Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 10 of 13
Prevalence, presentation and prognosis of delirium in older people in the population, at home and in long term care: a review
- Authors:
- DE LANGE E., VERHAAK P.F.M., VAN DER MEER K.
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 28(2), 2013, pp.127-134.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Although delirium is relatively common in hospitals, especially in intensive, post-operative and palliative care, its prevalence in the general population is only about 1-2%. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview, with the GP in mind, of prevalence, symptoms, risk factors and prognosis of delirium in primary care and institutionalised long-term care. The evidence confirms that the prevalence of delirium among the elderly aged 65+ years is 1–2%. It rises with age, reaching about 10% among a “general” population aged 85+ years. In populations with higher proportions of demented elders prevalence can be 22%. In long-term care, it ranges between 1.4% and 70%, depending on diagnostic criteria and on the prevalence of dementia. Age and cognitive decline are significant risk factors for delirium in all groups. In terms of prognosis, most studies agree that older people who previously experienced delirium have a higher risk of dementia and a higher mortality rate. Population and long-term care studies confirm this tendency. The authors conclude that although delirium in a non-selected population aged over 65 years is uncommon, prevalence rises quickly in selected older groups. They emphasise the need for primary care doctors to be aware of a relatively high risk of delirium among the elderly in long-term care, those over 85 years and those with dementia.
Mental Capacity Act 2005, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Assessments (England): annual report, 2012/13
- Author:
- HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE INFORMATION CENTRE
- Publisher:
- Health and Social Care Information Centre
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 30
- Place of publication:
- Leeds
This fourth annual report provides information on the use of the Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (MCA DoLS) legislation in England from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013. The report also refers to recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) DoLS monitoring. Key findings highlight a year-on-year increase in applications for deprivation of liberty under (DoLS); over half of DoLS applications during 2012/13 were granted; the majority of applications were completed on behalf of people with mental heath conditions (71%), with dementia accounting for more than half of all applications made (53%). (Edited publisher abstract)
Clinically significant effects of group cognitive behavioral therapy on spouse caregivers' mental health and cognitive functioning: a pilot study
- Authors:
- MACKENZIE Corey S., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 56(8), 2013, pp.675-692.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
The objective of this pilot study was to investigate whether group cognitive behavioural therapy resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in mood, burden, and cognition of carergivers of older adults with dementia. Ninety seven caregivers in Toronto, Canada, of whom 25 with DSM-IV disorders began the 13-week cognitive behavioural therapy intervention, and 12 completed therapy and the 3-month follow-up. Each caregiver experienced clinically significant improvement on at least 2 of the following outcomes: diagnostic criteria, mood, attention, memory, and caregiver burden. Despite effectiveness, the challenges of recruiting distressed caregivers for therapy suggest that cognitive behavioural therapy might be most useful as part of a stepped care model of treatment. (Edited publisher abstract)
Development of a framework for recovery in older people with mental disorder
- Authors:
- DALEY Stephanie, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 28(5), 2013, pp.522-529.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study evaluates whether a conceptual framework of recovery developed for working age adults holds value for users of older people's mental health services, including those with dementia. Thirty-eight qualitative interviews were undertaken with service users and carers from an older people's mental health service in South London and were analysed using grounded theory methods. Components of recovery, which appear to be meaningful to older people with mental disorder include the following: (i) the impact of illness, (ii) the significance of personal responsibility, and (iii) specific coping strategies. Unlike their younger peers, older people did not aspire to a new and revised sense of identity, nor did they seek peer support from others with lived experience of mental illness. Three components of recovery were identified as being distinct to older people: the significance of an established and enduring sense of identity; coping strategies, which provide continuity and reinforce identity; and the associated impact of physical illness. Finally, two additional components of recovery were identified for people with dementia: (i) the changing experience over time and (ii) support from others. Mental health policy is increasingly framed in terms of ‘recovery’. This paper provides empirical evidence of how it applies to users of older people's mental health services. Practice implications include the need to focus on the maintenance of identity, and embed the values of empowerment, agency and self-management within service delivery. (Edited publisher abstract)
A pilot study of yogic meditation for family dementia caregivers with depressive symptoms: effects on mental health, cognition, and telomerase activity
- Authors:
- LAVRETSKY H., et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 28(1), 2013, pp.57-65.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study examined the effects of brief daily yogic meditation, Kirtan Kriya, on mental health, cognitive functioning, and immune cell telomerase activity in family dementia caregivers with mild depressive symptoms. Participants performed Kirtan Kriya or passively relaxed to music for 12 minutes each day for eight weeks. Of 49 recruited subjects, 45 were randomised and 39 completed the intervention: 23 subjects in the meditation group and 16 subjects in the relaxation group. The severity of depressive symptoms, mental and cognitive functioning were assessed at baseline and follow-up. Telomerase activity was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBC). The meditation group showed significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms and greater improvement in mental health and cognitive functioning compared with the relaxation group. In the meditation group, 65.2% showed 50% improvement on the Hamilton Depression Rating scale and 52% of the participants showed 50% improvement on the Mental Health Composite Summary score of the Short Form-36 scale compared with 31.2% and 19%, respectively, in the relaxation group. The meditation group showed 43% improvement in telomerase activity compared with 3.7% in the relaxation group. Brief daily meditation by family dementia caregivers may improve mental and cognitive functioning and lower depressive symptoms. This improvement is accompanied by an increase in telomerase activity suggesting improvement in stress-induced cellular aging.
Burden associated with the presence of anosognosia in Alzheimer's disease
- Authors:
- TURRÓ-GARRIGA Oriol, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 28(3), 2013, pp.291-297.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Anosognosia, a lack of deficit awareness, can appear in patients in the early stages of dementia, significantly disrupting their environment and increasing care giver burden. The object of this cross-sectional study was to determine the relationship between anosognosia and caregiver burden, both overall and in relation to specific dimensions of their burden. Anosognosia was evaluated using the Experimenter Rating Scale, and caregiver burden evaluated using the Burden Interview (BI). Using the BI's comprehensive scoring and each of its five factors as dependent variables, six linear regression models were adjusted to determine the effect of anosognosia on caregiver burden. The sample consisted of 124 Spanish patients and 124 caregivers. The mean patient age was 78.9 years; the mean caregiver age was 59.7 years; 66.6% of the caregivers were women. The prevalence of anosognosia was 24.2%. The degree of caregiver burden was associated with the degree of anosognosia, which explained 14.7% of the variance. For the BI factors, the Experimenter Rating Scale was associated with physical and social burden, relationship of dependence and emotional stress. It is concluded that the presence of anosognosia in patients with AD is an independent factor that increases caregiver burden by increasing physical wear, social isolation, dependence and tension related to patient care.
Suicidal ideation and resilience in family carers of people with dementia: a pilot qualitative study
- Authors:
- O'DWYER Siobhan, MOYLE Wendy, van WYK Sierra
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 17(6), 2013, pp.753-760.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Family carers of people with dementia have higher than average rates of depression, anxiety and hopelessness. This pilot study conducts an initial exploration of carers’ experiences of suicidality and identifies factors associated with risk and resilience. A descriptive qualitative approach was taken. In-depth interviews were conducted with nine carers of people with dementia (four male, five female) from Brisbane, Australia and surrounding areas and transcripts were analysed thematically. Three themes were identified in the data: ‘experiences of suicidal ideation’, ‘risk factors’ and ‘resilience’. Four of the nine participants had experienced suicidal thoughts and two had made preparations for a suicidal act. Risk factors included pre-existing mental health problems, physical health conditions, and conflict with other family or care staff. Factors positively associated with resilience included the use of positive coping strategies, faith, social support and personal characteristics. Some people contemplate suicide while caring for a family member with dementia. Further research is required to confirm the rate of suicidal ideation in the caring population and the relative contribution of factors associated with risk and resilience. In the meantime, service providers and health professionals should be taking steps to identify and support carers currently experiencing suicidal thoughts. (Edited publisher abstract)
Supporting staff working with people who challenge services: guidance for employers
- Authors:
- SKILLS FOR CARE, NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FORUM FOR INCLUSION
- Publisher:
- Skills for Care
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 52
- Place of publication:
- Leeds
This strategic guidance which has been developed in partnership with people, families, employers and commissioners to help with decision making around workforce development in the context of people who may challenge; is aimed at adult social care employers and commissioners working specifically with adults with a range of support and care needs such as older people with conditions across the dementia spectrum, people with mental health and personality conditions, and those with learning disabilities who have particularly complex needs and/or are labelled as challenging services. The guide will help employers with developing competency and expertise in providing support to people who challenge, across different groups. Following an Introduction outlining its purpose, the guide is arranged as follows: organisational actions; building workforce skills and knowledge; using learning tools and resources and identifying the best training solutions; specialist approaches: additional considerations for working with different people (learning disability, autism, mental health, older people, and multiple conditions); and useful contacts. (Edited publisher abstract)
Insomnia and mental health disorders
- Authors:
- PULLEN Lisa, MAYES Wendy, HORTON Krista
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Today, May/June 2013, pp.24-26.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
This article discusses the links between insomnia and specific types of mental illness. After describing the difference between primary and secondary insomnia, the article focuses on depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, dementia, and substance induced sleep disorder. (Original abstract)
The presence of behavioural and psychological symptoms and progression to dementia in the cognitively impaired older population
- Authors:
- van der LINDE Rianne M., et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 28(7), 2013, pp.700-709.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study explores the predictive effect of the presence of behavioural and psychological symptoms (BPS) on the 2-year progression to dementia in a cognitively impaired population without dementia at baseline. Twelve symptoms were measured in 2024 participants from five areas of England and Wales. These included depression, apathy, anxiety, feelings of persecution, hallucination, agitated behaviour, irritability and wandering.The risk of progression to dementia was predicted in those with cognitive impairment for each individual BPS and using a BPS composite score. Wandering and persecution were independently associated with progression to dementia after adjustment for socio-demographic factors, cognitive domains and other BPS. When stratifying by cognitive function, those with low cognition (MMSE 0–18) and 4 or more BPS were more likely to progress to dementia than those without BPS. The predictive effect of BPS in dementia progression has implications for risk stratification of those at high risk of progression to dementia, along with memory impairment, other cognitive impairment and health variables. (Edited publisher abstract)