Social Work in Mental Health, 10(3), 2012, pp.233-252.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
... sexual traumas, the disparity in the diagnosis of PTSD, effective treatment options, and further understand the dynamics of comorbidity of other mental health disorders with PTSD. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
This review examines female veterans with respect to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the United States. It identified sexual trauma, pre-military sexual trauma, combat exposure, substance misuse, and gender difference in the development of PTSD among female veterans from the Gulf War to the current conflicts. Based on the review, female veterans experience higher rates of military sexual trauma and much of the current research on female veteran related PTSD is focused on sexual trauma that occurs while in the military. The authors concluded that, as the number of females serving in the military grows, there needs to be a continued effort in understanding the multiple issues they experience before, during, and after their time in the military. Researchers need to continue to address sexual traumas, the disparity in the diagnosis of PTSD, effective treatment options, and further understand the dynamics of comorbidity of other mental health disorders with PTSD. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention, 6(2), May 2006, pp.99-110.
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
This American study compared the association of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and PTSD/MDD comorbidity to intimate partner violence (IPV) in two large cohorts, one of military and the other of civilian women. The adjusted prevalence of mental health symptoms, especially PTSD, was higher among abused than nonabused women in both samples. Mental health symptoms were also higher among the civilian sample compared to the military sample. Approximately one-third (34%) of the abused civilian women and one-fourth (25%) of the abused military women had symptoms that met criteria for at least one of the three diagnostic categories employed in this study, compared to 18% and 15% of nonabused women in the two groups. Comorbidity of PTSD and depression affected
This American study compared the association of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and PTSD/MDD comorbidity to intimate partner violence (IPV) in two large cohorts, one of military and the other of civilian women. The adjusted prevalence of mental health symptoms, especially PTSD, was higher among abused than nonabused women in both samples. Mental health symptoms were also higher among the civilian sample compared to the military sample. Approximately one-third (34%) of the abused civilian women and one-fourth (25%) of the abused military women had symptoms that met criteria for at least one of the three diagnostic categories employed in this study, compared to 18% and 15% of nonabused women in the two groups. Comorbidity of PTSD and depression affected 19.7% of the civilian abused women versus 4.5% of nonabused civilian women, whereas for active duty military women, the prevalence was 4.6% and 4.2% for abused and nonabused, respectively. To better understand the mental health consequences of IPV and to design the most effective treatment and prevention programs, it is important to examine the presence of comorbidities between mental health disorders.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, post traumatic stress disorder, women, armed forces personnel, depression, domestic violence, comorbidity;
TAYLOR Rebecca D., BISWAS Bipasha, VAUGHN Michael G.
Journal article citation:
Journal of Social Service Research, 38(3), 2012, pp.382-391.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Adolescence and young adulthood has been well recognised as a period of transition where young people are expected to navigate a series of complex developmental tasks. Yet, the dynamic contribution of stressful life experiences in predicting psychiatric comorbidity continues to challenge clinical practice and research. This study tested incremental validity of stressful life experiences related to psychiatric comorbidity among 128 young women in a US Midwestern substance abuse treatment facility. Respondents reported low income, homelessness, and health and mental health issues. Using the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition, Text Revision, and Stressful Life Experience (SLE) Screen as correlates, hierarchical linear regression
Adolescence and young adulthood has been well recognised as a period of transition where young people are expected to navigate a series of complex developmental tasks. Yet, the dynamic contribution of stressful life experiences in predicting psychiatric comorbidity continues to challenge clinical practice and research. This study tested incremental validity of stressful life experiences related to psychiatric comorbidity among 128 young women in a US Midwestern substance abuse treatment facility. Respondents reported low income, homelessness, and health and mental health issues. Using the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition, Text Revision, and Stressful Life Experience (SLE) Screen as correlates, hierarchical linear regression demonstrated support for incremental validity of SLE uniquely accounting for 6.5% of variance in ASI psychiatric scores. The authors concluded that the findings supported future use of SLE in clinical settings for assessment and intervention purposes.
Advances in Dual Diagnosis, 5(3), 2012, pp.137-146.
Publisher:
Emerald
Research results on video game dependency, a behavioural addiction, show rates and patterns of comorbidity with other disorders that seem to be comparable to those of substance related addictions. This paper aims to investigate the role of gaming behaviour and gaming motives in the context of female addicts with this type of dual diagnosis, drawing on the findings of part of a research project
Research results on video game dependency, a behavioural addiction, show rates and patterns of comorbidity with other disorders that seem to be comparable to those of substance related addictions. This paper aims to investigate the role of gaming behaviour and gaming motives in the context of female addicts with this type of dual diagnosis, drawing on the findings of part of a research project on video game dependency in Germany which involved semi-structured narrative interviews with former and present video game addicts. It presents and discusses 2 biographical case examples, including quotations from interviews, to illustrate the links between stressful experiences in life (such as trauma and depression) and video game dependency in women. The authors conclude that gender specific strategies in prevention and treatment of video game dependency need to be considered.
British Journal of Psychiatry, 197(3), September 2010, pp.219-226.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
... were on ACCT (Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork), the system for the care of prisoners at risk of suicide and self-harm in England and Wales. The cases had significantly greater levels of psychiatric morbidity than controls, and more comorbidity. The strongest associations with near-lethal self-harm were with current depression, the presence of 2 or more diagnoses, a history of psychiatric in-patient treatment, and previous attempted suicide, especially in prison. The only tested diagnoses not associated with near-lethal self-harm were antisocial personality disorder, substance use and eating disorders. This research underlines the importance of psychiatric risk factors for suicide in custody and in particular comorbidity. The finding that a formal care plan was in place for most cases
Female prisoners are 20 times more likely to die by suicide than women of the same age in the general population. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in women prisoners who had nearly died as a result of a suicide attempt compared with female prisoners who had never made a near-lethal attempt in prison. The study comprised semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 60 cases and 60 controls from all closed female prison establishments in England and Wales. In addition to gathering details of sociodemographic, criminological and clinical history, the interview assessed participants’ current and lifetime disorders using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. The results showed that at the time of their near-lethal self-harm, 53 cases (88%) were on ACCT (Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork), the system for the care of prisoners at risk of suicide and self-harm in England and Wales. The cases had significantly greater levels of psychiatric morbidity than controls, and more comorbidity. The strongest associations with near-lethal self-harm were with current depression, the presence of 2 or more diagnoses, a history of psychiatric in-patient treatment, and previous attempted suicide, especially in prison. The only tested diagnoses not associated with near-lethal self-harm were antisocial personality disorder, substance use and eating disorders. This research underlines the importance of psychiatric risk factors for suicide in custody and in particular comorbidity. The finding that a formal care plan was in place for most cases at the time of their near-lethal act is indicative of good risk detection, but also suggests high levels of unmet need.
Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention, 7(3), August 2007, pp.161-175.
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
In the last decade, there has been increased recognition of the link between mental health conditions and physical disorders. This nexus has had particular implications for women diagnosed with a psychiatric illness and receiving public sector mental health services. The purpose of this article is to summarize 4 core health-related concerns that women with psychiatric conditions present to mental health providers. They include psychosocial/personal history, medication-induced weight gain, pregnancy, and substance use. The article then defines and describes health promotion strategies (e.g., Wellness Recovery Action Plan, Fitness Program, Health Education, and Gender-Specific Treatment Groups) and model programs within the context of brief treatment. Finally, the article reviews barriers to implementation of strategies (e.g., fiscal, clinical, and training) and concludes with recommendations for organizational shift to a health promotion philosophy and brief treatment.
In the last decade, there has been increased recognition of the link between mental health conditions and physical disorders. This nexus has had particular implications for women diagnosed with a psychiatric illness and receiving public sector mental health services. The purpose of this article is to summarize 4 core health-related concerns that women with psychiatric conditions present to mental health providers. They include psychosocial/personal history, medication-induced weight gain, pregnancy, and substance use. The article then defines and describes health promotion strategies (e.g., Wellness Recovery Action Plan, Fitness Program, Health Education, and Gender-Specific Treatment Groups) and model programs within the context of brief treatment. Finally, the article reviews barriers to implementation of strategies (e.g., fiscal, clinical, and training) and concludes with recommendations for organizational shift to a health promotion philosophy and brief treatment.
Subject terms:
intervention, mental health problems, treatment, therapy and treatment, women, health, health education, comorbidity;
International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 9(1), February 2007, pp.34-42.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
This article describes an eclectic, cross-problem group intervention designed to acknowledge the specific needs of women who have experienced problems of both chemical dependency and domestic violence. Group participants were made up of women voluntarily enrolled in a residential psychiatric hospital in a large metropolitan city in the Southwest of the USA. Program evaluation data suggest a positive effect for the proposed intervention, providing support for creating and maintaining policies among mental health provider organisations to recognise and address common co-morbidity.
This article describes an eclectic, cross-problem group intervention designed to acknowledge the specific needs of women who have experienced problems of both chemical dependency and domestic violence. Group participants were made up of women voluntarily enrolled in a residential psychiatric hospital in a large metropolitan city in the Southwest of the USA. Program evaluation data suggest a positive effect for the proposed intervention, providing support for creating and maintaining policies among mental health provider organisations to recognise and address common co-morbidity.
Subject terms:
intervention, mental health, women, counselling, domestic violence, drug misuse, group therapy, comorbidity;
KATERNDAHL David A., BURGE Sandra K., KELLOGG Nancy D.
Journal article citation:
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 14(3), 2005, pp.91-105.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with the development of numerous adult mental disorders. Women with a history of CSA from the United States were surveyed concerning their abuse experience and prevalence of DSM-IV mental disorders. The 63 women in the low morbidity cluster had a mean of 1.02 disorders. The 11 women in the moderate morbidity cluster consisted had a mean of 2.36 disorders. The 16 women in the severe morbidity cluster consisted had a mean of 4.75 disorders. Childhood family environment and CSA during preschool years were important predictors of morbidity cluster membership. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with the development of numerous adult mental disorders. Women with a history of CSA from the United States were surveyed concerning their abuse experience and prevalence of DSM-IV mental disorders. The 63 women in the low morbidity cluster had a mean of 1.02 disorders. The 11 women in the moderate morbidity cluster consisted had a mean of 2.36 disorders. The 16 women in the severe morbidity cluster consisted had a mean of 4.75 disorders. Childhood family environment and CSA during preschool years were important predictors of morbidity cluster membership. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Child Abuse and Neglect, 27(9), September 2003, pp.1075-1082.
Publisher:
Elsevier
Prevalence rates of child sexual abuse (CSA) in the United States emphasize the importance of focusing on common symptom responses and diagnostic considerations for these individuals. Various researchers have highlighted the short- and long-term symptomatology associated with survivors of CSA. However, the varied and sometimes ambiguous literature on the symptom presentation associated with survivors of CSA can make it difficult for clinicians and researchers to assess and effectively treat clients. More concrete detail about the symptom presentations of CSA survivors will be beneficial to assessment, diagnosis and treatment-planning with these individuals. Research expressly focusing on PTSD and common co-occurring diagnoses among CSA survivors is sparse. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of certain psychiatric disorders co-occurring with PTSD in a treatment-seeking sample of women reporting a history of CSA. Since the sample included women meeting criteria for PTSD, the relationship between PTSD severity and other disorders also was examined.
Prevalence rates of child sexual abuse (CSA) in the United States emphasize the importance of focusing on common symptom responses and diagnostic considerations for these individuals. Various researchers have highlighted the short- and long-term symptomatology associated with survivors of CSA. However, the varied and sometimes ambiguous literature on the symptom presentation associated with survivors of CSA can make it difficult for clinicians and researchers to assess and effectively treat clients. More concrete detail about the symptom presentations of CSA survivors will be beneficial to assessment, diagnosis and treatment-planning with these individuals. Research expressly focusing on PTSD and common co-occurring diagnoses among CSA survivors is sparse. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of certain psychiatric disorders co-occurring with PTSD in a treatment-seeking sample of women reporting a history of CSA. Since the sample included women meeting criteria for PTSD, the relationship between PTSD severity and other disorders also was examined.
Subject terms:
post traumatic stress disorder, psychiatry, survivors, women, child abuse, child sexual abuse, diagnosis, comorbidity;
Advances in Dual Diagnosis, 7(2), 2014, pp.90-104.
Publisher:
Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the current literature uncovering specific factors associated with self-harm and suicidality among this population.
Design/methodology/approach: Of an original 32 articles, 12 were chosen for in-depth empirical review due to relevance to the topics at hand, quality of research, and significance of findings. Out of 12, six articles examined the barriers of mental health utilisation among this population.
Findings: The literature review revealed that the limited research only aims to understand the intersection of suicidality, mental health, and substance abuse among this population. The paper also found that there are few existing interventions specifically tailored to this population.
Research limitations/implications: Six articles examined substance use and mental health/suicidality. Among these articles, only three examined the relationship between substance use and mental health, while the other three studied suicidality/mental health alone. This shows a gap in existing literature investigating the comorbid relationship between mental health issues and substance use issues among Asian-American women. Given the extensive research on the correlation between substance use and suicidality, or substance use and mental illness among other ethnic/racial groups, it is imperative to address this comorbid relationship among Asian Pacific Islander women as well.
Practical implications: It is imperative for professionals in the fields of public health, mental health, medicine, and substance abuse to proactively combat the “model minority” myth and to design and implement interventions targeting family dynamics, coping with immigration/acculturative stresses, mental illnesses, suicidal behaviours, and substance abuse among Asian-American populations across the developmental lifespan.
Social implications: The pernicious effects of the “model minority” myth must be recognised as a public health problem, as it contributes to the under-diagnosis and under-treatment of Asian-Americans in general, and young Asian-American women in particular, as they are often suffering mental illnesses and comorbid substance abuse problems alone. Future studies should include large-scale sampling of various Asian ethnic subgroups, in order to investigate potential differences in suicidal behaviours and comorbid substance abuse among Asian subpopulations.
Originality/value: The paper has provided specific suggestions for interventions to adequately respond to the mental health needs of young Asian-American women. These include addressing the cultural stigma and shame of seeking help, underlying family origin issues, and excessive alcohol and drug use as unsafe coping, as well as incorporating empowerment-based and mind-body components to foster an intervention targeting suicidality among Asian-American women in early adulthood.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the current literature uncovering specific factors associated with self-harm and suicidality among this population.
Design/methodology/approach: Of an original 32 articles, 12 were chosen for in-depth empirical review due to relevance to the topics at hand, quality of research, and significance of findings. Out of 12, six articles examined the barriers of mental health utilisation among this population.
Findings: The literature review revealed that the limited research only aims to understand the intersection of suicidality, mental health, and substance abuse among this population. The paper also found that there are few existing interventions specifically tailored to this population.
Research limitations/implications: Six articles examined substance use and mental health/suicidality. Among these articles, only three examined the relationship between substance use and mental health, while the other three studied suicidality/mental health alone. This shows a gap in existing literature investigating the comorbid relationship between mental health issues and substance use issues among Asian-American women. Given the extensive research on the correlation between substance use and suicidality, or substance use and mental illness among other ethnic/racial groups, it is imperative to address this comorbid relationship among Asian Pacific Islander women as well.
Practical implications: It is imperative for professionals in the fields of public health, mental health, medicine, and substance abuse to proactively combat the “model minority” myth and to design and implement interventions targeting family dynamics, coping with immigration/acculturative stresses, mental illnesses, suicidal behaviours, and substance abuse among Asian-American populations across the developmental lifespan.
Social implications: The pernicious effects of the “model minority” myth must be recognised as a public health problem, as it contributes to the under-diagnosis and under-treatment of Asian-Americans in general, and young Asian-American women in particular, as they are often suffering mental illnesses and comorbid substance abuse problems alone. Future studies should include large-scale sampling of various Asian ethnic subgroups, in order to investigate potential differences in suicidal behaviours and comorbid substance abuse among Asian subpopulations.
Originality/value: The paper has provided specific suggestions for interventions to adequately respond to the mental health needs of young Asian-American women. These include addressing the cultural stigma and shame of seeking help, underlying family origin issues, and excessive alcohol and drug use as unsafe coping, as well as incorporating empowerment-based and mind-body components to foster an intervention targeting suicidality among Asian-American women in early adulthood.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
substance misuse, suicide, black and minority ethnic people, intervention, dual diagnosis, risk, alcohol misuse, women, young people, treatment, literature reviews, mental health problems, mental health, comorbidity;