Papers by Jessica stephens
Healthy Aging Research, 2019
Chronic pain conditions are currently the most common and economically-burdensome health ailment ... more Chronic pain conditions are currently the most common and economically-burdensome health ailment in the United States. The present article highlights and reviews multiple dimensions associated with chronic pain including; biological, phsycial, psychological and social factors that all need to be assessed and treated simultaneously. This article will review research in several dimensions that are affected by chronic pain which include the economic impact of chronic pain, the current issues with the biomedical approach of treating pain, advantages to the biopsychosocial approach for pain management, and how pain is associated with physical deconditioning, postural control, gait, sleep quality, and psychosocial well-being. Most importantly, this article corroborates with the reviewed research that the biopsychosocial model of pain is the most appropriate model for addressing the aforementioned factors circumscribing such conditions. Finally, this article will underline the development of interdisciplinary interventions, such as functional restoration, that have shown to be both therapeutic and cost-effective in managing chronic pain.
With the growing appreciation that sleeping habits interact with health and aging, it is now impe... more With the growing appreciation that sleeping habits interact with health and aging, it is now imperative to increase our understanding of exactly how sleep and age interact, influence one another, and contribute to a person's overall health and wellness. Recent studies on sleep and aging have produced some insight into the interplay among the mechanisms that govern sleep, such as circadian rhythms, neurodegenerative processes, neurological illnesses, and genetic factors that are associated with an aging population. The present review will provide an updated understanding of the relationship among aging, health, sleep deficits, circadian influences, and neurodegeneration. Gaining an understanding of these mechanisms may propel future research and treatment developments for age-related sleep deficiency and resulting health consequences.
Journal of systems and integrative neuroscience, 2016
The childhood onset of the symptom of inattention, often presented along with the symptoms of hyp... more The childhood onset of the symptom of inattention, often presented along with the symptoms of hyperactivity and/or impulsivity, occurring with severity beyond what is developmentally appropriate, has for decades been a sufficient basis for a psychological or psychiatric diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Differences in requirements of symptom severity, symptom combinations, and onset and maturational course of presentation of symptoms has resulted in marked differences in diagnostic prevalence and medical treatment of this group of attention-deficit disorders in children and more recently adults among countries and over the years. The combination of 1) the core aspect of ADD/ADHD being self-control behaviors typical of an individual of younger age, 2) the diagnostic guides allowing for the possibility of change and/or disappearance of some or all symptoms with maturation, and 3) the evolution of the view of these disorders as having valid diagnosis-and treatment-worthy presentation in adulthood, leads to an interesting question, "To what extent is ADD/ADHD a developmental delay versus a lifelong dysfunction?" This manuscript reviews research findings on the neural basis of attention-deficit disorder or disorders across childhood and into adulthood, with the goal of shedding light on the neurological, maturational, and epigenetic influences over the projection of attention-deficit disorder(s).
Pain Management for Clinicians, 2020
A highly effective modern method of curbing or better management of chronic pain is now better un... more A highly effective modern method of curbing or better management of chronic pain is now better understood and utilized by the medical community: interdisciplinary pain management program (IPMP). As modern medical professionals continue to move away solely from prescribing opioids for the treatment of chronic pain, the efficacious and continuously improving methods of interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation will almost certainly continue to grow in popularity. An IPMP always incorporates a structured and unified team of various mental and physical health professionals who regularly meet and update one another on individual patients. Typically, these programs are structured in order to address the rehabilitation and continuous monitoring and progress of patients, often those who suffer from pain conditions. Therefore, IPMP teams will carefully track patient progress and outcomes, often for years after completing direct treatment. Within this Chapter, a more thorough overview of striving for better and new pain rehabilitation due to the opioid crisis will be addressed. An overview of the concept, background, professional roles, distinctions from multidisciplinary care, case studies, and implementations of interdisciplinary medicine focused on chronic pain management and suggestions for future improvements in the fields will also be explored.
Annals of Sleep Medicine, 2018
With the growing appreciation that sleeping habits interact with health and aging, it is now impe... more With the growing appreciation that sleeping habits interact with health and aging, it is now imperative to increase our understanding of exactly how sleep and age interact, influence one another, and contribute to a person's overall health and wellness. Recent studies on sleep and aging have produced some insight into the interplay among the mechanisms that govern sleep, such as circadian rhythms, neurodegenerative processes, neurological illnesses, and genetic factors that are associated with an aging population. The present review will provide an updated understanding of the relationship among aging, health, sleep deficits, circadian influences, and neurodegeneration. Gaining an understanding of these mechanisms may propel future research and treatment developments for age-related sleep deficiency and resulting health consequences.
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, 2018
This chapter emphasizes recent research on quality-of-life enhancement and longevity extension in... more This chapter emphasizes recent research on quality-of-life enhancement and longevity extension in the world’s growing population of older adults. Today, advances in society, science, and medicine have made contributions to the growing life expectancy seen in citizens in most regions across the world. At the same time, a rise in chronic diseases may be contributing to diminished well-being. Due to this, it is important to understand how applications to life extension may be utilized in such a way as they contribute to the enhancement of quality of life and optimal mental and physical health in this population. Various topics related to overall wellness and longevity modification are explored in the following passages. These include a focus on studies examining the relationship between older adult health, disease, and mortality rates as they associate with location, culture, gene-environment interactions, stress, diet, exercise, and interpersonal relationships. Additionally, recent epidemiological and clinical research studies on wellness and quality of life in the growing older adult population are investigated. Finally, suggestions for future exploration on healthy life extension and enhanced well-being and practical applications for this area of research will be suggested.
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Papers by Jessica stephens