Psychiatry and Psychology Commons^™

Building Capacity For Trauma-Informed Care: Enhancing Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practice Of Trauma-Informed Care Among Nurses, Kim G. Cudjoe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Exposure to trauma is a global and pervasive phenomenon that is known to have negative consequences on the health, health outcomes, and well-being of individuals and at-risk populations to include Veterans. The implementation of trauma-informed care concepts and principles in the delivery of healthcare services among all staff and across the span of healthcare allows healthcare professionals to realize the impact of trauma on individuals, to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma, to respond to trauma through improved practices, procedures, and policies; and to prevent re-traumatization while receiving care. The purpose of this evidence-based project is to develop and …

Standardizing Resident Teaching In Psychiatry: A Guide For Student Engagement, Faiza Ahmad, Lesley Chapa

MEDI 9331 Scholarly Activities Clinical Years

Residents play a crucial role in shaping medical students’ learning experiences and career decisions. However, interns enter residency with varying levels of teaching experience and may struggle to engage students while managing their clinical workload. This variability often leads to inconsistent educational experiences across rotations. In Psychiatry, students frequently find the Mental Status Examination (MSE) particularly challenging due to time constraints in clinical teaching, often resulting in a superficial understanding and rote documentation. As residents advance, their increasing clinical responsibilities and distance from Step 2/Shelf-relevant material can further limit their ability to provide effective teaching. This project aims to bridge …

Alcohol And Cannabis Use For Pain Management: Translational Findings Of Relative Risks, Benefits, And Interactions, Sumin Lee, Scott Edwards

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Chronic pain affects over 20% of the global population and contributes to the vast burden of psychiatric illness. While effective treatments for chronic pain remain limited, both alcohol and cannabis have been used for centuries to manage pain and closely associated negative affective symptoms. However, persistent misuse of alcohol and/or cannabis in such a negative reinforcement fashion is hypothesized to increase the risk of severity of substance use disorders (SUDs). The current review describes neurobiological evidence for the analgesic efficacy of alcohol and primary cannabis constituents and how use or co-use of these substances may influence SUD risk.

Intersect Between Brain Mechanisms Of Conditioned Threat, Active Avoidance, And Reward, Muhammad Badarnee, Zhenfu Wen, Mira Z Hammoud, Paul Glimcher, Christopher K Cain, Mohammed R Milad

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Active avoidance is a core behavior for human coping, and its excess is common across psychiatric diseases. The decision to actively avoid a threat is influenced by cost and reward. Yet, threat, avoidance, and reward have been studied in silos. We discuss behavioral and brain circuits of active avoidance and the interactions with fear and threat. In addition, we present a neural toggle switch model enabling fear-to-anxiety transition and approaching reward vs. avoiding harm decision. To fully comprehend how threat, active avoidance, and reward intersect, it is paramount to develop one shared experimental approach across phenomena and behaviors, which will …

Accuracy Of Task-Based Electrocorticography Brain Mapping And Relationships With Postoperative Cognitive-Linguistic Changes Following Eloquent Glioma Resection, Kyle R. Noll, Israt Tasnim, Priscella Asman, Katherine Connelly, Chandra Swamy, Matthew Muir, Mathew Hall, Jeffrey Wefel, Sahil Bajaj, Giuseppe Pellizzer, Nuri F. Ince, Suji S. Prabhu

Cancer Survivorship Research Retreat

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 2025 Cancer Survivorship Research Retreat

Assessing The Effects Of Long-Covid On Mental Health In The United States: A Population Based Study, Anusua Datta

School of Business Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: While most individuals recover fully from COVID-19, a significant proportion of survivors experience prolonged symptoms lasting three months or more, a condition commonly referred to as long-COVID. Long-COVID conditions have been associated with reduced quality of life. By utilizing a nationally representative sample of nearly a million Americans, this study provides insights into the prevalence and impact of long-COVID on anxiety and depression in the U.S.

METHODS: We utilize the Household Pulse Survey data, which provides the first population-based sample on the prevalence of long-COVID, beginning with its June 2022 wave. This survey also includes questions on respondents' mental …

Exploring Faculty And Academic Advisors’ Experiences Supporting College Students With Mental Health Challenges: A Qualitative Study Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Shantalea Johns

Social Work Faculty Publications

This interpretive phenomenological study explores faculty and academic advisors’ experiences in supporting students with mental health challenges. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, which suggests that personal beliefs, prior experiences, and familiarity with symptoms influence behavior, the study examines participant narratives to identify key factors that shape their approaches to supporting students. Findings indicate that personal beliefs about mental health, prior experiences with individuals facing mental health challenges, and campus-based mental health training opportunities all significantly enhance mental health support mechanisms for students outside traditional counseling settings. The ability of faculty and academic advisors to recognize signs of mental …

Benefits Of Equilibrium Between Microbiota- And Host-Derived Ligands Of The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor After Stroke In Aged Male Mice, Pedram Peesh, Maria P Blasco-Conesa, Ahmad El Hamamy, Romeesa Khan, Gary U Guzman, Parisa Honarpisheh, Eric C Mohan, Grant W Goodman, Justin N Nguyen, Anik Banerjee, Bryce E West, Kyung Ae Ko, Janelle M Korf, Chunfeng Tan, Huihui Fan, Gabriela D Colpo, Hilda Ahnstedt, Lucy Couture, Solji Roh, Julia K Kofler, Jose F Moruno-Manchon, Michael E Maniskas, Jaroslaw Aronowski, Rodney M Ritzel, Juneyoung Lee, Jun Li, Robert M Bryan, Anjali Chauhan, Venugopal Reddy Venna, Louise D Mccullough, Bhanu Priya Ganesh

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Recent studies have highlighted the crucial role of microglia (MG) and their interactions with the gut microbiome in post-stroke neuroinflammation. The activation of immunoregulatory pathways, including the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway, is influenced by a dynamic balance of ligands derived from both the host and microbiota. This study aimed to investigate the association between stroke-induced dysbiosis and the resultant imbalance in AHR ligand sources (loss of microbiota-derived [indole-based] and increase of host-derived [kynurenine-based]) after stroke. Microbiota-derived AHR ligands decreased in human plasma and remained low for days following an ischemic stroke highlighting the translational significance. Transient-middle-cerebral-artery-occlusion was performed in …

The Unfolding Story Of Protein Misfolding Causing Alzheimer Disease In Recipients Of Human Pituitary Growth Hormone, Evan G. Graber, Sayed M. Hadi Hosseini, Darrell M. Wilson, Alan D. Rogol

Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Faculty Papers

Human growth hormone (hGH) has been in clinical use for children with GH deficiency (GHD) since the late 1950s. The original formulations were considered very safe with few adverse events reported. That changed remarkably in 1985 when the first patients with GHD, who had been treated with cadaveric hGH, were diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Fortunately, that same year a robust supply of recombinant hGH was released to the market whose adverse event profile did not include CJD. Patients who had received National Hormone and Pituitary Program hGH have been continuously followed since 1985. It is clear that prions are …

The Development Of Teacher Identity In Counselor Education Doctoral Students, Wes Allen, Joel F. Diambra, Rebecca Gaylor

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Abstract

Counselor educators (CE) prepare counselor education doctoral students (CEDS) to work as counselors, scholars, leaders, supervisors, and teachers. While we have a firm understanding of how CEDS develop in general (Limberg et al., 2013; Moss et al., 2014), there is little known about how they develop specifically as teachers. The goal of this research study was to gain insight into how teacher identity develops for CEDS. We interviewed 10 participants using transcendental phenomenology methodology to gain insight into their teaching preparation experiences and identities as teachers. We identified three primary themes from the data: (1) Connection, (2) Confidence, or …

Bystanders To Bias: Witnessing Gendered Microaggressions Affects Men's And Women's Outcomes In Stem Small Group Contexts, Nadia Vossoughi, Logan C. Burley, Ryan P. Foley, Lorelle A. Meadows, Denise Sekaquaptewa

Michigan Tech Publications

We tested whether merely witnessing gendered microaggressions affects group work experiences among male and female undergraduate computer science and engineering students. Across three experiments (N = 753), we randomly assigned computer science and engineering students to witness microaggressions targeting female students, or control interactions, using a video manipulation. Witnessing microaggressions-compared to the control-resulted in heightened gender-specific stereotyping concerns, with women being concerned about appearing incompetent and men being concerned with appearing sexist. For both women and men, witnessing microaggressions resulted in decreased enthusiasm for participating in group work. Moreover, for women, the relationship between decreased enthusiasm and witnessing microaggressions was …

Long-Acting Injectables: A Strategy To Mitigate Nonadherence In Bipolar Disorder, Justin Faden, Elina Maymind

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

No abstract provided.

Utilizing Food As An Art Medium In Eating Disorders Treatment, Keren Blumenthal Yanir

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

This research explored food as an art medium in an innovative art therapy intervention for adults with eating disorders (EDs) and what this nontraditional art material can evoke. Several interventions (e.g., food exposure, cooking, and some family-based therapy) incorporate food in ED treatment, but none use it as an art medium.

Six Israeli adults (one with bulimia nervosa, two with atypical anorexia, and three with anorexia nervosa) individually participated in three meetings, each with a 30-min experiential component and an interview. While wearing a GoPro camera, participants created spontaneous artwork using foods (e.g., vegetables, legumes, pasta, flour, candy). The researcher …

Assessing The Feasibility Of Using Salivary Micrornas As Biomarkers To Distinguish Between Chronic Stress And Childhood Trauma In African American Young Women In An Exploratory Pilot Study, Erica Holliday, Anisah Bagasra, Omar Bagasra, Pratima Pandey

Faculty Articles

Introduction: The current study assessed the impact of self-reported stress measures on microRNA (miRNA) profiles in saliva exosomes. Saliva is one of the most accessible and non-invasive bodily fluids and exosomal miRNAs in saliva could be useful in (1) measuring stress states and (2) distinguishing between individuals suffering from high levels of chronic stress vs. adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). miRNAs are small, noncoding RNAs that act as gene regulators. Several studies have shown differential expressions of certain miRNA in neurological diseases and in stress, post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) and anxiety. Detailed analyses of miRNA expressions and profiling of miRNAs among …

Familiarity Of Psychiatric Terms Among College Students, Julia Pekala

CAFE Symposium 2025

Recently, there has been an increase in the usage of psychiatric terminology used among internet users. Terms such as autism, obsessive compulsive disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are thrown around without an understanding of these words and their true meaning. These words are picked up and used in a similar context as any other internet lingo, in an ironic, joking manner, without proper consideration of their origins and meaning. Due to most content on the internet being unmoderated and seemingly endless, users are often faced with misleading information about real clinical disorders. The use of these words follows the …

Breaking Down The Choice: Exploring The Journey Of Decisions, Alex Kim

CAFE Symposium 2025

This project explores the decision-making process by examining how various regions of the brain contribute to choices and their outcomes. By analyzing the interplay between cognitive and emotional factors, it aims to provide insights into how individuals can make decisions that align with their goals and values, reducing regret and enhancing overall happiness. The findings offer practical strategies for improving personal and professional decision-making.

Otolaryngology Practitioner Attitudes Toward Human Papillomavirus Vaccination In Academic Otolaryngology Clinics, Dante J. Merlino, Katelyn S. Rourk, George B. Sankar, Adam J. Luginbuhl, Brian J. Boyce, Michelle M. Chen, Eric M. Dowling, Michael C. Topf, Raymond L. Chai, Karthik Rajasekaran, Eric J. Moore, Daniel L. Price, George Saieed, Kathryn M. Van Abel

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

Despite the existence of a highly effective and safe vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, vaccination rates remain low. The most prevalent HPV-associated malignancy in the United States is oropharyngeal cancer, but otolaryngology practitioners do not offer the HPV vaccine, and their feelings around offering HPV vaccination have not been evaluated. A 43-question survey, including a twelve-question knowledge quiz, was sent to otolaryngology practitioners at seven academic institutions. Twelve questions comprised a knowledge quiz testing practitioner understanding of HPV, while the remainder of the questions evaluated comfort with and likelihood of recommending vaccination. Of the 442 practitioners who were sent …

Investigating Biomarkers Of Anxiety Amelioration With Heterodyned Whole-Body Vibration Using Eeg​, Jaxson Bowen, Aaron Andrews, James Barber, James Fini, Erik Gardner, Lorissa Thorpe, Braden Ashcraft, Christina Small, Kyle Bills

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Relationship Between Psychiatric Illness And Dermatological Disorders: A Narrative Review, Alan D. Kaye, Rahib K. Islam, Abigayle M. Castine, Grace C. Wester, William T. Barham, Catherine G. Nguyen, Elena Plakotaris, Bradley Dorius, Julian Kim, Patricia Griffin, Amber Edinoff, Sahar Shekoohi, Giustino Varrassi

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

The interplay between psychiatric conditions and dermatological disorders is complex and multifaceted, often resulting in significant challenges for both diagnosis and treatment. This narrative review examines associations between specific psychiatric conditions, trichotillomania, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and various dermatological disorders. The present investigation delves into pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical presentations, and management strategies of these comorbid conditions. Psychiatric disorders can exacerbate dermatological conditions through mechanical trauma, medication side effects, and stress-induced exacerbations, while dermatological disorders can lead to significant psychiatric morbidity. The biopsychosocial approach, emphasizing the importance of integrated care involving dermatologists and mental health professionals, is crucial …

Probing For Intentions: The Early Readiness Potential Does Not Reflect Awareness Of Motor Preparation, Jake Gavenas, Aaron Schurger, Uri Maoz

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Voluntary actions are typically preceded by the readiness potential (RP), a negative midfrontal electroencephalography (EEG) deflection that begins ~2 s before movement. What cognitive and neural process the RP reflects and how it relates to conscious intention remain unclear due to conflicting findings. We investigated the neural basis and cognitive significance of the RP in a novel probe-based paradigm. Contrary to prior reports, we found that pre-probe RP buildups were not related to reported awareness of motor preparation. Computational modeling suggested that the best explanation for these results is via metacognitive access to stochastic accumulation. Reported preparation was also related …