Browsing by Subject "Department of Psychiatry"
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Item Differences in Cortisol Levels in Depressed Adolescents Who Engage in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury(2020) Papke, Victoria; Klimes-Dougan, BonnieMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting the adolescent population, which is in part due to the excessive vulnerability of that particular age group. A subgroup of those who suffer from depression also engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which is the act of causing harm to one’s body without the intent of suicide. Prior research suggests an underlying mechanism of NSSI is its relationship to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, where stress hormones such as cortisol are regulated and released throughout the body in response to stress. Depressed adolescents engaging in NSSI have shown blunted reactivity to stress in the HPA axis by producing lower levels of cortisol, and elevated levels for the cortisol awakening response (CAR). This study explores differences in HPA axis functioning, by way of cortisol levels, in depressed adolescents who have or have not engaged in NSSI. Results showed that participants who have engaged in NSSI had an elevated CAR, particularly 30 minutes post-awakening, although no significant differences were found in cortisol reactivity to stress. These results add to the prior literature suggesting that HPA axis functioning is impaired in depressed adolescents who engage in NSSI, which can allow future research to further explore this association on a larger scale.Item The Effects of Cocaine Abuse on Functional Connectivity within the Mesolimbic Pathway(2011-01-19) Henry, DavidWith an estimated 1.5 million chronic cocaine users in the U.S., cocaine abuse is a considerable public health concern (Bolla et al., 2004). The mood elevation and euphoria associated with cocaine use is the result of the inhibition of the reuptake of dopamine in the mesolimbic “reward” pathway. Chronic cocaine use produces a number of distinctive biochemical adaptations within structures in this pathway, and has been the focus in numerous studies (Berhow et al 1996). A decrease in functional connectivity (i.e. the level of correlation in neural activity between distinct brain regions) in the primary motor and visual cortexes has been shown to be an acute effect of cocaine intake (Li et al 2000). The long-term effects of chronic cocaine-use on functional connectivity between structures in the mesolimbic pathway, however, has never before been investigated. Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) enables researchers to observe and analyze spontaneous neural activity since the subject is not performing a task. An index of resting state functional connectivity can be created by cross-correlating activity patterns between each of the brain regions of interest (ROIs).Item Impacts of Creative Engagement on Adolescent Depressive Symptoms(2022-08) Pavlova, AnnaThe healing power of creative art has been studied in different capacities for decades. This qualitative analysis aimed to investigate the impacts of engaging in creative activities on depressed adolescents. It was hypothesized that engaging in creative work would facilitate change in adolescents’ perspectives and behavior in ways that would promote their well-being. Qualitative data of 14 adolescents in an outpatient therapy program were analyzed, which included writing samples and a questionnaire about adolescents’ perspectives and experiences with creativity. The main finding was that engaging in creative work led participants to reflect on coping skills they already had, which gave them a new perspective on their ability to handle mental health challenges. These findings suggest that there are potential benefits to engaging in creative work for depressed adolescents, but a greater depth of research should be done to solidify the knowledge about this relationship.Item Impulsivity for Intravenous Cocaine or Food Measured by a Go/No-go task in Adolescent and Adult Rats(2009-10-07) Navin, SeanItem Internet Use and Associated Risks in a College Sample(2012-04-04) Derbyshire, Katherine; Lust, Katherine, M.P.H., Ph.D; Schreiber, Liana, B.A.; Odlaug, Brian, M.P.H.; Christenson, Gary, M.D.; Golden, David, B.A.; Grant, Jon E., J.D., M.D., M.P.HThe Internet is commonly used among young adults; however, internet use may become a problematic behavior. Past research has examined Internet behavior in young adults and its relationship to other behaviors and health issues, yet further research needs to be completed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this relationship. A sample (n=2108) of college students (56.9% female) was examined using a self-report Internet survey concerning demographic characteristics, Internet use, health behaviors, psychosocial functioning, and psychiatric comorbidities. We found that 237 students (12.9%) met criteria for limited Internet use, 1502 (81.8%) for mild Internet use and 98 (5.3%) for moderate to severe Internet use. Variables significantly associated with greater frequency of Internet use included lower Grade Point Average (p= .006), less frequent exercise (p= .018), higher PHQ-9 scores (p<.0001) (indicative of greater depression symptoms) and higher Perceived Stress Scores (p<.0001). These data indicate that moderate to severe Internet use is associated with a range of psychosocial problems in young adults. More research is needed to better understand the relationship between Internet use and physical and mental health, as well as academic variables.Item The Physiology of the HPA and Extended Amygdala in Mechanisms of Drug Use and Abuse(2012-01-09) Macenski, ChristinaBACKGROUND. This paper attempts to explain drug abuse, more specifically alcoholism, in terms of neurophysiology and psychological processes in order to gain a greater understanding of drug/alcohol addiction through stress systems and addiction mechanisms. METHOD. This was done by consulting online databases (PUBMED, EBSCO) and relevant textbooks for relevant information. RESULTS. It was found that the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and the extended amygdala were the major physiological systems associated with stress response and drug addiction. These systems work by promoting hedonic homeostatic dysfunction through psychological mechanisms such as a/b-processes, allostasis, sensitization and counteradaption. DISCUSSION. Other factors that increase the vulnerability of consuming drugs consist of genetic factors and external stress. Future research should focus on genetic factors because of the little knowledge and direct understanding we have of genetic factors contributing to the transition from alcohol use to alcohol abuse. Deeper understanding of genetic factors on drug addiction would provide more effective treatment for those suffering from alcohol dependence.Item Sex Differences and Effects of Modafinil and Allopregnanolone on a Rat Model of Methamphetamine Relapse(2011-04-13) Rehbein, TylerModafinil (MOD) is an analeptic drug currently being examined as a treatment for stimulant dependence. This experiment examined MOD’s potential for use in treatment of methamphetamine (METH) addiction and further investigated the role of sex differences in drug-seeking behavior and treatment receptivity. The effects of allopregnanolone (ALLO), a progesterone metabolite that has been previously shown to reduce drug-seeking behavior in female rats, were also examined. Rats were trained to self-administer IV injections of METH during daily 5-hr sessions, and continued stable METH-seeking behavior over a 10 day maintenance period. Next, METH was replaced with saline, and drug-seeking behavior extinguished over an 18-day period. Following extinction, rats began a reinstatement procedure lasting 9 days in which an ALLO, MOD, or control pre-treatment injection was given 30 minutes prior to daily session, followed by a METH or saline priming injection that was given at the start of session. This reinstatement phase is considered an animal model of human relapse. Females showed greater responding on the previously METH-paired lever during reinstatement compared to males. MOD attenuated METH-seeking behavior equally in males and females, while MOD priming injections did not increase responding compared to saline control. ALLO attenuated METH-seeking behavior in females, but had no effect on males. These results illustrate the potential utility of MOD as a treatment for METH addiction and illustrate the role of gonadal hormones, such as ALLO, in the sex differences observed in drug-seeking behavior.