In Press Articles

Treatment of Youth with Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use: The Youth ACT Care Model and Self Determination Theory

Faith Carini-Graves

Hillside Children's Center: Youth ACT, USA

Youth Assertive Community Treatment (Youth ACT) is a rising novel community based care model for youth with pervasive psychiatric illness. This type of intensive treatment follows specific principles which include an interdisciplinary team, small caseloads, 24/7 access to the team, and treatment given in the patient’s home or community. A variety of studies have reviewed outcomes and generally report that patients have statistically significant improvements in symptoms. However, much is still not well understood about how this model works, how it is applied, or about the clinical significance of the models. There have been relatively few case studies written outlining how patients respond to the Youth ACT interventions. To better understand Youth ACT, how it works, and what patients may benefit from this level of treatment, a clinical scenario is discussed. This clinical scenario involves a 15-year-old male youth with bipolar 1 disorder, psychosis and ongoing substance use. This case is indicative of the severe psychiatric symptoms that the Youth ACT teams address in the community. After case presentation, outcomes are discussed and significant clinical improvement is reflected upon.

Cultural Affirmations to Increase Cognitive Resources Available in Latinx Individuals

Scott M. Barrera^*, Kristin Perrone, Stephanie Simon-Dack

Ball State University, IN, USA

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of cultural affirmations on the neural activity of Latinx individuals. Latinx participants viewed threatening stimuli after completing a cultural affirmation intervention. We also examined the impact of identity salience on the effectiveness of cultural affirmations.

Method: To understand relationships between these variables, 28 Latinx participants (19 female) viewed photos of angry and neutral white, non-Latinx, faces while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded before and after engaging in a cultural affirmation writing task.

Results: Scalp map assessment showed large effects for N2 in the frontal region. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated average N2 amplitudes were higher following the cultural affirmation, specifically in the right hemisphere. As predicted, the relationship was no longer significant when identity salience was controlled.

Discussion: After engaging in cultural affirmations, Latinx participants’ N2 amplitudes increased, indicating the affirmation increased the availability of preconscious social categorization resources to allocate to the angry and neutral white, non-Latinx, faces. However, when identify salience was controlled, there were no changes in available neural resources.

Conclusion: Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed as well as future directions for researchers on how cultural affirmations may be utilized among Latinx individuals with consideration to identity salience.

The Influence of Internet Addiction on the Psychological Well-being of Students at the American University of Nigeria in the Post-COVID Era

Momoh Lawal Hussaini^1*, Madueke Akachukwu²

¹General Education Department, School of Arts and Sciences, American university of Nigeria, Yola, Nigeria

²Communication and Multimedia Design Department, School of Arts and Sciences, American University of Nigeria, Yola, Nigeria

This study examined the influence of internet addiction on the psychological well-being of students in the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria in the post Covid era. University students are particularly vulnerable to internet addiction due to the pressures of academic life, social expectations, and the widespread availability of digital technology. The study employs a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, which allows for the collection of data at a single point in time. The study administered 100 questionnaires due to the regulatory admission of students in line with the American styled education. A combination of convenience sampling and snowball sampling was employed to recruit participants for the study. Data analysis included descriptive statistics (means, percentages) and inferential statistics (Pearson’s r, regression, t-tests/ANOVA) performed using SPSS, with a significance level of p < 0.05. The results indicate that internet addiction negatively impacts all six dimensions of psychological well-being, with environmental mastery and self-acceptance showing the strongest correlations. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine whether internet addiction predicts psychological well-being dimensions. The regression model was statistically significant (F (6, 93) = 7.85, p < 0.001), with an R² of 0.45, indicating that internet addiction accounts for 45% of the variance in psychological well-being. Early intervention and support are essential for addressing internet addiction and promoting psychological well-being among university students. Essentially, the research demonstrates a clear link between internet addiction and compromised psychological well-being in university students. This therefore highlights the need for awareness, prevention strategies, and support systems to help students maintain a healthy balance between their online and offline activities.

Impact of Mental Health on chronic conditions and cost implications- Leveraging data to predict risk

Manu S Bala^2*, Nisha Dhanabalsamy^2,3, Bill Lucia¹

¹OptMyCare Inc, Texas, USA

²Texas Research Institute, Texas, USA

³PPG Healthcare PA, Texas, USA

Background: Value-based care systems are increasingly replacing fee-for-service models, as the latter has proven unsustainable. Mental health and their implications on patients are starting to get significant attention in the past decade. Unrecognized mental illness (MI) and their impact on chronic diseases could have a significant impact on disease progression and cumulative cost to the health system.

Study design: We have analyzed a large cohort of patients using OptMyCare’s risk stratification system. Predictive analytics using proprietary algorithms were implemented to estimate cost and disease progression in high-risk patients with and without MHD across the cohort. Cost modeling and outputs are resulted as cost per member across chronic conditions with & without MIs. The members with & without MIs were propensity matched for demographics, disease severity and SDOH.

Key Results: Members with MI in 8 of the 9 chronic conditions demonstrated a significant increase in cumulative cost. There was a 64% mean increase in claims cost per member with MIs.

Conclusion: Utilizing validated algorithms to identify high-risk MI members and implementing disease mitigation strategies targeted at chronic conditions in addition their MI could result in improved clinical outcomes and bend the cost curve.

Commentary on Septate uterus discovery during an emergency cesarean section in the North Eastern of the Democratic Republic of Congo: A case report and review of the literature

Bakwanamaha Maha Alain^1*, Muhindo Vunyatsi Faustin², Kataka Asifiwe Olga¹

¹Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Graben, Butembo, Democratic Republic of the Congo

²Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Oicha General Referral Hospital, Oicha, Democratic Republic of the Congo

In the limited resources settings of sub-Saharan Africa generally and specifically in a region affected by armed conflict, diagnosis and management of congenital malformations pose significant challenges. This commentary on “Septate uterus discovery during an emergency cesarean section in the North Eastern of the Democratic Republic of Congo: A case report and review of the literature”, examines the diagnostic challenges, the impact of armed conflict on maternal health and the management strategies. In addition, it highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and effective management in obstetric care and calls for building of research networking to improve the detection and treatment of congenital malformation in rural armed conflict zones with limited healthcare resources.

A Post-Pandemic Wellness Experiences Scale: Demographic Variation and Influences on Depression

John Tawa, Milena E. Insalaco^*, Nancy Jiang^*, Alejandra Lorenzo^*

Department of Psychology and Education, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, USA

^*Denotes Equal Authorship and Contribution

We developed a post-pandemic wellness scale (PPWS) to help understand some of the specific reasons why the pandemic may have differentially impacted the mental health of people from various sociodemographic groups. With an initial sample of 404 adults (74.3% White) collected in 2021 and in close proximity to the pandemic, we established adequate fit for a four-factor model of post-pandemic experiences including financial stress, social stress, and existential stress, and positive reframing experiences, which each predicted depression in the expected directions. In this initial sample, we found some evidence of race-based differences in post-pandemic experience as they related to mental health. In the interest of replicating these findings with more robust samples of non-White racial and ethnic groups, we collected a second sample of 462 adults (26% White) in 2024. Although we failed to replicate our race-based findings, we were able to verify the fit of the four-factor model. Moreover, some exploratory findings related to participant demographics were consistent across sample cohorts, including the influences of age and gender on post-pandemic experiences. In addition, all four PPWS subscales continued to predict depression in the expected directions. Thus, in two samples assessed in proximity to and more distally from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, we find evidence for the psychometric stability and predictive validity of our scale for mental health. We expect this scale to be useful to future researchers and clinicians attending to the pervasive impact of the pandemic on mental health and wellbeing.

Premature Ejaculation and Anxiety Symptoms: Psychological Effects that Distress South African Males

Loyiso Kosana¹, Hermanus B. Grobler^1,2*, Mpho Maotoana³

¹North-West University, South Africa

²KIMEP University, Republic of Kazakhstan

³University of Limpopo, South Africa

Objective: This study aimed to determine whether there was a significant relationship between premature ejaculation (PE) and anxiety symptoms amongst South African males. In addition, the study conducted a preliminary analysis to examine whether ethnicity and age acted as moderating variables.

Method: A quantitative, correlational design was used with 175 men between the ages of 18 and 70 years of age who had joined the Men’s Clinic International private Facebook group.

Results: Regarding hypothesis one, the results indicate a significant correlation between PE and anxiety symptoms. The second hypothesis was also accepted, namely that that the correlation between anxiety and PE is stronger in white and mixed compared to black ethnicity groups. The third hypothesis, namely that age was a moderating variable between premature ejaculation and anxiety symptoms, did not change the direction of the relationship, and was therefore rejected.

Conclusion: The study provides new information to professionals when it comes to understanding men who experience PE and present with anxiety symptoms.

Contribution of the study: When treating individuals with anxiety-related premature ejaculation, the importance of cultural appropriateness and sensitivity should be emphasized. Understanding how ethnicity and age contribute to the presentation and interpretation of the disorder can be used to explain and offer treatment methods that would not perpetuate negative connotations regarding psychotherapy. Psychotherapy will become a conducive space for males where there will be respect, decreased experience of shame, and enabling vulnerability. With this approach, the male experience and perspective to therapy may become positive. Once the anxiety-related premature ejaculation is successfully treated, men will be able to confidently refer others for further assistance.

In addition, this approach will further yield effective collaborations between mental health practitioners and medical clinics such as Men’s Clinic International. It will enable further research studies pioneered by physicians and psychologists with the aim to explore sexual dysfunctions at length. The vision will be to ensure updated definitions of sexual dysfunctions, in different contexts by considering age, ethnicity and possibly medical conditions.

Do the Effects of Inadequate Housing/Community and Inadequate Employment Increase the Likelihood of Criminality Amongst Individuals with Mental Health Disabilities?

Katelynd Campo

MSc, Canada.

An abundant amount of research on mental health and more specifically the social barriers faced by Individuals with Mental Health Disabilities (IMHD) exists regarding access to adequate housing/community and employment. What research lacks in precision concerns incidents of criminality amongst IMHD. Research has concluded decades over that IMHD are more at-risk of finding themselves in situations of inadequate employment and inadequate housing/community. To which, research has also found most often leads to increased chances of addiction, welfare dependency, negative peer associations/influences, lack of positive role models; situations of which in general lend greater opportunities for criminal involvement. This paper will in a literature review, seek to understand and analyze why IMHDs make-up an overrepresented population within the criminal justice system, and whether or not there is a correlation between criminality perpetuated by IMHD in relation to situations of inadequate housing/community and inadequate employment amongst said population.

University Student Stress and Behavioral Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Sana Vora^1*, Christopher M. King¹, Rachel Bomysoad¹, Jill Del Pozzo²

¹Department of Psychology, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, USA

²Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA

Higher education students have experienced increased stressors and behavioral health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study further investigated such phenomena in a sample of university students collected between June 2020 to December 2021. Students (N = 1,441) from a Mid-Atlantic public university were recruited via email lists and a psychology department research participant pool. The participants completed an online survey with items pertaining to demographic factors, biopsychosocial stressors, and measures of behavioral health functioning. All variables were examined descriptively, and regression analyses were used to examine hypothesized cross-sectional relationships between demographic factors and biopsychosocial stressors, on the one hand, and behavioral health functioning, on the other. Experiencing notable levels of biopsychosocial stressors was common, though a linear trend across semesters was not observed with respect to behavioral health functioning. Gender was the most consistent demographic predictor of behavioral health functioning, whereas the most common biopsychosocial stressor predictors for behavioral health functioning were stress/worry, social isolation, discrimination, and prior mental health services. Results corroborate and extend prior research evidencing notable levels of biopsychosocial stressors and behavioral health problems reported by higher education students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications for campus administrators and behavioral health providers concern vulnerabilities for a range of pandemic-time challenges being experienced by their constituents to which to attend.

Commentary: Psych Unit Gangs- An Autoethnography

Kathryn Burrows

National Coalition of Independent Scholars, Portland, Oregon, USA

Psychophysiological factors are not directly associated to Heart Rate Variability in Athletes: A Meta-Analysis

Henrique M. Lapo¹, Mara Patrícia T. Chacon-Mikahil^1,2, Amanda V. Sardeli^1,2,3*

¹Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, Scholl of Physical Education, University of Campinas SP, Brazil

²Gerontology Program – Scholl of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, SP, Brazil

³Department of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

Objective: Although heart rate variability (HRV) has been a useful and accessible tool to monitor recovery from athletes’ training, it is not clear if it reflects changes in psychophysiological factors. The aim of these study is to identify, through a systematic review and meta-analyses, whether the psychophysiological factors are associated with alteration in heart rate variability (HRV) in sports.

Methods: We searched in four databases (PubMed; Scopus; Cochrane; Web of Science) for studies assessing the association of root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD) with a variety of psychophysiological outcomes in athletes of any modality.

Results: After initial search, we selected 12 studies with 27 study arms for analysis. First, we combined 19 study arms in a meta-analysis testing the correlation between HRV and the psychophysiological factors at baseline (Meta 1). Second, we combined 9 study arms in a meta-analysis testing the correlation between HRV and changes in psychophysiological factors within a training period (Meta 2). We analyzed the following psychophysiological factors: stress, sleep deprivation, fatigue, muscular soreness, mood, and hormonal changes (cortisol). summary, there was no significant association between the HRV and the psychophysiological factors in both meta-analyses (Meta 1: r = 0.084, P = 0.167; I² = 20%, P-value for heterogeneity = 0.215; and Meta 2: r = 0.268, P = 0.131, I² = 65.2%, P-value for heterogeneity = 0.003).

Conclusion: We were not able to confirm the association between HRV and any psychophysiological factors by meta-analysis, but it could be due to inherent limitations of this type of analyses. To test whether this associations truly exist, future meta-analysis will need to include studies with much larger sample size and standardize the methods between studies to reduce heterogeneity. Longitudinal studies will be fundamental to understand the causal relationship between these factors to ultimately improve training monitoring tools for better recovery in athletes.

Childhood sexual abuse as a predictor of Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A meta-analysis

Marcelo Nvo-Fernández^1*, Valentina Miño-Reyes¹, Gastón González-Cabeza², Sofia Gálvez-Cienfuegos¹, Martina Ignacia C.C²

¹Laboratory of Methodology, Behavioural Sciences and Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile

²Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca, Chile

Sexual abuse, especially when it occurs during childhood, is an experience that causes deep and lasting harm. Currently, its study as a risk factor for the development of trauma-related pathologies is of great relevance. In 2018, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) was officially recognized as a distinct syndrome in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), with the aim of distinguishing it from neurotic disorders secondary to stressful situations, somatoform disorders, and those specifically associated with stress. The inclusion of CPTSD in the ICD-11 marked the culmination of two decades of research dedicated to understanding its symptoms, treatments, and risk factors. This article aims to conduct a meta-analysis that explores the relationship between sexual abuse and the development of CPTSD. Fifteen studies were selected for analysis, and the results revealed several key risk factors associated with the development of CPTSD, with the primary one being childhood sexual abuse (k = 15; OR = 3.007).