loss of human connection. Furthermore, although several CIT expressed cautious optimism regarding AI's use in counselor …

Artificial Intelligence In Counselor Education: Innovative Strategies For Teaching, Supervision, And Clinical Training, Shannon Shoemaker, Nikki Freeburg, Kevin Duquette

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms mental health and education, counselor educators must prepare future practitioners to engage with these technologies ethically and effectively. This article presents a systematic framework for incorporating AI into counselor education through three key approaches: AI-generated content, AI analysis, and AI interactions. The framework addresses critical considerations including ethical implementation, prompt engineering, and cultural competence while maintaining alignment with professional standards. Drawing from current literature and ethical guidelines, we provide structured guidance for implementing AI across various content delivery styles, with emphasis on preserving clinical judgment and therapeutic relationships. Comprehensive appendices include implementation guides, assessment rubrics, …

A Pilot-Study Evaluating The Fidelity Of Chatgpt In Client Simulations, Eric Tod Beeson, Yusen Zhai, Russell Fulmer, Andrew M. Burck, Rakesh Maurya

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Generative AI (genAI) is expanding in counselor education. This pilot study evaluated ChatGPT 4o's voice mode for simulating client scenarios during 53-minute mock-intake sessions with master’s-level counseling students. Analyzing eight domains (authenticity, consistency, emotional expression, empathy, cultural dynamics, self-awareness, goal setting, and role play confusion), ChatGPT’s responses showed good to excellent fidelity when compared to a typical client. Limitations such as formulaic and idealized responses raised authenticity concerns. ChatGPT offers a scalable, cost-effective tool for pre-practicum training, with potential to enhance skill development across the curriculum. Educators are encouraged to integrate genAI thoughtfully, prioritizing ethical considerations and iterative prompt refinement.

Utilizing Artificial Intelligence Therapeutic Adjuncts To Support Autistic Adults Between Counseling Sessions, Carlos J. Castaneda Jr, Nicole Noble, Afroze N. Shaikh

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into mental health care presents innovative opportunities for therapeutic interventions. This pilot study examined the use of a customized Artificial Intelligence Therapeutic Adjunct (AITA) as a supplementary counseling tool for adults with level one autism spectrum disorder who attended weekly counseling sessions. Using a Single Subject Design to review trends in mental health symptoms and perceptions of the AITA, participants engaged with the AITA over four weeks, completed weekly anxiety and depression assessments, and post-intervention and satisfaction surveys. Thematic Analysis identified common counseling concerns and the AITA’s use of counseling techniques. Although findings suggest …

Reimagining The Counseling Profession: Preparing Counselors For Ai And Digital Health Integration, Carl J. Sheperis, Dusti L. Annan-Coultas, Caronne C. C. Rush

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Digital health technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming mental healthcare delivery, creating new opportunities and challenges for counseling practice. This article examines digital health applications in counseling, including telehealth, mobile apps, digital therapeutics, virtual reality, and AI-powered tools. We explore key implications for practice, including enhanced accessibility, impacts on therapeutic relationships, and ethical considerations. The article presents a six-domain competency framework covering privacy and security, technical proficiency, ethical literacy, clinical integration, therapeutic adaptability, and administrative management. A case study illustrates the practical application of hybrid digital care, while a discussion of counselor education highlights the need for curriculum updates. …

Letter From The Editors: Special Issue: Artificial Intelligence In Professional Counseling And Counselor Preparation, Rachel Jacoby, Sandra Logan-Mckibben

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

No abstract provided.

A Religious Etiology Of Genito-Pelvic Pain And Pain With Penetration, Emily L. Carlson

Theses and Graduate Projects

Pelvic pain during penetration (PPDP) has been described using various diagnostic terms, including vaginismus, dyspareunia, and vulvodynia. The most recent and comprehensive classification is Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) which is characterized by psychological distress associated with pain during or in anticipation of vaginal penetration (DSM-5-TR; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022). The etiology of PPDP is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and relational factors. Religious and cultural influences may play a significant role in shaping individuals’ experiences of sexual pain. This study investigated the etiology of PPDP in relation to the religious influences among women raised in Judeo-Christian …

Increasing Implementation Of The Comfortable Cafeteria Program To Promote School-Age Children’S Mental Health And Well-Being, Reinecka Mondesir, Angela Labrie Blackwell Phd, Otr

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Every Moment Counts (EMC) is a positive mental health promotion initiative that offers several initiatives to create inclusive environments that support student participation and emotional well-being throughout the school day. Comfortable Cafeteria, part of EMC, fosters positive mealtime experiences supporting peer interaction, emotional regulation, and inclusion. Many SBOT practitioners lack the resources to implement Comfortable Cafeteria, despite its benefits. This capstone project addresses the need for practical tools to help school-based occupational therapy (SBOT) practitioners integrate the Comfortable Cafeteria program into daily practice. Using the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, the project developed and disseminated an interactive, evidence-based video …

Cognitive Impairment In Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Clinical Implications And Novel Treatment Strategies, Alexis J. Vega, Gabriel V. Hernandez, Ahmed I. Anwar, Bahareh Sharafi, Rahib K. Islam, Sahar Shekoohi, Alan D. Kaye

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong condition; however, traditional treatment focuses on hyperactivity and inattention, which is largely a manifestation of pediatric ADHD. Studies are limited regarding cognitive difficulties, as seen in adult ADHD, as well as treatment strategies for this population. This review of the literature examines multiple recent studies that discuss various novel treatment strategies for cognitive impairment in adults with ADHD. A targeted literature review was conducted using PubMed to identify recent studies on cognitive dysfunction in adults with ADHD, with an emphasis on emerging treatment strategies. Data collected included sample size, intervention strategies, cognitive …

Ketamine As A Novel Treatment For Bipolar Disorder: Efficacy, Safety, And Future Directions, Sophia M. Valerino

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Bipolar disorder is a complex mood disorder characterized by alternating episodes of depression and mania/hypomania, affecting approximately seven million people in the United States. Current pharmacological treatments include lithium, anticonvulsants, and second-generation antipsychotics, but these medications are often associated with significant side effects and poor adherence. Ketamine, a noncompetitive NMDA antagonist, has recently gained attention as a potential treatment for bipolar disorder due to its rapid antidepressant effects, particularly in treatment-resistant mood disorders. This article examines the therapeutic potential of ketamine for bipolar disorder, focusing on its mechanism of action and efficacy. Clinical studies have shown promising results, with ketamine …

Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte, Monocyte-To-Lymphocyte, And Platelet-To-Lymphocyte Ratio In Acute Hospitalized Patients With Schizophrenia, Apichan Dangrungroj, Mayteewat Chiddaycha

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: Schizophrenia has been increasingly linked to inflammation. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have emerged as potential indicators of systemic inflammation.

Objectives: The objectives are to compare NLR, MLR, and PLR between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls, and to investigate the factors associated with NLR. Methods: This retrospective study included 102 sex- and age-matched patients hospitalized with schizophrenia and control subjects. NLR, MLR, and PLR were calculated from the Complete Blood Count (CBC) results and compared between groups. Sociodemographic data and clinical characteristics were analyzed using multiple linear regression to identify …

Improving Anxiety Screening In Active-Duty Military: Policy Recommendation For Implementing Ham-A Alongside Gad-7, Alex Judkins

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Military personnel appear to be at increased risk for mood and stress-related conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These are frequently associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI), yet existing policies and practices may not fully capture this symptom complexity.

PICOT: For healthcare policymakers and providers (P), how does a policy review and recommendation for implementing the HAM-A screening tool for anxiety (I), compared to continued reliance on GAD-7 (C), impact the early identification and policy alignment for somatic and psychic anxiety management among active-duty military personnel (O)?

Evidence: Investigating psychological illnesses and their physiological manifestations in isolation fails …

Use Of Naltrexone For Treating Binge Eating And Food Obsession Related To Trauma: A Case Report And Literature Review, Rebecca K. Hicks, Iram Kingson, Jordan Gaal, Suzanne Holroyd

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Impulse-control disorders, including those related to eating behaviors, are complex conditions with limited pharmacologic treatment options. While naltrexone is primarily used for opioid and alcohol dependence, emerging research suggests it may also be effective in managing a variety of impulse-driven conditions. As a pure opioid antagonist, naltrexone’s mechanism of action involves the inhibition of opioid receptors on dopaminergic neurons involved in the reward pathway of the brain, thereby reducing the reinforcing effects of substances such as alcohol and opioids. Research suggests that through this mechanism of action, naltrexone shows promise in treating impulsive behaviors also driven by the reward pathway, …

Binge Eating Disorder: A Clinical Review, Michell Mcdiffett Mshs, Pa-C

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder (ED) in the United States (U.S.) and is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating a larger than normal amount of food in a discrete period of time and includes a sense of loss of control over food intake. BED is often comorbid with serious somatic and psychiatric disorders and is associated with reduced quality of life and excess mortality. Some consider BED a public health concern due to frequent co-occurrence with obesity and worse outcomes in those populations. The diagnosis is often delayed due to shame and underreporting of symptoms …

Overcoming Barriers To Connection Between People With Schizophrenia And Their Caregivers, Sarah G. Fernandez

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

The purpose of this doctoral project is to bring together existing literature on relational barriers between patients and caregivers, and strategies for overcoming them, for one reason: to help clinicians facilitate connection within families and households where one person has schizophrenia. It is therefore comprised of two parts: this paper containing a three-part literature review on barriers to connection including social skill deficits characteristic of the disease of schizophrenia, environmental factors, and caregiver burden and expressed emotion within families, as well as protective factors and strategies for overcoming them. The second component of this project is a psychoeducational module geared …

Revising And Consolidating The Dsm-5 And Icd-11 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders Into A Dimensional Spectrum-Based Disorder: A Literature Review, Samuel Milton Shatsky

University Honors Theses

This thesis investigates the clinical, cultural, and theoretical implications of replacing the current DSM-5 and ICD-11 categorical diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) with a unified dimensional framework: trauma spectrum disorder (TSD). The proposed TSD model addresses ongoing concerns around diagnostic inflation, treatment misalignment, and clinical confusion stemming from binary trauma categorizations. This thesis explores whether adopting a dimensional diagnostic model to replace DSM-5 and ICD-11's current PTSD and CPTSD designations could lead to improved treatment outcomes and diagnostic clarity.

Methodology consisted of an extensive literature review of the field's current research. Using the …

Fda Approves Lecanemab-Irmb Maintenance Dosing For Early Alzheimer’S Disease Treatment, Jordyn Linfield, Giang Nguyen, Ashley Jacob, Andrew Johnson, Maria Nguyen, Sara Ha, Joshua Honaker, Samantha Mccord, Kelly Kroustos

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and is associated with progressive and irreversible cognitive decline that begins with memory lapses leading to physical and functional impairment. The conventional therapies that have been used for the treatment from Alzheimer's Disease include acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, but additional therapy options are being developed. Lecanemab, brand name Lequembi, is currently a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved humanized monoclonal antibody for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and indicated for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia. While there is impactful aid for treatment, lecanemab has three significant adverse reactions, which …

Dance/Movement Therapy Interventions That Can Address And Decrease Impacts Of Developmental Prosopagnosia: A Literature Review, Caitlin Rivenbark

Expressive Therapies Theses

This literature review explores dance/movement therapy (DMT) as a treatment modality for developmental prosopagnosia (DP) or face blindness. Research on DP causes and assessments are limited, as well as research on treatments and supportive management. In order to conceptualize how DMT might support people with DP, this paper focuses on mitigating the impacts of having the condition by exploring treatments for conditions with similar impacts including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD). The interventions included were pharmacotherapy, behavioral contingencies, mainstream therapies, and alternative therapies including DMT and drama therapy (DT). The various …

Fda Approval Of Cobenfy: A New Therapeutic Option For Schizophrenia, Brenna Hissong, Penlope Mazivanhanga, Alexander Defranco, Linda Azap, Haley Brown, Megan Rizo, Joshua Honaker, Samantha Mccord, Lindsey Ferraro

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Schizophrenia is a complex illness characterized by behavioral, emotional, and cognitive dysfunctions. Common symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, cognitive decline, and social withdrawal. The disorder is related to structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter imbalances, and a combination of genetic and environmental elements, and affects about 24 million individuals globally. Currently, two medication classes are most commonly used to treat schizophrenia. These medications are first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) and second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs). Due to the side effect profiles that both medication classes carry, research is being conducted for new drug classes.

Cobenfy (xanomeline/trospium chloride), also known investigationally as KarXT, is a new class of …

Recommendations For Telesupervision: Promoting Ethical, Legal, And Effective University And Clinical Supervision Using Technology, Madeleine M. Stevens, Yegan Pillay, Edisa Music, Elena Shahen

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

The expansion of the use of technology in counseling has implicated counseling professionals in considering how to legally and ethically incorporate it into all facets of practice, including university and clinical supervision settings. In this article, we provide scholarship-backed recommendations for doing so as well as provide suggestions for incorporating psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral (CBT) supervision models into telesupervision.

Exploring Race In Addiction Treatment And The Need For An Anti-Racist Approach, Jackie D. Dell, Mei Tang

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Extensive literature documents that Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Color (BIPOC) have been historically and systematically discriminated in addiction and substance use disorder treatment and services. This systemic oppression is the result of the creation and intersection of multiple systems that are rooted in White supremacy, which continue to fail to recognize racism as a critical factor in health disparities. The complexities of the structural factors that contribute to these racial health disparities, and opportunities to better address these disparities were reviewed to discuss their impact on BIPOC clients and the necessity for anti-racist approaches to addressing addiction …

Culturally-Affirming Service-Learning For Counselors-In-Training: Child-Parent Relationship Therapy Training With Spanish-Speaking Families, Karen M. Roller, Szu-Yu Chen, Katrina Volante

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

The Spanish-speaking community is the largest underserved language group in the United States. To advance social justice advocacy and multicultural humility for this language group, the field of counselor education needs to create pedagogical scaffolding for non-Spanish-speaking counselors-in-training to work with interpreters to support Spanish-speaking families, while also enhancing language-concordant training for Spanish-English bilingual counselors-in-training. We utilized a critical race research design to explore six counselors-in-training’s experience participating in service-learning through online facilitation of Child-Parent Relationship Therapy with Spanish-speaking families. Interpretative phenomenological analysis of qualitative data yielded four major themes: (a) collaboration, (b) improved awareness, (c) growth and strength, and …

Investigating Undergraduate Conditioned Place Preference Utilizing Virtual Alcohol Stimuli, Nikole A. Rodriguez Torres, Robert Astur, Jeffrey Divino

Honors Scholar Theses

Alcohol use remains a major concern among college students, with binge drinking linked to serious physical and mental health problems. But how much does the environment influence these addictive behaviors? The relationship between environmental cues and alcohol related behaviors is a critical area of study, particularly understanding reward and motivation mechanisms. Binge drinking, common among college students, is associated with a range of negative outcomes such as physical harm, legal issues, poorer overall health, sleep problems, depression, anxiety, and severe thoughts of suicide. In our study, college undergraduates were exposed to two VR rooms: one with alcohol-related stimuli and one …

Integrating Positive Psychology And Spirituality To Foster Meaning And Well-Being In Older Adults, Crystal Morris

Adultspan Journal

This perspective article explores the integration of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) and spirituality in therapy to foster meaning and well-being in older adults. It highlights exercises such as the positive introduction, positive legacy, character strengths, mindfulness, mindful-based yoga, and a manifestation prayer journaling. The interventions presented are tools to support older adults that may experience depression, difficult life transitions, and the search for renewed meaning. Therapists who integrate PPIs and spirituality into therapy can promote a holistic, non-pathological approach to treatment.

Psychoeducational Training For Community Health Workers To Improve Confidence In Providing Mental Health Services To Migrants, Nimota M. Akintoye

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Translational and Clinical Research Projects

There is a higher prevalence of mental health illnesses among migrants. This minority group is faced with challenges in accessing healthcare due to poverty, stigmatization, and fear of discrimination. Research has shown that community health workers (CHWs) bridge the gap between the health and social service sectors and the patients by improving patient access to care and healthcare outcomes. A translational project was implemented to evaluate how psychoeducational training improved the CHWs’ confidence and knowledge level in providing mental health support to the patients and community members. Sister Calista Roy’s Adaptation Model was used to guide the study by incorporating …