Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons^™

To Heal A Mind: A Comparison Of Functional And Conventional Treatments In Major Depressive Disorder, Gillian Chambers

Senior Honors Theses

Incidence of major depressive disorder is increasing year over year, with little able to be done to halt the spread of the condition. However, there are many treatment possibilities considered unconventional by the healthcare system. This thesis examines the respective benefits and risks, in comparison to one another, between conventional pharmacological treatment and functional, holistic treatment of depression. This was done via integrative review of available clinical literature, synthesizing evidence on both conventional and functional treatments for depression, as dictated by Whittemore and Knafl (2005). Exploratory search methods revealed 758 records fulfilling inclusion criteria, which were screened and narrowed down …

Investigating Prefrontal Cortex Neuronal Signatures Of Opioid-Induced Risk-Taking Behavior, Cana Quave

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Opioid use disorder occurs alongside impaired risk-related decision-making, but the underlying neural correlates are unclear. We developed an approach-avoidance conflict task using a modified conditioned place preference procedure to study neural signals of risky opioid seeking in the prefrontal cortex, a region implicated in executive decision-making. Following morphine conditioned place preference, rats underwent a conflict test in which fear-inducing cat odor was introduced in the previously drug-paired side of the apparatus. While the saline-exposed control group avoided cat odor, the morphine group included two subsets of rats that either maintained a preference for the paired side despite the presence of …

The Relationships Between Behavioral And Sociocultural Constructs And Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Ends) And Cannabis Patterns In Hispanic Young Adult University Students, Kevin Sandoval Medina

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The proliferation of both electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and cannabis has contributed to a concerning trend of dual usage, posing a greater public health risk, particularly pronounced among at-risk populations of increased substance use, such as Hispanic young adult college students. This study utilized the socioecological framework and social cognitive theory to observe behavioral and sociocultural constructs associated with dual use and identify potential risk and protective factors. Four hundred and twenty-one Hispanic young adult university students completed a cross-sectional survey assessing sociodemographics, depression, anxiety, stress, familism, acculturation, self-efficacy, and past month dual use and dual use recency of …

"Alone I Can't, But Together We Can": A Photovoice Study To Explore Insights Of Assisted Outpatient Treatment (Aot) From Providers Working With Individuals With Serious Mental Illness (Smi)., Monica G. Urquieta

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) is a court-ordered mental health treatment program for individuals with SMI (bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and schizophrenia) who have a history of noncompliance with treatment and are at risk of deteriorating or causing harm to themselves or others. This dissertation examined the perceptions and experiences of thirteen providers (lawyers, judges, case managers, psychiatrists, housing navigators, treatment guardians, nurse practitioners, therapists and peer support specialists with lived experience) on the AOT program for clients with SMI; and the environments that shape these perceptions, taking into account a system and community-based approach focusing on how the unique …

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 …

The Role Of Self Esteem Upon The Recovery Of Eating Disordered Patients, Samanta Flores Velazquez

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Eating disorders such as anorexia-nervosa, bulimia-nervosa, and binge-eating disorders are detrimental to overall health and well-being. The demands of beauty ideals and attitudes impact young adults negatively as they attempt to meet societal beauty standards. The need for approval, fitting in with the community, and confidence drive the behaviors of people in negative ways. In recent years, the modernization of social media has contributed to dieting cultures, the thin ideal, harmful weight-loss practices, and the cycle to use the body as a means to control or repent. External factors affect the risk of eating disorders which contribute to the challenge …

Useful Measures Of Adult Attachment And Object Relations In Psychotherapy, Matilde A. Torallas Huerta

Dissertations

This is a literature review of objective and projective measures of attachment and object relations in adults, with the objective of reviewing outstanding research to identify the key factors for adult attachment assessment considered within attachment and object relations theories, what measures of adult attachment styles and dysfunction work best, and to provide key themes of assistance in the measurement of attachment and object relations in adult clients in psychotherapy. Theoretical foundations of attachment and object relations theory are reviewed as well as objective and projective instruments grouped by format. The 10 themes found to be useful in the assessment …

Evaluating Referral Rates For Positive Postpartum Depression Screenings At Telehealth And Well-Child Visits: A Scoping Review, Rachel Macklin Barber, Mph, Bsn, Rn, Damaris Amber Brooks, Bsn, Rn, Ashli-Emeria Gary, Bsn, Rn, Margaret Harvey, Phd, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Kate Fouquier Phd, Aprn, Cnm, Pmh-C, Facnm

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects one in nine women. It has distressing impacts, including behavioral and attachment issues and toveruse of healthcare services. PPD occurs within 4 weeks to 12 months postpartum. A scoping review was conducted to compare referral rates to mental health providers after PPD screenings were conducted via telehealth versus those completed at well-child visits.

Methods

Peer-reviewed articles published within five years before the initial search, beginning September 2022 and ending November 2024, were selected. Articles were sourced from several publications using an online library database with various MeSH terms and Boolean operators. Search results were narrowed …

Fatigue Level Associated With Quality Of Life For Prostate Cancer Patients: Results From The All Of Us Research Program, Hui-Yi Lin, Masuma Mannan, Yu-Wen Chiu, Ya-Hsin Li, Rajasree P. Chowdry, Tung-Sung Tseng

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Prostate cancer (PCa) patients frequently experience extended survivorship, highlighting the importance of quality of life (QoL) in cancer care. QoL has been shown to influence survival and PCa progression. For PCa patients, fatigue is a common issue due to cancer itself or its treatments. However, many QoL studies on PCa patients are limited by small sample sizes in clinic settings and often overlook the impact of fatigue and health-related behaviors. To fill this gap, this study aims to evaluate fatigue associated with QoL and related health measures among PCa patients. METHODS: This study used the All of Us cohort …

Enhancing Schizophrenia Treatment Outcomes: Integrating Cbt With Medication Therapy To Reduce Hospital Readmission, Kamauri Fleming Msn, Rn, Grace Adeniji-Ilesanmi Fnp-Bc, Zillah Anagho Tah Fnp-C, Alex Cook Msn, Rn, Margaret Harvey Phd, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Sharon Little Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Jacqueline Sharp Dnp, Aprn, Pmhnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that disrupts cognition, emotion, and social functioning, imposing significant personal and societal burdens. While antipsychotic medications are effective in alleviating psychotic symptoms, they are often associated with side effects, poor adherence, and relapse risk. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promise as an adjunct to medication, addressing persistent symptoms and improving outcomes. This scoping review examines the integration of CBT with medication therapy to reduce hospital readmissions and improve quality of life for adult patients hospitalized with schizophrenia.

Methods A systematic search of databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and Cochrane Library, was conducted …

The Impact Of High Deductible Health Plans On Mental Health Treatment, Kristian D. Dambrino, Laura Gray, R. David Phillippi

DNP Projects

Background and Rationale: High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) are designed to reduce overall healthcare spending by shifting more upfront costs to patients to discourage overutilization of care, yet HDHPs often increase financial burden, particularly in outpatient mental health care. Patients covered by HDHPs often face substantial out-of-pocket costs before reaching their deductible. This can lead to potential delays or discontinuation of psychiatric treatment. Financial transparency interventions by the mental health provider may mitigate these barriers through more-informed patient decision-making regarding payment options. This project evaluates the impact of a financial transparency intervention on reducing payment responsibility for HDHP patients in …

Factors Influence Homeless People’S Psychological Well-Being And Suicidal Ideation, Pi-Ming Yeh

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Introduction/Significance: About 582,462 individuals are experiencing homelessness in America. Homelessness is devastating, regardless of age. But for children, it can have serious physical, emotional, and psychological implications.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the influences of spiritual well-being, coping strategies, family interaction, and personality on psychological well-being, and suicidal ideation among people with homelessness.

Methods: Sixty people with homelessness were recruited in the Eastern Tennessee Downtown Day Center, USA. IRB was approved. This was a cross-sectional descriptive research design. Questionnaires were used to do data collection. SPSS 28.0 was used to do the data analysis. Descriptive …

Breaking Down Mental Health Barriers And Overcoming Generational Stigma In Black America, Ayana White

2025 Student Academic Showcase

Cultural beliefs, historical trauma, and societal pressures shape the stigma surrounding mental health in African American communities. Mental health struggles are often seen as a sign of weakness, deepened by mistrust of medical professionals due to past abuses, such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and the exploitation of Henrietta Lacks. This mistrust, combined with societal expectations and stereotypes, discourages open conversations about mental health. African Americans are less likely to seek professional help, with studies showing only 25% of Black individuals pursue mental health treatment compared to 40% of their Caucasian counterparts. Some of these barriers include the criminalization of …

The Use Of Person-Centered Language In Scientific Research Articles Focused On Psychosis, Zach Monahan, Tanner Stone, Vinay Swami, Kelly Dunn, Micah Hartwell

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Societal stigma of psychosis leads to delayed treatment for individuals experiencing early symptoms, for fear of being labeled “crazy” or “psychotic.” Delayed treatment can worsen the prognosis of individuals with psychosis. Proper adherence to person-centered language (PCL) guidelines can curb the widely held stigmatized preconceptions about psychotic conditions.

Methods: Our meta-epidemiological analysis began with a systematic search of literature in PubMed discussing psychosis from 2020-2022. From the 14,522 results, we randomly selected 500 articles in journals with at least 20 articles on psychosis (n = 9,775), of which 241 articles met the inclusion criteria. These papers were screened for …

The Art Of Resiliency: Patient Stories Of Maternal Mental Health Experiences, Sara Santarossa, Becca Austin, Molly A. Bell, Samantha C. Henry, Ashley Inclima, Hailey Maddox, Tara G. Smith, Leah Copeland, Dana Murphy, Ashley Redding, Amy Loree

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

As part of a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Eugene Washington Engagement Award aimed at improving capacity to address maternal mental health in research, this collection of stories describes experiences from six unique patient perspectives. Using motherhood as a common thread, these six stories weave together the patients’ challenges and barriers juxtaposed with their hopes and dreams. Exploring such topics as infant loss, expectations versus the reality of the postpartum experience, grief, loss of identity, loss of physical or emotional safety, advocacy, and perseverance through challenging maternal mental health experiences, these tales of resiliency leverage the voices and lived experiences of …

Psychological Treatment Behind The Walls:Insights From The Inside, Rogelio Serrano

Psychology Division Scholarship

Repeated eras of mass incarceration, criminalization of marginalized communities, and substance use policies have created a revolving door of justice involved populations. The ever-increasing prison population has repeatedly become the largest contingency of mental health clientele for an overburdened mental health system. Those who work with formerly incarcerated individuals in the community often don’t know the unique set of challenges faced by practitioners within the system. Increased understanding and coordination of care can offer opportunities for sustained recovery and reduced levels of recidivism. In this presentation participants will learn about the unique insights on mental health treatment that can be …

Supporting Elementary Educators Through A Nervous System Regulation And Social-Emotional Learning Skills Workshop Intervention: An Musc Capstone Project, Lily Morgan

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Teachers have a great influence on developing children’s emotional intelligence, regulatory capacity, and occupational engagement. These professionals also happen to report some of the highest rates of stress, mental health challenges (Agyapong, B. et al, 2022), and burnout (Xie, M., et al, 2022). Providing teachers with education and support on nervous system regulation, social-emotional learning skills, and related topics can improve their ability to manage job stress, enhance modeling and interactions with students, and improve their quality of life. This project aimed to enhance knowledge, provide access to resources, and serve to support elementary educators at an inner-city school in …

A New Paliperidone Palmitate Formulation: How Is It Different And Where Does It Fit In Our Array Of Choices For Long-Acting Formulations Of Risperidone And Paliperidone?, Justin Faden, Leslie Citrome

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics have been shown to enhance treatment adherence and outcomes in individuals with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder. In recent years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several LAIs with differing amenities of care, such as mode of administration, duration of oral medication supplementation, dosing frequency, needle gauge and size, and injection volume, amongst others. Additionally, several LAIs are distinct formulations of risperidone and paliperidone, making it difficult to distinguish between formulations, and many providers are unfamiliar with these newer agents. In 2024, a once-monthly LAI formulation of paliperidone palmitate, manufactured by Luye …

The Intersecting Association Of Speaking A Non-Dominant Language And Lower Healthcare Access On Self-Reported Depression Among U.S. Adults: A Cross Sectional Study Using Nhanes Data (2015-March 2020), Vincenzo J. Cornacchione, Corey Linver

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Annual Conference

Objective: This analytic study examined the joint and independent associations between language preferences and healthcare access on moderate to severe depression among non-institutionalized adults living in the U.S., using data from the 2015 to March 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods: In this cross-sectional study design, we analyzed a nationally representative data set comprised of 11,051 participants. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the joint and independent associations between our dual exposures and moderate to severe depression, adjusting for key demographic variables based on our theoretical framework. We created categorical measures of preferred language (speaking …

Education About Eds: How Can Colleges Reduce The Risk And Prevalence Of Eating Disorders In Ncaa Female Athletes?, Meghan J. Mcnabb, Alexandra Jakubiak

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Female collegiate athletes are currently recognized as a high-risk group for developing eating disorders due to performance pressures and unrealistic body standards. Limited studies have analyzed the impact of tailored educational and behavioral interventions on the prevalence of eating disorders among female athletes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This proposed research will be conducted at Nova Southeastern University to explore how colleges can decrease the cases of eating disorders among female athletes using a multi-component educational intervention. Participants will be screened through the EAT-26 assessment tool and initial BMI measures will be recorded to establish a baseline for …