Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons^™

Expressive Therapies And Resiliency – Resistance In Mental Health: A Literature Review, Gabrielle Lopez

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This review evaluates the current literature on psychological resistance amongst human service professionals experiencing burnout and the effect of Expressive Arts interventions on resiliency. Concepts include identifying the main symptoms, risk factors, causes, and treatments for burnout in education faculty, medical staff, and clinicians. Qualitative, quantitative, and meta-analysis studies are included to identify the most prevalent intervention frameworks for reducing stress including Arts-Based and Mindfulness-compassion based techniques. The effectiveness of Arts-based tools on strengthening identity, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and meaning-making in combating burnout is presented. Based on analysis of the literature, the author proposes a three-step intervention framework for utilizing …

Molecular Mechanisms Of Opioid Use Disorder In Human Brain Models, Emily Mendez

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a national and global public health crisis with no end in sight. While studies from animal models hint at widespread epigenetic and transcriptomic alterations of opioid drugs, the molecular consequences of long-term exposure to opioid drugs in human brain is still unclear, and human-centered translational models are necessary to discern the human cell type-specific effects of OUD.

Using postmortem brain Brodmann area 9 (BA9) from the UTHealth Brain Collection for Research on Psychiatric Disorders, I identified angiogenic gene networks perturbed in the RNA and protein of OUD subjects, as well as downregulation of many neuron-correlated …

A Systematic Review Of Digital Technology Use For The Treatment And Management Of Ptsd, Liam Browning, Arash Javanbakht, Imran Rashid

Medical Student Research Symposium

The COVID-19 pandemic led to rapid growth in telemental health services and investment in digital mental health technologies. Digital mental health technologies could expand access to mental health care in a time of increasing provider deficit by providing tools for expedited psychiatric symptom assessment and management. This systematic review explores the current evidence for the use of scalable digital treatment modalities, including virtual reality (VR), machine learning, wearables, mobile apps, and neurofeedback training in the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD. Our findings support the current literature suggesting VR interventions are efficacious for combat-related PTSD treatment and that conclusions of studies …

Temporal Relation Between Pubertal Development And Peer Victimization In A Prospective Sample Of Us Adolescents, Jessica A. Marino, Elysia Poggi Davis, Laura M. Glynn, Curt A. Sandman, Jennifer Hahn-Holbrook

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Peer victimization typically peaks in early adolescence, leading researchers to hypothesize that pubertal timing is a meaningful predictor of peer victimization. However, previous methodological approaches have limited our ability to parse out which puberty cues are associated with peer victimization because gonadal and adrenal puberty, two independent processes, have either been conflated or adrenal puberty timing has been ignored. In addition, previous research has overlooked the possibility of reverse causality—that peer victimization might drive pubertal timing, as it has been shown to do in non-human primates. To fill these gaps, we followed 265 adolescents (47% female) prospectively across three-time points …

Pets In Practice: A Practical Guide To The Introduction Of Dogs To Mental Health Work Settings Derived From The Direct Experiences Of Staff, Tatiana (Tia) Urgasova, Donna Sloss, Mary Lavelle

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

The aim of this study was to evaluate the introduction of dogs in mental health workplace settings: specifically, exploring staff perspectives on the acceptability of dogs in mental health teams; the impact of the dogs on themselves directly, their patients, and their team; and the challenges of implementing dogs in mental health settings. This qualitative study design used semi-structured interviews. Twelve participants were interviewed; six from a Crisis Assessment and Treatment team, five from a Recovery College team, and one from the Inpatient and Outreach Psychiatric Service. Interviews were transcribed and six key themes were identified: facilitating staff well-being, improving …

Analyzing The Ramifications Of Climate Change On Mental Health, Salvatore A. Medori

CAFE Symposium 2024

When thinking about the vast array of impacts that the climate crisis has on humanity, there are many things that come to mind, but mental health impacts are likely not one of them. Even though research demonstrates that mental effects from any form of disaster far exceed the physical health implications mental health impacts of the largest disaster facing humanity since the Second World War are rarely considered at all, let alone when solutions are being created. This has led to a hidden crisis emerging underneath an even larger crisis, with serious consequences for most individuals across the globe. The …

Selective Mutism In The Classroom, Audrey Whisman

CAFE Symposium 2024

Selective Mutism is an extreme form of anxiety where in social situations, you completely freeze. It affects around 1 child in every 5 classrooms, but is considered to be one of the most misunderstood mental health disorders. Audrey Whisman created a curriculum program and guidebook which she will use to educate school professionals and teachers about what symptoms look like and how they can best support their students.

The Impact Of Brief Electronic Guided Mindfulness Meditation On Anxiety Scores, Sierra King

DNP Scholarly Projects

In the United States, anxiety rates are on the rise for the general population (Goodwin et al., 2020a). Prolonged and frequent anxiety can become unprompted and problematic (American Psychiatric Association, 2021). Management of anxiety is crucial for overall wellbeing. Access to treatment and resources for anxiety may be limited in rural geographical locations (Morales et al., n.d.). This DNP project sought to determine whether a brief intervention of electronic guided mindfulness meditation (MM) by Insight Timer is effective in decreasing anxiety in a rural populous. Convenience sampling recruited a final total of 11 rural participants who participated in seven sessions …

Acculturation And Immigrant Parental Perceptions Concerning Sexual Communication, Kwame Owura Frimpong

Journal of Human Services Scholarship and Interprofessional Collaboration

Abstract:

Acculturation presents challenges to many immigrant parents that are adjusting to new lives in the United States. The rationale for conducting this study stemmed from the effects that acculturation can have on the wellbeing of immigrants, adversely affecting their health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of Sub-Saharan African immigrant parents concerning having a conversation with their pre-adolescent children about sexuality and sexual practices. Findings revealed communication barriers due to cultural beliefs, cultural taboos, and shame. The findings from this study are beneficial to behavioral healthcare providers that work with immigrant families, parents, and …

Innovative Virtual Wellness Interventions At An Academic Medical Center: A Pilot Feasibility Study, Ritika Baweja, Michael Hayes, Aditya Joshi, Raman Baweja

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: There is generally a concerning likelihood of burnout in healthcare workers. Given the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers, our institution identified the need for wellness interventions to foster adaptive functioning and mitigate burnout. The purpose of this pilot project was to assess the feasibility of virtual holistic interventions like meditation, art, laughter therapy and dance and their impact on overall well-being of physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs).

Methods: A series of 12 virtual sessions (art therapy, dance therapy, mindfulness-based practices/meditation and laughter therapy) were offered to providers over a 6-month period. Participants completed an online survey reporting …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Culture Based Nurse-Led Education For Postpartum Depression In Primiparous Asian-American Women, Colleen Peralta

Nursing | Senior Theses

The postpartum period is a critical period in regards to maternal health, marked by various physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Among the vulnerabilities that arise, postpartum depression (PPD) poses significant risks. More specifically, Asian-American mothers with postpartum depression face unique challenges, including the stigma surrounding mental health. As mental health stigma remains prevalent within the Asian-American community, it can make it challenging for mothers to seek out mental health care for postpartum depression. To investigate, primary research articles about the perceptions and experiences of PPD and the interventions used to improve PPD outcomes were examined. A plan for a future …

The Impact Of Human Attachment To A Pet Bird On Psychological Well-Being, Kathryn Marie Trautann

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Few studies have addressed human attachment to a pet bird and psychological well-being, and the research that has been conducted is largely anecdotal and anthropomorphic perspectives on human relationships with birds. In this quantitative study, the relationships between humans and their birds were explored using Bowlby's attachment theory and Fredrickson and Losada's broaden and build theory. The study consisted of a randomized experiment, in which individuals were randomly assigned to either an attachment (n = 81) or detachment (n = 88) group. The security priming manipulation was used to prime the groups. The attachment group was asked to list things …

The Education Prescription: Exploring The Potential Of Patient Education To Reduce Mental Health Issues In Hormonal Contraceptive Users, Maria Abraham

Nursing | Senior Theses

The many birth control options available impact a woman’s life, as hormonal contraceptives are commonly used but often misunderstood. These contraceptives, which contain progestin only, or estrogen and progestin combined, can come in various forms such as pills, implants, IUDs, injections, the vaginal ring, and skin patches. They offer benefits such as reduced menstrual cramps and ectopic pregnancy risk. However, they may lead to adverse side effects which can include increased blood pressure, nausea, headaches, breakthrough bleeding, and a higher risk of blood clots, with research indicating a potential link between oral contraceptive use and a decline in the user’s …

The Image Of Schizophrenia In Spain's Healthcare System, Meghan Webb

CISLA Senior Integrative Projects

Schizophrenia affects thousands of people in Spain and is one of the most serious mental health disorders in existence. Despite its this characteristic, schizophrenia did not always get the proper attention it deserved within the country’s healthcare system. This was largely due to the influence that the Spanish government had, and continues to have, over the healthcare system, giving it the power to choose how the disorder was represented. Therefore, what does that mean for schizophrenia in Spain’s healthcare system today? This essay will explore the ways in which schizophrenia was represented in Spain’s healthcare system through an examination of …

Mental Health Differences In Medical Students Based On Curriculum And Gender, Maxim Jestin, Shelly Sharma, Deval Jhaveri, Brittany Mitchell, Dean Micciche, Venkat Venkataraman, Kathryn Lambert

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Faculty Scholarship

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of mental health struggles among students in medical school is widely reported; however, little is known about how it is impacted by the medical school curriculum. This study aimed to evaluate differences in anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion in medical students based on gender, class year, and curriculum.

METHODS: An anonymous online survey consisting of questions from established, validated questionnaires about demographics, anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, and personal health behaviors was sent to 817 medical students who attended Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine during the Spring of 2021. When applying to this school, each of these students …

Mother’S Hope: A Residential Program Caring For Plain Mothers With Mental Health Challenges, Renee Bright, Naomi Raber

Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies

Mother’s Hope is a culturally sensitive residential program of hope and healing for plain Anabaptist mothers struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety. The home is situated in central Ohio and run by paid staff and Amish volunteers. While in residence, mothers get intensive attention from professional counseling and medical staff at nearby SpringHaven Counseling Center. This home is unique in that mothers are permitted to keep their infants with them in the home so that mother-child bonding is not interrupted while they receive mental health treatment. Several women, former residents at Mother’s Hope, shared their stories, which are included in …

Increasing Medication Adherence In Patients With Bipolar Disorder Using Mobile App Reminder, Emmaculate Ndifor

Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP) Final Projects, 2020-current

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is the fifth leading course of disability in the world, contributing to many co-morbid conditions and complications. Non-adherence to medication is prevalent in patients with BD. The aim of the project was to use an evidence-based technological intervention to enhance medication adherence in BD patients between 18- 65 years old at an outpatient behavioral health clinic.

Methods: Baseline assessment included a pre Morisky Medication Adherence (MMAS-4) questionnaire. The development of an intervention to improve medication adherence was based on Johnson’s (2002) Medication Adherence Model (MAM).

Interventions: Participants downloaded the Medisafe app, registered medications and set …

A Quality Improvement Project On Anxiety Management Before Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Kiera Paulo

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: This Quality Improvement project sought to determine if a brief progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) session could decrease patient anxiety before receiving intramuscular (IM) injections for ketamine-assisted therapy. Problem: The Kerstin Helgason, NP clinic does ketamine-assisted therapy, and many patients express anxiety beforehand, either due to a fear of needles or nerves surrounding the medication treatment. Intervention: This project implemented a brief progressive muscle relaxation therapy for patients with anxiety before receiving their IM injection. Measures: The patient’s anxiety levels were measured before and after the PMR therapy using a five-point Likert scale ranging from none to very severe. Results: …

Recovery Capital, Mental Health And Substance Use Among Individuals Initiating Office-Based Buprenorphine Treatment For Opioid Use Disorder, Hannah R. Callahan, Karen Dugosh, Emily Hurstak, Patty Mccarthy, Emily Garber, Daniel Dejoseph, Julia Dejoseph, Michelle R. Lent

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Recovery capital refers to the internal and external resources available to support an individual in their recovery from substance use disorders. Using data from an ongoing trial, the current study examined recovery capital among 225 individuals initiating office-based buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) at Federally Qualified Health Centers in the mid-Atlantic region. At baseline, participants completed the Brief Assessment of Recovery Capital-10 (BARC-10), a validated measure assessing the 4 major domains of recovery capital and completed a urine toxicology screening. Participants reported BARC-10 scores of 49.22 on average (SD = 8.14). Average scores were highest for the …

Employing Telepsychiatry Services To Assess The Prevalence And Identify Mental Health Disorders Using The Phq-9 And Gad-7 In Resource-Constrained Regions Of Dadar Mansehra, Pakistan: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study, Iffat Zafar Aga, Sara Saeed Khurram, Mahek Karim, Muhammad Muzzamil, Shahkamal Hashmi, Kashif Shafique

Medical College Documents

Objective: This study aims to measure the prevalence of mental health disorders in low-resource settings through telepsychiatry and evaluate data from Pakistan's Sehat Kahani nurse-assisted online clinics serving low-income communities. This will help to understand the magnitude and nature of the demand for contextual therapies to promote mental health. The paper will discuss the challenges faced in these settings, such as limited access to mental health facilities, stigma and opportunities telemedicine brings.
Design: An observational cross-sectional study of telepsychiatry consultations using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 to screen for depression and anxiety was conducted between October and December …