Current Projects

Anxiety, ADHD and Executive Functioning

This study is examining executive functioning differences between three groups of children tested in our clinic: children with anxiety disorders, children with ADHD, and children with anxiety disorders and ADHD.


Anxiety treatment camp

COARD Fear Facers Camp Group Photo
Fear Facers Camp

“Fear Facers” is a week-long full-day summer therapeutic camp aimed at reducing OCD and anxiety symptoms that is run by the UF Center for Obsessive-Compulsive and Anxiety Related Disorders, one of our close collaborators. The camp is heavily grounded in exposure therapy. Currently, our team is examining the efficacy of the camp in treating children with a wide variety of anxiety disorders. Future camps will be used to help determine the added value of implementing token economies as motivational tools for engaging in exposures and whether it affects treatment outcomes. To learn more about our camp, visit: https://ufhealth.org/fear-facers-summer-camp/


OCD Treatment Outcome Project

Current study in preparation to examine our clinical predictors of treatment outcomes in the UF OCD Program. Factors we are interested in include comorbidity, sleep, exposure therapy processes, and family factors.


Peripartum OCD

Current study in preparation aimed at determining the prevalence of OCD symptoms during the peripartum period, examining the feasibility of an interdisciplinary model focused on assessment and early intervention of peripartum OCD, and evaluating treatment outcome in this population.


CBT for Anxiety Review Toons (CARTOONS)

In this study, we conducted interviews and focus groups with adolescents who have undergone CBT treatment and their parents in order to learn what they think is important to know about CBT for future patients. The information gathered in this study informed the creation of short educational videos about CBT which will then be provided to new patients to use for psychoeducation. Our aim is to analyze the interview content to find recurring themes related to anxiety and the CBT therapeutic experience. Currently, qualitative data regarding perspectives of CBT by current patients and parents is being analyzed.

 


Adolescent Mental Illness Self Stigma (A-MISS)

COARD Fear Facers Camp Group Photo
Fear Facers Camp

A project in early stages of development that aims to assess the longitudinal profile of self-stigma mental illness for adolescents undergoing psychological and psychiatric care. There will be a significant need for aid in recruitment and data-collection in 2022.


Clinical Data Bank Studies

We have begun data-banking routine outcome measures for two of our clinics in order to assess treatment outcomes. One data bank focuses on child and parenting behaviors and attitudes for patients undergoing Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), the other tracks symptoms across treatment for patients (adults and children) undergoing exposure therapy for OCD.


Psychological Impact of COVID

Three online surveys have been conducted to assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. One study investigated adaptive and maladaptive responses to the pandemic and psychological correlates. Another study investigated the impact of quarantining on relationships, including parent-child and romantic relationships. The third study focused on the pandemic’s impact on undergraduate college students’ levels of distress and academic satisfaction. The first two studies are in the analysis phase, and additional data may be available for research posters in the future. The third survey is still in the collection phase.


Hoarding Disorder Perspectives

Two studies were run to gain insight into the perspectives of providers and researchers and those with clutter problems on Hoarding Disorder. These studies are in the analysis phase.