Acceptability and Perceived Effectiveness of Approaches to Support Biomedical Doctoral Student Wellness: One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Aim/Purpose: National and international survey studies have begun to identify heightened levels of depression, anxiety, and burnout among doctoral students. Nevertheless, little research has been done to evaluate which interventions may support doctoral student wellness. Background: To guide future interventions research, this study evaluated perceptions of the acceptability and effectiveness of wellness approaches among biomedical doctoral students. Methodology: In this study, 69 biomedical doctoral students were sampled from a research institution in the southeastern United States. Participants completed a structured psychiatric diagnostic interview and self-report questionnaires. Questionnaires assessed participants’ beliefs about the acceptability and effectiveness of 36 wellness approaches in reducing burnout symptoms and depression symptoms, and the participants’ attitudes towards psychological services. Contribution: This study demonstrates that approaches to support biomedical doctoral student wellness should be tailored according to a student’s history of problems with mental health. Findings: Among candidate approaches, those involving spending time socializing with friends and family were rated most favorably by the entire sample. However, participants with high burnout or depression symptoms negatively evaluated approaches involving social engagement. Participants with high burnout symptoms or a history of psychological diagnoses or treatment rated individual therapy more favorably. Recommendations for Practitioners: Social engagement is highly valued by biomedical doctoral students, above and beyond institution-based wellness resources. University administrators should prioritize interventions favored by students struggling with symptoms of burnout and mental health problems, especially individual therapy. Recommendation for Researchers: Randomized trials should be conducted to assess the effectiveness in reducing problems with mental health of the approaches rated favorably, particularly those involving social engagement. Studies should investigate facilitators and barriers to approaches rated highly likely to be effective, but not acceptable, including peer support groups and individual therapy. Impact on Society: In the interest of preventing attrition from biomedical doctoral programs and promoting the wellness and success of future scientists, it is important to develop training programs sensitive to the mental health needs of their students. This study provides important insights guiding next steps in intervention testing and implementation to support biomedical doctoral students. Future Research: Future studies should validate the findings in this study with large internationally representative samples of students across various fields of doctoral study. Future intervention studies should include rigorous evaluation of facilitators and barriers for approaches rated favorably in this study.

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Prevalence of Self-Reported Depression Symptoms and Perceived Anxiety Among Community-Dwelling U.S. Adults Reporting Tinnitus

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2020_persp-19-00178 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 959-970

Author(s):

Kelly M. Reavis ◽

James A. Henry ◽

Lynn M. Marshall ◽

Kathleen F. Carlson

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Fold Increase ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Self Report ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Community Based Interventions ◽

Data Set ◽

Health Distress ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Mental Health Distress

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between tinnitus and self-reported mental health distress, namely, depression symptoms and perceived anxiety, in adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examinations Survey between 2009 and 2012. A secondary aim was to determine if a history of serving in the military modified the associations between tinnitus and mental health distress. Method This was a cross-sectional study design of a national data set that included 5,550 U.S. community-dwelling adults ages 20 years and older, 12.7% of whom were military Veterans. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between tinnitus and mental health distress. All measures were based on self-report. Tinnitus and perceived anxiety were each assessed using a single question. Depression symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire, a validated questionnaire. Multivariable regression models were adjusted for key demographic and health factors, including self-reported hearing ability. Results Prevalence of tinnitus was 15%. Compared to adults without tinnitus, adults with tinnitus had a 1.8-fold increase in depression symptoms and a 1.5-fold increase in perceived anxiety after adjusting for potential confounders. Military Veteran status did not modify these observed associations. Conclusions Findings revealed an association between tinnitus and both depression symptoms and perceived anxiety, independent of potential confounders, among both Veterans and non-Veterans. These results suggest, on a population level, that individuals with tinnitus have a greater burden of perceived mental health distress and may benefit from interdisciplinary health care, self-help, and community-based interventions. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12568475

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Brain Injury and Mental Health Among the Victims of Intimate Partner Violence: A Case-Series Exploratory Study

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.710602 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Gunnur Karakurt ◽

Kathleen Whiting ◽

Stephen E. Jones ◽

Mark J. Lowe ◽

Stephen M. Rao

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

White Matter ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Exploratory Study ◽

Case Series ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Self Report ◽

Case Series Study ◽

History Of

Intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors frequently report face, head, and neck as their injury site. Many mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are undiagnosed or underreported among IPV survivors while these injuries may be linked to changes in brain function or pathology. TBI sustained due to IPV often occurs over time and ranges in severity. The aim of this case-series study was to explore risk factors, symptoms, and brain changes unique to survivors of intimate partner violence with suspicion of TBI. This case-series exploratory study examines the potential relationships among IPV, mental health issues, and TBI. Participants of this study included six women: 3 women with a history of IPV without any experience of concussive blunt force to the head, and 3 women with a history of IPV with concussive head trauma. Participants completed 7T MRI of the brain, self-report psychological questionnaires regarding their mental health, relationships, and IPV, and the Structured Clinical Interview. MRI scans were analyzed for cerebral hemorrhage, white matter disturbance, and cortical thinning. Results indicated significant differences in resting-state connectivity among survivors of partner violence as well as differences in relationship dynamics and mental health symptoms. White matter hyperintensities are also observed among the survivors. Developing guidelines and recommendations for TBI-risk screening, referrals, and appropriate service provision is crucial for the effective treatment of TBI-associated IPV. Early and accurate characterization of TBI in survivors of IPV may relieve certain neuropsychological consequences.

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Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes

Journal of Public Mental Health ◽

10.1108/jpmh-08-2020-0110 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Annika McGivern ◽

Stephen Shannon ◽

Gavin Breslin

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

Mental Health Support ◽

History Of

Purpose This paper aims to conduct the first cross-sectional survey on depression, Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes and to assess whether past concussion rates were associated with depression, resilience and well-being. Design/methodology/approach In total, 511 participants from Canada, Republic of Ireland, UK, Australia and USA took part in an international cross-sectional, online survey evaluating concussion history, depression symptoms, resilience and well-being. Findings In total, 27.1% of athletes met clinically relevant symptoms of major depressive disorder. Significant differences were shown in the well-being and resilience scores between countries. Significant relationships were observed between reported history of concussion and both high depression scores and low well-being scores. Practical implications Findings highlight the need for mental health promotion and support in equestrian sport. Social implications Results support previous research suggesting a need for enhanced mental health support for equestrians. There is reason to believe that mental illness could still be present in riders with normal levels of resilience and well-being. Originality/value This study examined an understudied athlete group: equestrian athletes and presents important findings with implications for the physical and mental health of this population.

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Influence of Spirituality on Depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Suicidality in Active Duty Military Personnel

Depression Research and Treatment ◽

10.1155/2012/425463 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Laurel L. Hourani ◽

Jason Williams ◽

Valerie Forman-Hoffman ◽

Marian E. Lane ◽

Belinda Weimer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Military Personnel ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Active Duty ◽

Combat Exposure ◽

Self Report ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Active Duty Military

Understanding the role of spirituality as a potential coping mechanism for military personnel is important given growing concern about the mental health issues of personnel returning from war. This study seeks to determine the extent to which spirituality is associated with selected mental health problems among active duty military personnel and whether it moderates the relationship between combat exposure/deployment and (a) depression, (b) posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and (c) suicidality in active duty military personnel. Data were drawn from the 2008 Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Military Personnel. Over 24,000 randomly selected active duty personnel worldwide completed an anonymous self-report questionnaire. High spirituality had a significant protective effect only for depression symptoms. Medium, as opposed to high or low, levels of spirituality buffered each of the mental health outcomes to some degree. Medium and low spirituality levels predicted depression symptoms but only among those with moderate combat exposure. Medium spirituality levels also predicted PTSD symptoms among those with moderate levels of combat exposure and predicted self-reported suicidal ideation/attempt among those never deployed. These results point to the complex relationship between spirituality and mental health, particularly among military personnel and the need for further research.

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Correspondence Between Self-Report Measures and Clinician Assessments of Psychopathology in Female Intimate Partner Violence Survivors

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260515589566 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 32 (10) ◽

pp. 1501-1523 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Meghan W. Cody ◽

Judiann M. Jones ◽

Matthew J. Woodward ◽

Catherine A. Simmons ◽

J. Gayle Beck

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

The Self ◽

Self Report ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Event Scale

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has potentially severe and long-lasting mental health consequences for survivors, including elevated symptoms and diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The current study examined the relationship between three self-report measures of psychological distress and ratings obtained from the corresponding clinician-administered measures in women seeking assessment for mental health problems following IPV ( N = 185). PTSD symptoms were assessed using the self-report Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R) and the interview-based Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). Depression symptoms were assessed using the self-report Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI-II) and the depressive disorders sections from the clinician-administered Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule–IV (ADIS-IV). Anxiety symptoms were assessed using the self-report Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the clinician-administered GAD section from the ADIS-IV. Results indicated that psychological distress was prevalent in the sample, with 27% receiving a PTSD diagnosis, 40% diagnosed with a depressive disorder, and 55% meeting criteria for GAD. Although each self-report measure was significantly and positively correlated with its corresponding clinician-administered measure, rates of diagnostic concordance were mixed. The BDI-II showed a high degree of agreement with the ADIS-IV depression section, but the IES-R and the CAPS were discordant at classifying PTSD. The BAI had acceptable sensitivity but poor specificity in relation to the ADIS-IV GAD section. These findings suggest that multiple assessment modalities should be considered when rating symptoms and estimating the prevalence of diagnoses among survivors of IPV.

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH HISTORY AND SYMPTOMS, SEX, AND RECOVERY TIME IN A CONCUSSED PEDIATRIC POPULATION

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120s00233 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (4_suppl3) ◽

pp. 2325967120S0023

Author(s):

Richard Cameron Allred ◽

Sara Stremlau ◽

Richard Gerkin ◽

Steven Erickson ◽

Jamie Pardini

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Recovery Time ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Return To Play ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Health History ◽

Mental Health History ◽

Recovery Times ◽

History Of

Background: The Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) are mental health screening instruments that assess symptoms of depression and anxiety. Studies of patients with concussion suggest that history of mental illness is associated with prolonged recovery; however, little research has examined the value of these tools in a concussed pediatric population (Iverson et al., 2017). Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the relation between anxiety and depression symptoms, mental illness history, sex, and time to recover in a concussed pediatric population. We hypothesized that mental health symptoms and history, and female sex would predict longer recoveries in the pediatric population. Methods: IRB-approved retrospective chart review was used for data collection. Demographics, self-reported mental health history, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 scores were acquired for 250 adolescents ages 12-18 (45.2% female) who presented to an outpatient concussion clinic for their initial visit. Days to recover was imputed for all patients who had been discharged by clinic physicians based on international return to play standards. Results: Mann-Whitney U tests were used for analysis of this nonnormally distributed data. Males were found to recover more quickly than females (female median = 15 days, IQR 7-27; male median = 12 days, IQR 6-23; p=.013). No significant differences were observed in days to clearance based on reported history of mental health disorder (p=.066). Individuals who scored above cutoff (see Kroenke et al., 2001; Spitzer et al., 2006) on the GAD-7 (below cutoff median = 12.00 days; above cutoff median = 21.00 days) and PHQ-9 (below cutoff median = 23.5 days; above cutoff median = 57.00 days) required longer recovery times (p <.001). Conclusion: We found longer recovery times in females versus males, and in those whose scores fell above cutoff for the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 at their initial clinic visit. Although a trend existed, there were no significant differences in recovery time for those who reported a mental health history compared to those who did not. Results suggest that the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 may be useful screening measures in a concussion clinic and may provide additional insight into potential recovery times for pediatric patients.

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Increased risk of attempted suicide in Australian veterans is associated with total and permanent incapacitation, unemployment and posttraumatic stress disorder severity

Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/0004867417718945 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 52 (6) ◽

pp. 552-560 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Katelyn Kerr ◽

Madeline Romaniuk ◽

Sarah McLeay ◽

Andrew Khoo ◽

Michael T Dent ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Suicide Attempt ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Attempted Suicide ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Self Report ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Increased Risk ◽

History Of

Background: Military veterans have higher rates of suicidality and completed suicides compared to the general population. Previous research has demonstrated suicidal behaviour is higher in US combat veterans who are younger, suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety and score lower on measures of health. However, research on predictors of suicide for Australian veterans is limited. The aim of this study was to identify significant demographic and psychological differences between veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder who had attempted suicide and those with posttraumatic stress disorder who had not, as well as determine predictors of suicide attempts within an Australian cohort. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 229 ex-service personnel diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder who had attended a Military Service Trauma Recovery Day Program as outpatients at Toowong Private Hospital from 2007 to 2014. Patients completed a battery of mental health self-report questionnaires assessing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, alcohol use, anger, depression, anxiety and quality of life. Demographic information and self-reported history of suicide attempts were also recorded. Results: Results indicated the average age was significantly lower, and the rates of posttraumatic stress disorder, anger, anxiety and depression symptoms were significantly higher in those veterans with history of a suicide attempt. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity, unemployment or total and permanent incapacity pension status significantly predicted suicide attempt history. Conclusion: Among a cohort of Australian veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder, psychopathology severity, unemployment and total and permanent incapacity status are significantly associated with suicidality. This study highlights the importance of early identification of posttraumatic stress disorder and psychopathology, therapeutic and social engagement, and prioritisation of tangible employment options or meaningful and goal-directed activities for veterans deemed unable to work.

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Parental Sensitivity and Responsiveness as Mediators Between Postpartum Mental Health and Bonding in Mothers and Fathers

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.723418 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Sandra Nakić Radoš

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Facial Expressions ◽

Self Report ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Parental Mental Health ◽

Parental Sensitivity ◽

Mothers And Fathers ◽

Parental Responsiveness ◽

Postpartum Mental Health ◽

Significant Mediator

Background: There is a lack of studies that examine the complex relationship between parental mental health, parental sensitivity and responsiveness, and parent-infant bonding. This study aimed to test whether parental sensitivity and responsiveness were mediators between postpartum mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress) and parent-infant bonding in mothers and fathers.Method: Mothers (n = 427) and fathers (n = 170) of infants aged up to 1-year-old participated in an online study. The parents completed questionnaires on depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS), anxiety and stress (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, DASS-21). Parent-infant bonding was measured by Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) that has three components: Impaired bonding (PBQ1), Anxiety about care and parental distress (PBQ2), and Lack of enjoyment and affection with infant (PB3Q). Parental sensitivity was measured as the number of correct recognitions of infant facial expressions (City Infant Faces Database, CIFD). Responsiveness was measured as a self-report with two subscales of responsiveness and non-responsiveness (Maternal Infant Responsiveness Instrument, MIRI).Results: The path analysis showed that the model had a good fit to the data. Parental sex was a significant moderator, indicating different paths in mothers and fathers. In mothers, responsiveness and non-responsiveness were significant mediators between depression symptoms and three dimensions of bonding. In fathers, only non-responsiveness was a significant mediator between anxiety and PBQ3. Although recognizing infant facial expressions directly affected PBQ3 in mothers (but not in fathers), it was not a significant mediator between mental health and bonding.Conclusion: Higher levels of parental mental health problems (depression and anxiety) were associated with lower levels of parental responsiveness, which is, in turn, related to poor parent-infant bonding. Prevention and intervention programs should be offered for both mothers and fathers, focusing on postpartum mental health promotion and enhancing responsiveness in infant care.

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Converging evidence for enduring perceptions of low social status in individuals in remission from depression.

10.31234/osf.io/a2n86 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Julia Gillard ◽

Siobhan Gormley ◽

Kirsty Griffiths ◽

Caitlin Hitchcock ◽

Jason Stretton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Social Status ◽

Community Sample ◽

Self Report ◽

Control Group ◽

Social Risk ◽

History Of ◽

Mental Health Difficulties ◽

Depressive Episodes

BackgroundThe risk of depressive relapse and recurrence is amplified by social risk factors including the perception of low social status. MethodsWe aimed to identify enduring difficulties with the perception of social status in a community sample with a self-reported history of mental health difficulties (Study 1) and, more specifically, in individuals in clinical remission from depression, relative to a never-depressed control group, and relative to a group experiencing a current depressive episode (Study 2). ResultsIn Study 1, elevated depressive symptoms were associated with perceptions of low social status which significantly differed between individuals with and without a self-reported history of mental health difficulties. Study 2 found enduring deficits in perceptions of social status in remitted depressed individuals, in the absence of current symptoms. LimitationsWe were unable to discern between historical or current clinical diagnosis in the community sample of Study 1, as we were reliant on self-report. We were unable to explore the effects of medication or causal relationships between depressive symptoms and social status as the studies were cross-sectional in nature. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that disrupted socio-cognitive profiles across a range of affiliative processes may confer increased vulnerability to future depressive episodes in those in remission.

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T-ACE and predictors of self-reported alcohol use during pregnancy in a large, population-based urban cohort

The International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research ◽

10.7895/ijadr.v3i1.117 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 51-61 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Matthew Hicks ◽

Suzanne C. Tough ◽

David Johnston ◽

Jodi Siever ◽

Margaret Clarke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Large Population ◽

First Trimester ◽

Population Based ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Self Report ◽

History Of ◽

The Relationship

Hicks, M., Tough, S., Johnston, D., Siever, J., Clarke, M., Sauve, R., Brant, R., & Lyon, A. (2014). T-ACE and predictors of self-reported alcohol use during pregnancy in a large, population-based urban cohort. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 3(1), 51-61. doi:10.7895/ijadr.v3i1.117Aims: To determine 1) the relationship between T-ACE score and maternal self-reported alcohol use prior to and during pregnancy, and 2) the relationship between T-ACE score and maternal demographics, mental health and life circumstances.Design: Prospective, population-based cohort study.Setting: Three urban maternity clinics in Calgary, Canada.Participants: 1,929 pregnant women attended by family physicians at low-risk maternity clinics.Measures: Women completed three standardized questionnaires over the telephone in the first and third trimesters and eight weeks post-delivery, including the T-ACE and questions about drug and alcohol use, demographics, mental health and life circumstances.Findings: 43.6% of subjects had a positive T-ACE score at intake (score 2 or greater). A positive T-ACE score was predictive of alcohol use throughout pregnancy, although most women reported no alcohol after the first trimester (93.1%). Multivariate analysis indicated that a positive T-ACE score was significantly associated with being less than 30 years of age; being Caucasian; smoking during pregnancy; having an income of less than $80,000 per annum; having a history of depression; having a history of alcohol use and binge drinking during a previous pregnancy; lower social support; and poor network orientation.Conclusions: There was a positive association between the T-ACE score and maternal self-report of alcohol use, poor mental health and poor social support. Routine use of the T-ACE to assess for risk of an alcohol-exposed pregnancy may also help identify women with complex needs who could benefit from additional prenatal support.

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