Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 10 of 85
Supporting frail older people with depression and anxiety: a qualitative study
- Authors:
- FROST Rachael, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 24(12), 2020, pp.1977-1984.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: Depression and anxiety are common in later life, particularly when people are frail. This leads to reduced quality of life, faster decline in physical health and increased health/social care use. Available treatments are commonly not tailored to people with frailty. We explored frail older peoples’ experiences of depression and/or anxiety and how services could be adapted to their needs. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 28 older people in the UK purposively sampled for practice location and severity of frailty and anxiety/depression. We asked about symptoms, interactions with physical health, help-seeking, treatments and what might help in future. We audio-recorded and transcribed interviews, using thematic analysis to inductively derive themes. Results: Frail older people had low expectations of their wellbeing at this point in life due to multiple physical health issues and so anxiety and mild depressive symptoms were normalised. There was a particular reluctance and uncertainty regarding help-seeking for anxiety. Treatments were considered appropriate where they aligned with coping skills developed over their lifetime, and facilitated independence and problem-solving skills. Most older people felt their knowledge of mental health was limited and relied upon information about and endorsement of therapies from an expert. This was usually their GP, but access was often problematic. Online methods of accessing information and therapies were not popular. (Edited publisher abstract)
Smoke-free legislation and mental health units: the challenges ahead
- Author:
- JOCHELSON Karen
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 189(6), December 2006, pp.479-480.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Under the proposed English Health Act regulations most mental health units will have to be smoke-free, although patients will be able to smoke outside. Implementing the regulations will be challenging but may also be an opportunity for a more holistic approach focusing on the physical and psychological health of patients.
Mental health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in two longitudinal UK population cohorts
- Authors:
- KWONG Alex S. F., et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 218(6), 2021, pp.334-343.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and mitigation measures are likely to have a marked effect on mental health. It is important to use longitudinal data to improve inferences. Aims: To quantify the prevalence of depression, anxiety and mental well-being before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, to identify groups at risk of depression and/or anxiety during the pandemic. Method: Data were from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) index generation (n = 2850, mean age 28 years) and parent generation (n = 3720, mean age 59 years), and Generation Scotland (n = 4233, mean age 59 years). Depression was measured with the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire in ALSPAC and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 in Generation Scotland. Anxiety and mental well-being were measured with the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 and the Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Results: Depression during the pandemic was similar to pre-pandemic levels in the ALSPAC index generation, but those experiencing anxiety had almost doubled, at 24% (95% CI 23–26%) compared with a pre-pandemic level of 13% (95% CI 12–14%). In both studies, anxiety and depression during the pandemic was greater in younger members, women, those with pre-existing mental/physical health conditions and individuals in socioeconomic adversity, even when controlling for pre-pandemic anxiety and depression. Conclusions: These results provide evidence for increased anxiety in young people that is coincident with the pandemic. Specific groups are at elevated risk of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is important for planning current mental health provisions and for long-term impact beyond this pandemic. (Edited publisher abstract)
Mental health in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic: cross-sectional analyses from a community cohort study
- Authors:
- JIA Ru, et al
- Journal article citation:
- BMJ Open, 10(9), 2020, p.e040620. Online only
- Publisher:
- BMJ Publishing Group
Objectives Previous pandemics have resulted in significant consequences for mental health. Here, we report the mental health sequelae of the COVID-19 pandemic in a UK cohort and examine modifiable and non-modifiable explanatory factors associated with mental health outcomes. We focus on the first wave of data collection, which examined short-term consequences for mental health, as reported during the first 4–6 weeks of social distancing measures being introduced. Design Cross-sectional online survey. Setting Community cohort study. Participants N=3097 adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through a mainstream and social media campaign between 3 April 2020 and 30 April 2020. The cohort was predominantly female (n=2618); mean age 44 years; 10% (n=296) from minority ethnic groups; 50% (n=1559) described themselves as key workers and 20% (n=649) identified as having clinical risk factors putting them at increased risk of COVID-19. Main outcome measures Depression, anxiety and stress scores. Results Mean scores for depression (Embedded Image =7.69, SD=6.0), stress (Embedded Image =6.48, SD=3.3) and anxiety (Embedded Image = 6.48, SD=3.3) significantly exceeded population norms (all p<0.0001). Analysis of non-modifiable factors hypothesised to be associated with mental health outcomes indicated that being younger, female and in a recognised COVID-19 risk group were associated with increased stress, anxiety and depression, with the final multivariable models accounting for 7%–14% of variance. When adding modifiable factors, significant independent effects emerged for positive mood, perceived loneliness and worry about getting COVID-19 for all outcomes, with the final multivariable models accounting for 54%–57% of total variance. Conclusions Increased psychological morbidity was evident in this UK sample and found to be more common in younger people, women and in individuals who identified as being in recognised COVID-19 risk groups. Public health and mental health interventions able to ameliorate perceptions of risk of COVID-19, worry about COVID-19 loneliness and boost positive mood may be effective. (Edited publisher abstract)
Policy initiative to improve access to psychological services for people with affective and anxiety disorders: population-level analysis
- Authors:
- HARRIS Meredith G., et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 198(2), February 2011, pp.99-108.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
A new publicly funded psychological service for people with affective and anxiety disorders, the Better Access programme, was introduced in Australia in 2006. In the context of suggestions that the programme is selectively treating socio-economically advantaged people, this paper explores whether Better Access is contributing to mental health care disparities. The research used epidemiological data from the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, which collected detailed information on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics as well as service use for mental health problems. The analysis found that Better Access did not appear to be overservicing individuals without potential need or contributing to social inequalities in mental health care, and appeared to be reaching people who had not previously received psychological care. The authors suggest that detection and/or referral to Better Access psychological services could be improved for people who have anxiety disorders that are not comorbid with affective disorders, and that a substantial number of people with affective or anxiety disorders who could potentially benefit from Better Access services did not use these or any other services.
Physical activity and common mental disorders
- Authors:
- HARVEY Samuel B., et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 197(5), November 2010, pp.357-364.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Levels of physical activity have decreased in high income countries. This is known to reduce physical health, but may also negatively affect mental health. This study investigated the relationship between physical activity and common mental disorders. It also established the importance of context, type and intensity of activity undertaken. In a clinical examination of 40,401 Norwegian residents, participants answered questions relating to the frequency and intensity of both leisure-time and workplace activity. Depression and anxiety were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results revealed an inverse relationship between the amount of leisure-time physical activity and case-level symptoms of depression. This association was only present with leisure-time activity and was not dependent on the intensity of activities undertaken. Higher levels of social engagement were important in explaining the relationship between leisure activity and depression. The authors concluded that individuals who regularly engage in physical activity are less likely to exhibit symptoms of depression.
Common mental health problems at work: what we now know about successful interventions: a progress review
- Author:
- SEYMOUR Linda
- Publisher:
- Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health
- Publication year:
- 2010
- Pagination:
- 19p., bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- London
This report examines recent international research evidence on how to help people with depression and anxiety to stay in work or to return after a period of ill health. In 2005 the British Occupational Health Research Foundation published a systematic evidence review of published evidence for effective interventions that help people with depression and anxiety to remain in or return to work. This paper presents the results of an update of that review, examining papers in English from the international literature published between 2004 and the end of 2008. The paper reviews the findings of the updated evidence against the backdrop of recent developments in policy and practice, as well as an increasing understanding and concern about the human and economic costs associated with mental health problems and work. A number of key messages for research, policy and practice are presented. In particular, the evidence confirms that people with common mental health problems do not have to be completely well to return to work, and that, for many, going back to work actually helps their recovery.
Mental health implications of detaining asylum seekers: systematic review
- Authors:
- ROBJANT Katy, HASSAN Rita, KATONA Cornelius
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 194(4), April 2009, pp.306-312.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
The number of asylum seekers, refugees and internally displaced people worldwide is rising. Western countries are using increasingly restrictive policies, including the detention of asylum seekers, and there is concern that this is harmful. In order to investigate mental health outcomes among adult, child and adolescent immigration detainees a systematic review was conducted through a systematic search of databases and a supplementary manual search of references. Ten studies were identified. All reported high levels of mental health problems in detainees. Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder were commonly reported, as were self-harm and suicidal ideation. Time in detention was positively associated with severity of distress. There is evidence for an initial improvement in mental health occurring subsequent to release, although longitudinal results have shown that the negative impact of detention persists. This area of research is in its infancy and studies are limited by methodological constraints. Findings consistently report high levels of mental health problems among detainees. There is some evidence to suggest an independent adverse effect of detention on mental health.
Investigating the prevalence of anxiety and depression during the first COVID‐19 lockdown in the United Kingdom: systematic review and meta‐analyses
- Authors:
- DETTMANN Luca Marie, ADAMS Sally, TAYLOR Gemma
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Clinical Psychology, early cite February 2022,
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health. Specifically, the stringent lockdown restrictions have heightened anxiety and depression. Therefore, monitoring and supporting the mental health of the population during these unprecedented times is an immediate priority. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analyses, articles that explored the prevalence of anxiety and depression during the first COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom were included. We searched the databases Embase, Medline (PubMed), Web of Science, and PsycINFO for cross-sectional studies. We conducted meta-analyses of prevalence rates using a random-effects model, and the heterogeneity of studies was examined using the I2 index. Results: Fourteen studies involving 46,158 participants were included in the review. The studies use clinical cut-off scores on anxiety and depression measures to define cases. While the prevalence of anxiety was 31.00% (95% CI = 26.00 to 35.00), the prevalence of depression was 32.00% (95% CI = 29.00 to 35.00). The prevalence of anxiety pre-pandemic was 4.65%, indicating a 26.35% increase. Whereas the prevalence of depression pre-pandemic was 4.12%, indicating a 27.88% increase. Moreover, participants experienced a slightly greater prevalence of depression than anxiety by 1.00%. Conclusions: To conclude, the first COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom increased the prevalence of anxiety and depression among the general population, compared to pre-pandemic data. Hence, it is vital that policymakers and mental health services maximize their efforts to monitor mental health and provide interventions to support those in need. (Edited publisher abstract)
Life in lockdown: child and adolescent mental health and well-being in the time of COVID-19
- Authors:
- SHARMA Manasi, et al
- Publisher:
- UNICEF. Innocenti Research Centre
- Publication year:
- 2021
- Pagination:
- 118
- Place of publication:
- Florence
COVID-19 lockdowns have significantly disrupted the daily lives of children and adolescents, with increased time at home, online learning and limited physical social interaction. This report seeks to understand the immediate effects on their mental health. Covering more than 130,000 children and adolescents across 22 countries, the evidence shows that higher levels of depression, fear, anxiety, anger, irritability, negativity, conduct disorder, alcohol and substance use and sedentary behaviours compared with pre-pandemic rates were commonly reported in children and adolescents in 2020, but there were also positive perceptions of time spent with family. Children and adolescents reported positive coping strategies, resilience, social connectedness through digital media, more family time, and relief from academic stress. Factors such as demographics, relationships and pre-existing conditions are critical. To ensure children and adolescents are supported, the report recommends building the evidence on the longer-term impact of the pandemic on child and adolescent mental health in low- and middle-income countries, including vulnerable populations. Several primary recommendations emerge from the report that have strong implications for policy and programming, including: begin early to build mental health assets of children and adolescents; foster family-friendly policies; Invest in age- and gender-sensitive child and adolescent mental health care interventions and services; promote physical activity and good nutrition for young people; make schools a safe space for positive mental health; focus on at-risk young populations; address stigma and discrimination in mental health, including new and emerging forms; support digital technologies as a force for change. (Edited publisher abstract)