Mood disorders (MD) are among the most common mental disorders worldwide. Low treatment adherence and treatment resistance are two of the most substantial challenges facing clinicians who treat persons with MD. This thesis examined: (1) a pilot study investigating whether a one-on-one personalized medication training program, called PIMM/SAM, improves medication adherence in persons with MD; and (2) a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on cognitive functioning in persons with depression. To evaluate the impact of PIMM/SAM on medication adherence, a randomized controlled trial was launched in a mood disorders inpatient unit to compare PIMM/SAM (partnership in medication management/self-administered medication) program to standard prescribing practice (SPP). Over follow-up in the feasibility portion of the trial, participants in the PIMM/SAM group (n = 7) held fewer negative beliefs about medications and had lower depersonalization scores compared to participants in the SPP group (n = 5). Between-group differences on the Medication Adherence Rating Scale favoured the PIMM/SAM group, but were not statistically significant. To examine the effects of bilateral versus unilateral ECT on cognitive performance in persons with TRD, 18 studies across 10 different cognitive domains were meta-analyzed. In the 8- to 30-day timeframe post-ECT, persons who received bilateral versus unilateral ECT had over double the odds of worse cognitive performance in global cognition, non-verbal memory delayed recall, verbal memory immediate and delayed recall, subjective memory, and verbal memory immediate recall. A personalized medication training program in a mood disorders clinic may have positive implications for medication adherence. The trial to evaluate PIMM/SAM versus SPP is ongoing and further evidence about the training program is expected within the next 12 months. The systematic review and meta-analysis showed that cognitive performance was worse in persons who received bilateral versus unilateral ECT in some cognitive domains at 8 to 30 days post-treatment. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Mood disorders (MD), including major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder, are among the most common mental disorders worldwide. Treating MD is a challenge because of long treatments, the presence of other illnesses, treatment side effects, problems with memory, attention, and decision-making, a lack of understanding about medications, or incorrect beliefs about medication (BAM). Persons with MD who do not respond to drug treatment are often given electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This thesis explored the challenges of treating persons with MD through: (1) a pilot study examining whether a one-on-one personalized medication training program, called PIMM/SAM, would help persons with MD take their medications as prescribed; and (2) a study of the effects of ECT on cognitive functioning in depression. Results: (1) participants randomized to PIMM/SAM group held fewer negative BAM than participants receiving standard care; (2) evidence showed worse cognitive functioning in persons who received more intense forms of ECT.

Based on Kim Witte's proven Extended Parallel Process Model, a mobile communication system was developed in which men were sent reminders about their health. This study focused on reminding men about testicular self-examination (TSE), a proactive behavior used to detect testicular cancer, through the use of text messaging. A cohort of 75 men were recruited for this study and placed into one of four groups. All participants were provided with information concerning TSE and told to perform the exam monthly; two of the four groups were sent reminders via text message while the other two groups were told once about the behavior. An original 30-item survey was used to measure intention. Proper data analysis could not be performed due to an attrition rate of 71%. Nonetheless, a significant relationship was observed between pre- and post-test adherence as reported by the participants. In addition, the measurement tool was assessed and determined to be useful in measuring intention to perform TSE. Internal consistency measures were reported as 0.672 and 0.626, both of which would have been higher with a larger sample size. While further research and analysis is recommended, this study has laid a foundation for a way to communicate with young men about their health.

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