Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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Mental and physical illness in caregivers: results from an English national survey sample
- Authors:
- SMITH Lindsay, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 205(3), 2014, pp.197-203.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Aims: This study investigates the relationship between weekly time spent caregiving and psychiatric and physical morbidity in a representative sample of the population of England. Method: Primary outcome measures were obtained from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007. Self-report measures of mental and physical health were used, along with total symptom scores for common mental disorder derived from the Clinical Interview Schedule - Revised. Results: In total, 25% (n = 1883) of the sample identified themselves as caregivers. They had poorer mental health and higher psychiatric symptom scores than non-caregivers. There was an observable decline in mental health above 10 h per week. A twofold increase in psychiatric symptom scores in the clinical range was recorded in those providing care for more than 20 h per week. In adjusted analyses, there was no excess of physical disorders in caregivers. Conclusions: Strong evidence was found that caregiving affects the mental health of caregivers. Distress frequently reaches clinical thresholds, particularly in those providing most care. Strategies for maintaining the mental health of caregivers are needed, particularly as demographic changes are set to increase involvement in caregiving roles. (Edited publisher abstract)
A family approach to delirium: a review of the literature
- Author:
- HALLOWAY Shannon
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 18(2), 2014, pp.129-139.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This literature review had the following objectives: (1) evaluate the current state of research into delirium management (prevention, identification, or treatment of delirium) with family approaches or involvement, (2) identify gaps and areas that require investigation, and (3) determine a future course of research. A comprehensive search of original research was conducted in six major databases using seven keywords in 2012. The literature search yielded a total of 2160 articles. Criteria for eligibility were met by a total of 11 articles. The articles were evaluated in regards to purpose, sample, research design, level of evidence, variables, and results. The literature review revealed that this topic is emergent and requires substantial additional research. The aspects of delirium care that researchers investigated were diverse and included bedside interventions (n = 3), screening strategies (n = 4), family education (n = 2), and care that employed multiple components (n = 2). Delirium outcomes improved significantly in two high-quality studies: one multi-component intervention and one bedside intervention program. Other noteworthy findings of lower quality studies warrant further examination. The review of the articles did not determine if the involvement of families in delirium management improves patient outcomes; however, the review revealed potential for program development and future courses of research.
The physical functioning and mental health of informal carers: evidence of care-giving impacts from an Australian population-based cohort
- Authors:
- KENNY Patricia, KING Madeleine T., HALL Jane
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 22(6), 2014, pp.646-659.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Informal carers represent a substantial proportion of the population in many countries and health is an important factor in their capacity to continue care-giving. This study investigated the impact of care-giving on the mental and physical health of informal carers, taking account of contextual factors, including family and work. The authors examined health changes from before care-giving commenced to 2 and 4 years after, using longitudinal data from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey. The sample comprised 424 carers and 424 propensity score-matched non-carers. Health was self-assessed, measured with the SF-36 Health Survey Mental Health (MH) and Physical Functioning (PF) scales. Care-giving was classified as non-carer, low (<5 hours/week), moderate (5–19 hours/week) and high (20 or more hours/week). PF and MH change scores were regressed on baseline scores, care-giving, covariates (including work, family and socio-demographic characteristics) and interactions to identify impacts for subgroups. The physical and mental health impacts differed by gender, and care-giving hours and carer work hours were important contextual factors. Deterioration in both PF and MH was worse for females after 2 years and deterioration in MH was worse for males after 4 years. Among carers aged 40–64 years, there was a 17-point decline in PF (P = 0.009) and a 14-point decline in MH (P < 0.0001) after 2 years for female high caregivers working full-time and 9.3 point improvement (P = 0.02) for non-working male high caregivers. Change was not significant for non-carers. The study found that not all carers suffer adverse health impacts; however, the combination of high levels of care-giving with workforce participation can increase the risk of negative physical and mental health effects (particularly in female carers). Working carers providing high levels of care represent a vulnerable subgroup where supportive and preventive services might be focused. (Publisher abstract)
Kinship care for children of a parent with a mental illness
- Authors:
- RUDDER Danielle, RIEBSCHLEGER Joanne, ANDERSON Gary R.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Family Social Work, 17(2), 2014, pp.102-118.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Little is known about “hidden” kinship caregivers of children of a parent with a mental illness (COPMI). An exploratory study surveyed 56 COPMI caregiver members of a kinship centre administered by a school of social work in a large public university. The COPMI sample was a subset of a larger kinship caregiver study. Nearly one in four caregivers was providing COPMI kinship care. The COPMI caregivers reported numerous child behavioural crises and decreased caregiver physical and emotional health since they began providing care. Practice, policy, and research require development to increase support for COPMI caregivers and their families. (Edited publisher abstract)
The burden of living with and caring for a suicidal family member
- Author:
- McLAUGHLIN Columba
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 23(5), 2014, pp.236-240.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Aim: This study explores the lived experiences of participants who cared for suicidal family members. Methods: Eighteen participants were interviewed using a short topic guide. Responses were digitally recorded and transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: One overarching theme: “Hard work for the whole family” and four sub-themes: (i) Family burden, (ii) competing pressures, (iii) secrecy and shame and (iv) helplessness and guilt. Conclusions: Caring for a suicidal family member may be euphemistically summarised as “hard work” that impacts heavily on the day-to-day tasks of other family members. Participants spent much time worrying and ruminating about the risk of suicide in their family member. Mental health care professionals ought to acknowledge and address the impact that suicidal behaviour has on family carers. (Edited publisher abstract)
The use of the Burden Assessment Scale with families of a pediatric population
- Authors:
- MURDOCH Douglas D., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Community Mental Health Journal, 50(6), 2014, pp.703-710.
- Publisher:
- Springer
The emotional, financial and social impact on caregivers of those with paediatric psychiatric, emotional and behavioural disorders has been poorly documented. This study investigates the utility of the Burden Assessment Scale (BAS) with this population. 300 parents seeking services within a major Canadian city were interviewed using the BAS and a follow up questionnaire on the clarity, comprehensiveness and acceptability of the BAS. The BAS was clear, acceptable and comprehensive for over 80 per cent of participants. Factor analysis revealed four factors compared to the original five factors found with adults. The BAS had a utility with this population and would be a valuable addition to standard information gathered but use of the total score only is recommended. (Edited publisher abstract)
Voices of care for adults with disabilities and/or mental health issues in Western Canada: what do families and agencies need from each other?
- Authors:
- MOONEY Laura R., LASHEWICZ Bonnie
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 22(2), 2014, pp.178-186.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
To investigate the frustrations and unmet needs of paid, formal caregivers and unpaid, family caregivers who together provide care to adults with disabilities and/or mental health issues eight focus groups were conducted in two large, urban centres and one smaller centre in Western Canada. Four focus groups were with family members including adults with disabilities and/or mental health issues, their parents and their siblings, and four were with representatives from agencies providing support and services to adults with disabilities and/or mental health issues and their families. Data were collected from 23 family members and 24 agency representatives who responded to questions about successes and struggles in meeting, and collaborating to meet, care needs of adults with disabilities and/or mental health issues. Each focus group session was digitally recorded and transcribed; field notes were also taken and we thematically analysed data according to family versus agency perspectives of their successes and barriers in care provision and care collaboration. The results found family members desire greater and more effective support in enriching the lives of adults with disabilities and/or mental health issues and in preparing for age-related changes. Agency representatives are keenly aware of the needs and challenges faced by families, yet grapple with being effective collaborators with families of widely varying priorities and styles of care and collaboration. (Edited publisher abstract)
Substance misuse, mental health problems and recurrent child maltreatment
- Authors:
- LASLETT Anne-Marie L., ROOM Robin, DIETZE Paul
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Dual Diagnosis, 7(1), 2014, pp.15-23.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the diagnosis of both carers’ mental health problems and substance misuse increase the likelihood of recurrent child maltreatment over and above the individual effects of these factors. Design/methodology/approach: Retrospective secondary data analysis of 29,455 children where child maltreatment was confirmed in the Victorian child protection system between 2001 and 2005. Recorded mental health, alcohol misuse and other drug misuse variables were entered into multivariate logistic regression models predicting repeated child maltreatment. Interactions and a range of other child, carer and socio-economic factors were included in these models. Findings – Carer alcohol misuse, other drug misuse and mental ill health all independently predicted recurrent child maltreatment. The presence of both other drug misuse and mental ill health increased the likelihood that recurrent child abuse was recorded over the likelihood that mental health alone predicted recurrent child maltreatment, and while alcohol misuse had an effect when there was no mental health condition recorded it did not have an additional effect when there was evidence of mental health problems. Research limitations/implications: Children in families where there is both mental health problems and other drug use problems are at greater risk of repeated maltreatment than where there is evidence of mental health problems or other drug use alone. Where there was evidence of carer mental health problems, alcohol misuse did not add to this likelihood. However, the effect of mental health and other drug use was similar in size to the effect of alcohol misuse alone. Originality/value: These findings add to understandings of the effects of co-occurring mental health problems and substance misuse on recurrent child maltreatment and differentiate between cases that involve alcohol and other drug misuse. (Publisher abstract)
Influence of caregiver substance dependence and serious mental illness on children’s mental health: moderating effects of social support
- Authors:
- MILLER Keva M., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 31(5), 2014, pp.435-454.
- Publisher:
- Springer
This study examined the relationships between caregiver alcohol dependence, drug dependence, and serious mental illness and internalising and externalising behaviours and whether these risks were moderated by social support. The study included 3,225 children ages 2–17 and their current caregivers, who participated in the second cohort of the National Survey on Child and Adolescent Well-Being. Regression analysis indicated that caregiver alcohol dependence, serious mental illness, and social support were significantly associated with internalising behaviours and caregiver serious mental illness and social support were significantly associated with externalising behaviours. Results indicated that social support moderated the associations between caregiver alcohol dependence and internalising and caregiver drug dependence and externalising behaviours. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. (Edited publisher abstract)
Research to support the Duty to Review the Implementation of the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010: qualitative evidence on the views of service users, carers and practitioners: scoping study report
- Author:
- OPINION RESEARCH SERVICES
- Publisher:
- Welsh Government Social Research
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 60
- Place of publication:
- Cardiff
Research reporting on the qualitative findings from two early focus groups and 25 scoping interviews with mental health professionals to support the Duty to Review the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010. Aims of the Measure include the provision of mental health services at an earlier stage and the extension of mental health advocacy provision. Key messages from the interviews are summarised for primary care services and pathways to primary care and secondary care. The findings also report on the service users, carers and practitioners experiences of the new Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) services introduced under the Measure. The interviews highlight both examples of good practice and issues of concern. Whilst mental health practitioners supported the principles and aims of the Measure, many were concerned with the scale of change required; the increasing expectations of service users; and the cultural shift in approach and practice which the Measure demands. (Edited publisher abstract)