Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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Combined effects of physical illness and comorbid psychiatric disorder on risk of suicide in a national population study
- Authors:
- QIN Ping, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 204(6), 2014, pp.430-435.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Background: People with physical illness often have psychiatric disorder and this comorbidity may have a specific influence on their risk of suicide. Aims: To examine how physical illness and psychiatric comorbidity interact to influence risk of suicide, with particular focus on relative timing of onset of the two types of illness. Method: Based on the national population of Denmark, individual-level data were retrieved from five national registers on 27 262 suicide cases and 468 007 gender- and birth-date matched living controls. Data were analysed using conditional logistic regression. Results: Both suicides and controls with physical illness more often had comorbid psychiatric disorder than their physically healthy counterparts. Although both physical and psychiatric illnesses constituted significant risk factors for suicide, their relative timing of onset in individuals with comorbidity significantly differentiated the associated risk of suicide. While suicide risk was highly elevated when onsets of both physical and psychiatric illness occurred close in time to each other, regardless which came first, psychiatric comorbidity developed some time after onset of physical illness exacerbated the risk of suicide substantially. Conclusions: Suicide risk in physically ill people varies substantially by presence of psychiatric comorbidity, particularly the relative timing of onset of the two types of illness. Closer collaboration between general and mental health services should be an essential component of suicide prevention strategies. (Publisher abstract)
Youthful offending and delinquency: the comorbid impact of maltreatment, mental health problems, and learning disabilities
- Author:
- MALLETT Christopher A.
- Journal article citation:
- Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 31(4), 2014, pp.369-392.
- Publisher:
- Springer
This paper reviews the links from mental health disorders, learning (and academic-related) disabilities, and maltreatment victimizations to delinquent and serious youthful offending behaviours, and provides successful collaboration outcome examples to address this problem. The most difficult challenge to juvenile courts and youth-caring systems is working with adolescents and families with comorbid difficulties, for this group is most at risk for incarceration and involvement with the adult criminal justice system. (Edited publisher abstract)
Activating people to address their health care needs: learning from people with lived experience of chronic illness
- Authors:
- STANHOPE Victoria, HENWOOD Benjamin F.
- Journal article citation:
- Community Mental Health Journal, 50(6), 2014, pp.656-663.
- Publisher:
- Springer
One of the primary goals of health care reform is improving the quality and reducing the costs of care for people with co-morbid mental health and physical health conditions. One strategy is to integrate primary and behavioural health care through care coordination and patient activation. This qualitative study using community based participatory research methods informs the development of integrated care by presenting the perspectives of those with lived experience of chronic illnesses and homelessness. Themes presented include the internal and external barriers to addressing health needs and the key role of peer support in overcoming these barriers. (Edited publisher abstract)
An outcomes study of eTherapy for dual diagnosis using Breaking Free Online
- Authors:
- ELISON Sarah, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Dual Diagnosis, 7(2), 2014, pp.52-62.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: In recent years there has been a proliferation of computer-based psychotherapeutic interventions for common mental health difficulties. Building on this, a small number of such interventions have now been developed to address substance dependence, one of which is Breaking Free Online (BFO). A new “eTherapy” self-help service, which was set up by the UK mental health charity Self-Help Services, has provided access to BFO to service users presenting with comorbid mental health and substance misuse difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a range of clinical outcomes in the first cohort of service users accessing this dual diagnosis service. Design/methodology/approach: A number of standardised psychometric assessments were conducted with service users at baseline and post-treatment at discharge from the service. Outcome data were available for 47 service users out of an original cohort of 74. Findings:Statistically significant improvements were found in terms of measures of social functioning, depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug use and social anxiety. Clinically relevant gains were also identified, with fewer service users reaching threshold scores for depression and anxiety at post-treatment compared to baseline. Effect sizes also indicated that the identified improvements across the psychometric measures were robust and significant. Research limitations/implications: These findings provide further support for the clinical effectiveness of BFO, and also provide evidence that an eTherapy self-help service may be appropriate for some individuals presenting with dual diagnosis. Further research is underway with larger and alternative clinical populations to examine the effectiveness of BFO and also this novel eTherapy self-help approach. Originality/value:This paper has provided initial data to support effectiveness of a novel eTherapy service for dual diagnosis. (Publisher abstract)
Dual diagnosis resource needs in Spain: a national survey of professionals
- Authors:
- SZERMAN Nestor, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Dual Diagnosis, 10(2), 2014, pp.84-90.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Since provision of integrated services for patients with dual pathology or dual disorders (coexistence of an addictive disorder and another mental health disorder) is an important challenge in mental health, this study assessed health care professionals’ perceptions and knowledge of the current state of specific resources for patients with dual pathology in Spain. The authors conducted a national survey of health care professionals seeing patients with dual pathology in treatment facilities throughout Spain. Participants completed a specific online questionnaire about the needs of and available resources for patients with dual pathology. According to the professionals surveyed, specific health care resources for the management of dual pathology are currently insufficient, underlining the need for additional efforts and strategies for treating individuals with comorbid disorders. (Edited publisher abstract)
Linkages between HIV/AIDS, HIV/AIDS-psychoses and parenting: a systematic literature review
- Authors:
- SPIES R., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies, 9(2), 2014, pp.174-192.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
In 2010, 30% of South African women who were pregnant had HIV. In addition to possible loss of their mother in the future, children may also be affected by the secondary symptoms of AIDS. Psychotic symptoms are one such consequence that might disrupt the attachment relationship with children. This study was aimed to examine the published evidence on the linkages between HIV, psychosis and parenting. Databases were searched for studies on HIV/AIDS, psychosis and parenting; 51 relevant empirical studies were reliably identified and coded. No study simultaneously linked HIV/AIDS, psychosis and parenting. Twenty-three studies reported on the links between HIV infection and parenting, yielding various protective and risk factors, but not psychosis. Thirteen studies reported on the links between HIV and psychosis, with psychosis being a secondary outcome of later stages of AIDS, a side effect of medication or a comorbid disease because of common risk factors. Fourteen studies reported associations between psychosis and parenting. The impact of HIV infection of mothers on their parenting is beginning to be understood, but many underlying factors are still unknown. Psychosis appears to be a potent, but overlooked factor in supporting families affected by HIV/AIDS (Publisher abstract)
“Staying Well”: a psychoeducational group for people with an intellectual disability, co-morbid mental illness and offending behaviour
- Authors:
- DOUDS Fergus, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 5(1), 2014, pp.54-59.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: UK best practice guidelines for the treatment for people with schizophrenia recommend the use of psychoeducational approaches. The purpose of this paper is to describe the introduction of psychoeducational groups for people with an intellectual disability and co-morbid mental illness within forensic settings. Design/methodology/approach: “Staying Well”, a psychoeducational programme for people with an intellectual disability and co-morbid mental illness was based in part on a group programme from Ashworth Hospital, but adapted and developed to be suitable for people with intellectual disability. Input from a very experienced speech and language therapist was of great importance. Five groups with a total of 20 participants (15 different individuals) with mild to moderate intellectual disability and co-morbid mental illness were run over a two-year period. At the end of each group, an individualised “Staying Well Plan” was devised, to reduce the risk of future relapses. Findings: The group was very positively welcomed in the two pilot hospitals, by participants and members of the clinical teams. The key measure of the success of the programme is that the “Staying Well Plans” developed for the individuals are still in place two years after the completion of the first groups. Practical implications: The authors believe that this approach is of benefit to both the participants and their carers, stimulating positive engagement, open discussion about mental illness and reinforcing strategies for “Staying Well”. Originality/value: This paper shows how a psychoeducational approach to severe mental illness in individuals with an intellectual disability is both possible and well received. (Publisher abstract)
Recognising the importance of physical health in mental health and intellectual disability: achieving parity of outcomes
- Author:
- BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. Science and Education Department
- Publisher:
- British Medical Association
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 100
- Place of publication:
- London
This report outlines what needs to be done to support doctors and the medical profession in meeting the health needs of people with mental health problems and also those with intellectual disabilities and tackling health inequalities. It sets out a range of core actions to ensure that each patient receives ‘whole person’ care. The report defines mental health, intellectual disability and physical health and looks at current prevalence in the UK. It then examines the relationship between mental health, intellectual disabilities and physical health the mechanisms of co-morbidity ; the barriers people with learning disabilities and mental health problems experience when accessing health services and the importance of promoting parity of esteem between mental health, intellectual disability, and physical health. The conclusion sets out steps that need to be taken in the following key areas: promoting prevention and early intervention strategies; delivering ‘joined-up’ care; enhancing training and workforce planning; encouraging a greater research focus on mental-physical multi-morbidity. (Original abstract)
Intersection of suicidality and substance abuse among young Asian-American women: implications for developing interventions in young adulthood
- Authors:
- HAHM Hyeouk Chris, et al
- Journal article citation:
- 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)