Mental Disorders Commons^™

Psychogastroenterology: An Introduction For Behavioral Health And Healthcare Professionals, Jerrod Brown Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., M.S., M.S., Jeremiah B. Schimp Phd, Ma, Lpcc, Leanne Skehan Dcn, Msacn, Mph, Mba, Cns, Ches, Shelley Mydra Dmft, Lmft, Jonathan Ward Dc, Phd(C), Ms, Dibcn, Tiffany Flaten Cns, Ldn

Nutritional Neurocriminology Today

Although often difficult to discuss with clients, gastrointestinal (GI) issues affect an estimated 60 to 70 million Americans (American Gastroenterological Association, 2022). Yet only about 25% of those experiencing these conditions receive treatment. This is troubling because GI issues frequently co-occur with clinically significant consequences for physical health, psychological well-being, daily functioning, and overall quality of life. Designed for behavioral health and healthcare professionals, this brief article introduces the field of psychogastroenterology, with emphasis on symptoms, stigma, diagnosis, and treatment. Key topics include the gut-brain axis, common digestive health conditions, and the mental health implications associated with gastrointestinal disorders.

Heart Rate Variability In The Context Of Mental Health And Substance Use, Sage M. Lopez

Bridges: An Undergraduate Journal of Contemporary Connections

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has been linked to various areas of cardiovascular disease and mortality in previous research. Within this area, certain mental illnesses and use of psychoactive substances have been associated with low HRV and its health implications. Little research exists that examines the combined effects of mental illness and psychoactive substance use. The current research aims to understand if there is a compounding negative effect of these two factors when studied in tandem. Using a three-phase study design, HRV was analysed at baseline and at physiological relaxation, with participants being included under certain mental health, substance use, or …

Sociodemographic Influences On Student-Athlete Eating Disorder Risk And Treatment-Seeking Behavior In The National College Health Assessment, Savannah Hughbanks, Andrew W. Froehle, Brian A. Edwards

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Objective: The present study was developed to explicate attributes associated with increased likelihood of disordered eating behaviors and treatment avoidance and help practitioners better-identify and assist high-risk individuals.

Participants: Varsity athletes (n=51,882) who completed the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) between 2011 and 2019.

Methods: Data was collected from survey responses to questions related to disordered eating behaviors. Disorders were cross-sectioned into eight predictors: year in school, gender, sexual-orientation, race/ethnicity, school-type, international-student, history of mental health illness, and anxiety of impending academic performance.

Results: Two percent of the student-athletes self-reported an ED diagnosis, and within those two percent 65.9% reported …

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 …

The Impact Of The Mediterranean Diet On Depression: A Narrative Review, Emma Kate Schaaf

Honors Theses

Background. The Western diet has extensive negative ramifications on physical health and emotional well-being. The Mediterranean diet, widely regarded as one of the healthiest eating patterns in the world, may have the ability to improve psychological conditions. This study aims to examine existing research from randomized control trials (RCTs) on the association between depression prevalence and the Mediterranean diet.

Methods. The following review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines and the Google Scholar and PsycInfo databases. The criteria for inclusion were that studies: 1) were randomized control trials (RCTs) examining the Mediterranean diet; 2) included samples of adults (i.e., > 18 years …

An Educational Intervention: Knowledge Acquisition Of Perimenopausal Mental Health Symptoms And Treatment Options For Women Aged 35 Years Plus, Allison M. Hopps

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Perimenopause is a span of four to six years preceding menopause when estrogen levels decline. Up to 40% of women experience depression during the perimenopause transition. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be an effective treatment for depressive symptoms during perimenopause, but many healthcare practitioners prescribe antidepressants instead of HRT for the management of mood-related symptoms. Perimenopausal depression is associated with the progression of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. The general population, including women and healthcare providers, lacks the education and awareness surrounding perimenopause symptoms and treatment. This project educated women between ages 35 to 55 on …

Who’S In Control? Perceived Stress And Emotional Regulation Partially Mediate The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces) On Mental Health And Life Satisfaction., Mary A. Burdan

Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur during the first 18 years of life and have a strong potential to negatively impact health and well-being in adulthood. The exploration of this connection is important because health and lifestyle behaviors have been linked to the leading causes of death in the United States. ACEs have been found to alter brain development and have been associated with mental health issues and lower life satisfaction, but information about the pathway between these connections is scarce. The present study aimed to investigate if inadequate emotional regulation and higher levels of perceived …

The Role Of Ect In Ocd: A 10-Year Review (2014-2024), Mariana Sales, Tainiz Polanco, Amy Nguyen

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects up to 2.5% of the population with significant impacts on everyday functioning and relationships. First-line treatment includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and cognitive behavioral therapy; however, studies have found that up to 40-60% of patients do not respond to SSRIs. ECT is an alternative approach that has demonstrated limited efficacy in OCD.

Objective: The current review aims to summarize the results of published work between 2014-2024 to assess the efficacy of ECT in the treatment of OCD.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using eight studies from 2014-2024 to assess the effectiveness of ECT …

Assessing The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Mental Health In Patients Presenting To A Student-Run Free Clinic, Sabah Iqbal, Kirsten Carlberg, Emily Reilly, Jessica Ivanov, Victoria Youssef, Lily Roessler, Maikel Monsour, Nils Brolis

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Mental health is an important part of patient care, therefore it is imperative to understand how it’s recognized and treated. Socioeconomic status and the COVID19 pandemic contribute to disproportionate incidences of mental illness^{1, 2, 10, 11, 12}. This study uses data from a student-run clinic, the Rowan-Virtua Community Health Center (RVCHC), to examine disparities in mental health needs and screenings among the local population.

Hypothesis

It was hypothesized that underserved populations are at a disadvantage when it comes to both mental health screenings and treatment due to restricted access to healthcare and other unmet needs. Additionally, the …

Unbridled Healing: Identifying The Barriers Of Equine-Assisted Therapy, Sally A. Hamm

Human Development and Family Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Despite the documented benefits of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) for mental health conditions, this complementary approach remains underutilized. This qualitative study investigated barriers preventing wider EAT implementation by examining challenges faced by clients, facilities, and volunteers. Data collected through open-ended surveys from 33 participants and the researcher's autoethnographic observations revealed eight common barriers: Accessibility (48 mentions), Money (43), Time (30), Awareness (23), Physical Factors (13), Relationships (13), Risk (13), and Weather (7). Clients identified financial constraints as their primary barrier, particularly insurance limitations. Facilitators struggled most with accessibility challenges, including lack of resources, trained staff, suitable horses, and appropriate facilities. Volunteers …

Exercise As An Intervention For Postpartum Depression (Ppd), Kylie P. Mistretta

Honors Scholar Theses

Objective: To illustrate the applications of exercise for preventing the development of postpartum depression (PPD) and addressing associated risk factors identified in the literature. Data Sources: PubMed and EBSCO: Academic Search Premier were accessed using the search terms exercise OR physical activity OR yoga AND postpartum depression OR postnatal depression. A secondary search of PubMed was conducted using the search terms exercise AND pregnancy AND depression OR gestational diabetes OR weight gain OR sleep quality.

Study Selection: Studies selected for inclusion were peer-reviewed, published after January 2012, written in English, and relevant to the PPD risk factors examined. Only clinical …

Investigating Mental Health Outcomes Of National Collegiate Athletic Association (Ncaa) Division I Student-Athletes At The University Of Louisville, 2019-2023., Paul Harvey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mental health outcomes among collegiate student-athletes, has become a broader concern in the 21^st century. This study examines prevalence and incidence of anxiety and depression amongst student-athletes at the University of Louisville from 2019-2023 across different Sports Groups. The prevalence of anxiety was found to be 20.22% and risk of anxiety was 15.65%. The prevalence of depression was found to be 13.11% and risk of depression was 18.75%. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between sports groups and anxiety/depression. There was a borderline association between sports groups and prevalence of anxiety after confounder adjustment (OR=1.86, 95% CI: …

The Impact Of Perceived Discrimination On Mental And Physical Health Among The Hispanic Immigrant Population, Cheyla Tabares Cuesta

Undergraduate Theses

Discrimination has profoundly shaped the lives of individuals within disadvantaged communities, but its impact on mental and physical health has often been overlooked. In this project, I review literature on perceived discrimination based on immigrant status and its effects on psychological and physical health and examine a potential mediator and moderator of these relationships. Specifically, the relationships between immigration-based discrimination and both mental health and physical health may be mediated by perceived stress, meaning that discrimination may lead to higher stress levels, which results in poorer health outcomes. Furthermore, these relationships may be moderated by psychological resilience; individuals with higher …

Impacts On College-Aged Asian American Mental Health, Zahra Soherwardy

Senior Theses

This study explores the relationship between different forms of racial harassment and mental health issues in Asian American college students. Asian American mental health is a growing concern in the field of public health. Asian Americans have the lowest treatment rates and some of the highest stigma levels of any demographic. They are also impacted by the model minority myth and discrimination, further alienating them from getting help. The topics of subtle racism, blatant racism, and current racial discrimination were compared to depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-esteem, and four domains of aggression using survey data. Subtle racism was found to be …

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 …

Évolution Des Troubles Mentaux Liés Au Travail Au Québec Entre 2012 Et 2021, Jaunathan Bilodeau, Martin Lebeau, Marc-Antoine Busque, Alain Marchand

Études primaires

Introduction : Plusieurs pays ont connu une augmentation du nombre de troubles mentaux acceptés au cours des dernières années, mais les variations possibles de cette évolution dans la main-d’œuvre demeurent à explorer.

But de l’étude : Cette étude examine la distribution dans le temps des troubles mentaux acceptés selon la profession, le secteur industriel, le sexe et l’âge au Québec.

Résultats : Les taux d’incidence des troubles mentaux et leur évolution varient selon la profession et le secteur industriel. Alors que le taux est généralement plus élevé dans les professions mixtes et le secteur tertiaire, l’augmentation de ces taux s’observe …

Assessing The Relationship Between Perceived Psychological And Physical Pain In Adults With Orthopedic Pain, Daniel C. Karimi Dehkordi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Suicide remains a public health concern in the U.S., particularly among individuals experiencing chronic pain and psychological distress. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between perceived physical and psychological pain in 41 adults with chronic orthopedic conditions. The relationship between other risk and protective factors and perceived levels of pain distress was also examined. Results showed a significant positive correlation between psychological distress and physical pain (r(39) = 0.388, p < .05) and psychological distress and depressive/anxiety symptoms (r (39) = 0.477, p < .01). Psychological distress was moderately associated with feelings of hopelessness (r (39) = 0.403, p < .01), however, the relationship between physical pain and hopelessness was weak and nonsignificant (r (39) = -0.06, p = .71). Contrary to expectations, emotional support did not buffer the effects of psychological distress (r (39) = 0.07, p = 0.66). Mediational analysis confirmed that emotional support did not influence the relationship between physical pain and psychological distress (Beta (β) = -0.969, p = 0.572; Sobel Z = 0.5598, p = 0.575). Age was not correlated with psychological distress (r (39) = -0.24, p = 0.13) or mental health symptoms (r (39) = -0.05, p = .77). While there was no significant difference across sex, males reported higher mental health symptomatology and psychological distress scores than female counterparts. These findings underscore the direct impact of physical pain on psychological distress and challenge assumptions about the protective role of social support. The study highlights the need for integrated, multidisciplinary interventions targeting both physical and psychological pain to mitigate suicide risk among individuals with chronic orthopedic conditions. Future research should iii explore alternative support mechanisms and resilience-building strategies to address the complex interplay of pain, distress, and suicidality.

Improving Outcomes Of Patients Being Seen In The Emergency Room For Mental Health Crisis, Kimberly Hudson

Doctoral Projects

Mental health is a significant problem, especially in males aged 20 to 50 years old (Omary, 2019). Lack of a primary mental health care provider, lack of proper treatment and follow up appointments for this population, and bottlenecking patients in the emergency room are all factors that contribute to the problem. As a result, these patients experience negative outcomes such as not receiving proper care and/or causing harm to themselves or others. In this doctoral project we will explore the option of patients having better outcomes if seen immediately by a psychiatric health care provider.

Having psychiatric healthcare providers in …

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 …

Bridging The Gap: Fostering Open Dialogue On Resource Access And Service Needs, Cameron Castillo

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This project investigates whether there are additional resources desired by clients or are needed to better support said clients in their recovery at the Interim, Inc. organization. This agency is a nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to build community connections through providing services to individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. While there is a wide range of programs available, there may still be clients with unmet needs. The purpose of this project was to identify any service gaps by conducting separate surveys of clients and staff members. Through the use of open-ended questions, the expectation of receiving …

The "Ableism'' Behind Mental Health Professionals' Perceptions Of Support, Hideki Muramatsu

Patient Experience Journal

This paper presents the personal narrative of the author, an individual who has experienced personal and clinical recovery from mental health difficulties. Diagnosed with a mental disorder (NEUROTIC; ICD-10) during my university years, I endured cognitive dysfunction, panic disorder, derangement of ego, suicidal ideation, and depression. Despite these challenges, I have actively engaged in social skills training, supervised virtual reality content, led self-help groups, and published papers on my experiences. I will discuss my own experiences as an expert-by-experience and describe the tendencies of professional ableism consciousness that I encountered during my journey of recovery. Through the lens of my …

A Brief Review Of Zuranolone, Aubrey A. Jackson

Transformative Medicine

Zuranolone, a novel analog of allopregnanolone, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first oral medication approved for the treatment of postpartum depression in adults. Developed by Sage Therapeutics under the brand name Zurzuvae, zuranolone was approved by the FDA on August 4^th, 2023.¹ Zuranolone is a modified version of brexanolone (sold under the brand name Zulpresso), an intravenously administered allopregnanolone formulation that was previously the only FDA-approved medication for postpartum depression. Zuranolone offers a more accessible treatment option for patients with efficacy established in clinical trials. Its approval expands the …

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 …

Considerations Of Medicare Telehealth Services With Older Adults, Sonah Kho, Amanda Dediego

Adultspan Journal

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic set in motion a rapid expansion of mental health services offered via telehealth. With this rapid expansion came the need to examine how policy and practice should be shaped in a future where telehealth is considered common in counseling practice. For counselors to understand how to support older adult clients in using telehealth services, they must understand telehealth policy. Following the eligibility of licensed counselors to participate in Medicare, counselors need to stay abreast of regulatory changes regarding restrictions and regulations on use of telehealth for mental and behavioral health services, including video and …

General Psychology 2e, Will Stutterheim

All Open Educational Resources

General Psychology 2e offers an insightful exploration into the complexities of the field of psychology and all that it has to offer. This book provides a thorough introduction to the foundational principles of psychology, covering essential theories, research findings, and applications that illustrate the intricate workings of the mind.

The text begins with a historical overview of psychology, tracing its evolution from philosophical roots to its establishment as a scientific discipline. It then delves into essential topics regarding stress and mental health disorders and concludes with therapy and treatment approaches. It then covers research in psychology, biopsychology, consciousness, and perception. …

Exploring Complete Mental Health Screening Using Adolescent Self-Reports, Stephanie A. Vinal

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This study comprises two separate papers that ultimately aim to create and support the use of a new school screening tool to identify student risk for a variety of school-based problems as well as identify their individual strengths. Complete mental health screening refers to a process by which the entire student body of a school is administered a screening tool in order to cast a wide net and increase the likelihood of identifying any student at risk for behavioral, social, emotional, or academic difficulties. By identifying student strengths as well as their risk for problems, schools are better aimed at …

Depression Screening And Education For Immigrants To Increase Access To Care, Viktoriya Ivantsova

Dissertations

Abstract

Problem: Immigrants are at risk for developing mental health disorders due to multiple factors including social, cultural, or economic factors. This can result in a lower quality of life and an increased chance of further disabilities. Although immigrants are at increased risk for the development of mental health disorders, studies show that utilization of available services and resources are low. Additionally, organizations that provide services to immigrants may not be implementing screening and psychoeducation.

Methods: This quality improvement (QI) project followed a descriptive, observational design along with an educational intervention. Using convenience sampling for recruitment, Russian and/or Ukrainian adults …

Trends In Substance Use And Mental Health Among Adolescents In Georgia, 2002-2022, Saumya S. Palipudi, Bangaru Talli Palipudi, Murty Komanduri

Georgia Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Conference

Background: While substance use and absence of mental health disorders among youth in the United States (US) have declined over the past two decades, post COVID-19 pandemic, these conditions have increased significantly with notable disparities, and witnessed a crisis in public health. In 2022, 24.7% or 6.1 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the US had either Major Depressive Episodes (MDE) or Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and 3.7 percent had both in the prior year². Increased stress, lack of peer connections, parental abuse, and poor mental health conditions were attributed to this increase in substance use^{3-7 …}

The Correlation Of Consistent Exercise With Depressive Symptoms, John Gericke, Tara Pellegrino, Robert Steer

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Depression is a major health issue that affects an estimated 350 million people worldwide. Typically, depression is associated with individuals who follow a poor diet and are physically inactive. Exercise is one form of treatment for depression and has been shown to reduce the risk of depression and protect against the onset of depression. The PHQ-9 Depression Score is a tool used to screen individuals for depression on a scale from 0-27. The goal of this study is to identify a relationship between consistent exercise and depression symptoms.

Methods: An original Qualtrics survey was created to be distributed with …

Biopsychosocial Case Report, David F. Lo, Gaurav Kumar, Don D. Shamilov

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Ms. R, a 32-year-old Hispanic female, suffers from severe anxiety exacerbated by a car accident and past struggles with depression and substance use. Evaluation reveals hypothyroidism, mild anemia, and GAD as the primary diagnosis. Factors contributing to her condition include genetic predispositions, medical issues, and social stressors. Treatment involves pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and monitoring her physiological health. Research on wearable data for GAD severity offers potential insights for her treatment. A holistic approach, considering biological, psychological, and social factors, guides her tailored treatment plan for overall well-being.